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Unsafe New Brake Check Pullout in Prince George BC

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The Beaverly Community Association is concerned the new brake check established on Highway 16 near the Beaverly Fire and Rescue Hall is a danger to the community. While it is recognized the brake check is to improve safety in the decent down Peden Hill, the concern is with the current location of the new brake check.

The visability at the current location is poor, leaving little time for drivers to respond. There is a mix of vehicles traveling at highway speeds of 100 km/hour while trucks are stopping and starting. Dangers made worse this past winter as water dripping from trucks leaving the brake check turned into road ice. All combining into a recipe for accidents and fatalities that is much more dangerous than when there was no brake check.

Increasing the potential for accidents in close proximity to the Beaverly Fire and Rescue Hall makes no sense. Accidents along this stretch of highway interferes with the Beaverly Fire and Rescue responders access to emergency equipment. Such hindrance not only slows the response to the accident victims, but risks interfering with emergency responses to the entire Beaverly community.

The Ministry of Transportation has rejected requests look for safer alternative brake check locations further to the west. Even though a brake check futher to the west would continue to provide improved safety for Peden Hill and, as an added benefit, would improve safety on the Mud River Hill.

The community is still attempting to understand:

1. Who provided the Ministry of Transportation parameters of locating the brake check between the Mud River and Peden Hill?

2. Why the Ministry of Transportation is resistent to locating the brake check to the west of the Mud River Hill?

3. What are the specifications for evaluating whether a brake check location is suitable and safe? (I.e. what is the minimum site distance where highway speed limits are 100 km/hour?)

4. Has the brake check contributed to any of the accidents (at least 2 accidents that the community is aware of) that have occurred since the brake check became operational?

Since the establishment of the brake check, the community has observed and experienced a significant increase in dangerous situations along Highway 16. In apparent disregard to the experiences and observations of the community, the Ministry of Transportation continues to insist the brake check is safe. The community knows through daily experiences the potential for accidents along Highway 16 has increased, not decreased, as a result of the new brake check.

The Ministry of Transportations consistent dismissiveness of the increase in hazard of the brake check is very concerning. While the Ministry of Transportation experts are highly trained and skilled individuals, the community would appreciate if technical information were presented in support of such expert opinion - especially in light of safety issues residents experience on a daily basis due to the new brake check.

The Ministry of Transportation intention to continue developing the brake check once road bans are lifted is alarming. Even with the proposed changes to the brake check the potential for accidents is greater than before its establishment. Prior to any additional work being performed, the community wants the Ministry of Transportation to evaluate the suitability of locations further to the west. Let the brake check location be moved now rather than having the knowledge of an unnecessary fatality.

As we have reached this impasse with the Ministry of Transportation, the Beaverly Community Association and the Beaverly Fire and Rescue have requested the Ministry of Transportation to speak to these safety concerns at a meeting open to the community.

For additional information, please contact Tim Drewcock, Vice-President of the Beaverly Community Association.

Phone: 250-964-6481

Email: drewcock@telus.net

British Columbia Trade Event

Saint John, New Brunswick – New Brunswick based Master Promotions Ltd. is further expanding its BC portfolio of Trade Shows by acquiring a highly successful British Columbia Trade Event, Resources Expo, previously known as the Forestry and Resources Expo which is held in Prince George, British Columbia.

This event has been organized by the Resources Society and Central Interior Logging Association (CILA) for many years and this group will still be a driving force behind this event. Master Promotions Ltd., with its many years of experience with forestry, heavy equipment and construction shows plan to grow this event which will now be known as the Canada North Resources Expo, presented by the CILA. This revamped event will take place on May 31-June 1, 2013 at the CN Centre in Prince George.

Prince George is the hub for northern British Columbia, which is an ideal location for an event of this nature as it is connected to all points north via rail and inland port to Prince Rupert. The city has an airport, which has daily flights to Vancouver and other major centres making it readily accessible for attendees and exhibitors.

The timing could not be better for an event such as this in this location. 32 Billion Dollars in Capital projects are underway with another 40 billion earmarked for future consideration. Northern B.C. is bustling with activity in regards to forestry, mining, pipelines, energy products, transportation, oil & gas and so much more. This event will showcase the leaders and rising stars of all of those industries.
The Canada North Resources Expo will surely be a must attend event for industry workers, decision makers and buyers of these flourishing industries to see everything in one place at one time.

•    Forestry- harvesting, woodlots, community forests, silviculture, pulp and chips
•    Oil & Gas- drillers, exploration, pipeline, well servicing
•    Mining- exploration, construction
•    Independent Power Producers - run of the river, wind farms, solar
•    Bio-mass Industry - wood pellets, power co-generation, bio-fuels
•    Resource Industry Professionals - engineers, foresters, planners, GIS technology, project managers, consultants, technicians
•    Transportation Industry - air, rail, land, sea; from hot shot to heavy haul
•    Suppliers and Service Providers - equipment, manufacturing, machining, camps, caterers
•    Training and Employment Services - career planners, assessors, training schools, post-secondary institutions, HR managers

And the list goes on…

“We are very excited about our continued growth in B.C. and are pleased to be on board with the Canada North Resources Expo for the 2013 edition,” said Keith Peacock, Vice President of Operations and Sales with Master Promotions Ltd.

“This event meshes perfectly with our current portfolio of heavy equipment, construction, forestry, commercial fisheries and trucking shows that we currently own or manage across the country and solidifies our presence in Western Canada,” said Peacock.

“We are looking forward to meeting exhibitors and working with the Resources Expo Board of Directors and the Central Interior Logging Association, continuing on with their guidance, to grow make Canada North Resources Expo one of the best and most inclusive events for this industry in North America,” explained Peacock.

“We are so pleased to partner with Master Promotions, and to see the expansion of our show.   It has been part of our strategic plan for years, as the North diversifies and we take advantage of the world’s demand for our resources,” explains MaryAnne Arcand, Chair of Resources Expo, and Executive Director of the CILA. “We will be working side by side with Master Promotions to ensure local involvement and expertise,” said Arcand.
Master Promotions Ltd. is a Saint John, New Brunswick based trade and consumer show event Management Company with additional offices in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Master Promotions Ltd. currently owns or manages over 30 high quality events from St. John's Newfoundland to Abbotsford, British Columbia.
For complete details about Master Promotions, please visit www.masterpromotions.ca
For details about CILA, please visit www.CILA.ca

PR

Survivors of horrific Stratford crash back on their feet

Two migrant workers who were in this van and survived a deadly crash in Hampstead, Ont., in February are getting back on their feet. (Dave Chidley/Canadian Press)

Two survivors of a horrific crash near Stratford in February are getting on their feet with the help of a generous donation.

Javier Aldo Medina and Juan Jose Ariza were the only two to survive the collision between the passenger van they were in a delivery truck.

Ten of their colleagues — all migrant workers — were killed when their van was hit by a flatbed truck. The truck driver was also killed.

'For some reason, God wanted me to live.'— Javier Aldo Medina

Each of the survivors and the families of the victims will receive a share of more than $200,000 raised by the United Food and Commercial Workers union.

Medina, speaking through an interpreter at news conference Wednesday in London, fought back tears as he recalled the night that will haunt him forever.

"I remember being in that car and thinking that I was going to die, but for some reason, God wanted me to live," Medina said.

He remembers after the crash, looking at a co-worker's bloody face, a face that seemed to say "Come and help me," he said. But he could hardly move himself.

"I feel so guilty for not having had the ability to do something to help them," Medina said.

Both survivors were in the back of the van. Ariza vividly remembers the moments before the collision. He looked up and saw a fast-moving truck that was rushing towards them.

"And all of a sudden, I lock eyes with the driver and it's as if my body escaped me. My soul leaped out of my body," Ariza said.

Ariza sat beside Medina at the news conference Wednesday. He struggled with his emotions.

'I really don't know why I'm alive.'— Juan Jose Ariza

"I really don't know why I'm alive. I don't know what my purpose is, but I do know that it's God's will," he said. "I'm a testament of life, of hope, of living through this tragedy."

Both men have made steady progress since they were released from a hospital to a nursing home in north London.

Ariza suffered a bad gash to his head and pain still shoots into his spine, preventing him from walking properly. Medina suffered nine fractured ribs and a broken pelvis. He said his biggest hurdle is overcoming the psychological scars.

They're applying to stay in Canada on humanitarian grounds. They eventually want to get new jobs here to support their families back in Peru.

Source: CBC NEWS

Road-rage driver who ran over man on side of road sentenced to over five years

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C.—A B.C. resident has been handed a five and a half year prison sentence for running a truck off a Langley road and then driving back to mow down a 21-year-old passenger standing nearby.

Brent Parent also received a 12-year driving ban after being found guilty of criminal negligence causing death, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

The Crown was seeking an eight-year prison term and 15-year driving ban for the March 2008 incident that resulted in the death of Silas O’Brien, who was in a truck with two friends, heading to the airport for a vacation.

The Crown has said Parent became angry after he was passed by O’Brien’s truck and ran the other pickup off the road before returning to the scene and killing O’Brien, who was standing by the side of the road.

Parent claimed he sped away because the men from the other truck tried to charge his vehicle and he didn’t realize O’Brien had been hit and killed.

The judge said Parent’s version of events defied common sense and that he’d failed to call police.

Source: The Star

Fleets Pay Mind to Durability of Trailer Aerodynamic Devices

As a growing number of fleets spec aerodynamic devices such as fairings and side skirts to save fuel and cut GHG emissions, some of their shops are paying closer attention to the durability and potential maintenance costs associated with such equipment.

In a report by Fleet Owner magazine, Chuck Cole, manager of technical sales and product training for Utility Trailer Manufacturing, said the still-unknown long-term costs with annual maintenance for trailer aerodynamic devices is a growing concern within the trucking industry.

Side skirts, for example, are located in an abusive environment and are subject to impact damage from the highway. Some of the dozens of models in the market are tested to withstand severe impacts, but the durability and effectiveness of other models is unknown, he said.

"We have had a lot of new companies jump into this space without fully understanding that key requirement," says Cole.

Marty Fletcher, of aerodynamic device maker Aerofficient, says that while price was initially the most important factor for manufacturers he believes the "evolution" of such products will focus more intensely on durability and maintenance in the near-term and designs will be better integrated with the footprint of the trailer itself.

Fletcher agrees that some of these devices are challenged by the extreme work environments.

"Temperature extremes are causing warping and eventual cracking or de-lamination," he explained. "Ground contact – most commonly in drop-down docks – is causing breakage while support struts are failing due to fatigue. Thus the design evolution must be to strengthen [trailer] fairings."

The suppliers recommend that fleets do their homework when spec'ing aerodynamic devices oo adding on aftermarket parts.

Source: OTA

BCTA to host provincial driving championships June 23

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. -- The B.C. Trucking Association (BCTA) will host the provincial truck driving championships on Saturday, June 23 at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford.

About 70 drivers are expected to take part, performing in front of an anticipated crowd of several hundred industry spectators, the BCTA has announced.

Drivers will compete in five categories, ranging from straight truck through to B-Train. Drivers will be tested using three tests: a written exam; a vehicle inspection; and an actual driving competition.

“In support of the industry organizing committee, the British Columbia Trucking Association is pleased to host and sponsor the truck driving championships on an annual basis to recognize the professional drivers who help keep B.C.’s roads safe for all motorists,” the BCTA said in a release.

The driving portion of the competition will begin at 8:30 a.m. and wrap up around 5 p.m. June 23. There’s no charge to watch.

Source: Truck News

The long and winding load

With profit margins in the transportation industry growing increasingly thin and more scrutiny on the environmental impact of the industry, transport providers are under increased pressure to find cost-effective and eco-friendly means of transporting goods

Collaboration between the transport sector, government and safety groups is resulting in more transport operators doubling up loads and reducing the number of engines on the road

It might be a rare sight in Ontario, but at certain times of the day, motorists may catch a glimpse of an LCV travelling the 400 network of highways.

What is an LCV, you ask? It's a term used in the transportation industry for Longer Combination Vehicles. A more common sight outside of Ontario, these extended units interconnect two full-size trailers. The idea behind the approach is to reduce the environmental impact of over-the-road truck traffic.

While double trailers have been commonly used in a smaller format (maximum 25 metres per trailer), these extended-length combinations (35 metres per trailer) are another thing altogether.

LCVs have been traversing roads in the Prairie provinces and Quebec for some time, with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia coming to the table more recently, reports David Bradley, president and CEO of the Ontario Trucking Association in Toronto. "Ontario was the odd man out. It really became a case of political will at a time when we're seeing manufacturing leaving the province."

There's a reason why Ontario only recently came on board with LCVs, Mr. Bradley notes. "Government was rightfully concerned about how the public will receive LCVs despite the fact there's no question they offer both economic and environmental benefits. It was really more of a perceptual issue since there are no real questions in terms of their safety."

Ontario also has infrastructure challenges that other jurisdictions don't. Traffic and population density have presented a major stumbling block.

"The 400 series is the most congested highway network in North America," says Brian Patterson, president and CEO of the Ontario Safety League in Mississauga. "Obviously there's a considerable amount of testing and requirements to get approval. If you live in Alberta, once you're 15 minutes outside of the city you can keep driving."

Concerns raised over treatment of animals at scene of hog-truck rollover

Emergency crews were on scene the afternoon of May 8, 2012 after a truck hauling hogs crashed on the Trans-Canada, west of Brandon.

A semi trailer hauling pigs rolled on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Brandon on Tuesday afternoon, with witnesses estimating about 70 animals died at the scene.

Now, questions are being raised about the treatment of the surviving animals.

Rescue crews had to work to free more than 225 pigs trapped inside the tipped trailer.

"It's very upsetting and devastating," said Cindy Labossiere, who witnessed the rollover.

Along with the dozens of hogs killed, several others were injured, said witnesses.

"There were a whole lot of pigs all over the place and a lot of blood on them and stuff too," said Allea Wolfe, another witness.

The truck driver wasn't hurt.

Allea Wolfe raises pigs of her own nearby and was one of the first people on scene at the crash.

"There was one with a broken leg. There was a fellow trying to push it up and the vet had to have quite an argument with him before he'd stop pushing it," said Wolfe.

Ruth Pryzner, another local farmer who saw the crash site, confirmed things could have been handled better by those responding to the incident.

"There were some pigs that took a long time to die. They were making traumatized pigs step over dead pigs and then slapping them with paddles," said Pryzner.

Canadians for the Ethical Treatment of Food Animals said crashes involving livestock trailers are becoming too common.

They group said the number of incidents have been rising since 2005 and are becoming monthly occurrences.

Ruth Pryzner said steps should be taken.

"I definitely think there needs to be better training," she said.

The Ontario Truck Association is pushing for a mandatory training course for truck drivers hauling livestock, something which the Manitoba Truck Association said it's on board with.

The trucking company involved in the rollover on Tuesday couldn't be reached for comment on May 9.

Source: CTV

Oil may soon ride the rails

Opposition to pipeline projects slowing shipment

Rail could emerge as a long-term transportation alternative for Canadian oil companies ham-strung by the slow pace of pipe-line projects.

The continent's largest pipeline companies, Enbridge Inc., TransCanada Corp. and Kinder Morgan Inc., have proposed numerous expansion plans, but all face opposition from environmental and indigenous groups.

Their inability to keep up with rising oilsands production is forcing companies to seek new modes of transport to get their produce to market.

"To temper the effects of a possible near-term transportation shortfall into U.S. markets, Canadian producers have begun adding rail, trucking and barge trans-port to their delivery options," S&P analyst Michelle Dathorne said.

A barrel of diluted bitumen is transported at a cost of $7 via pipeline, compared with $6 to $8 via rail, a new S&P report says.

Rail also has the potential to move crude to the U.S. Gulf Coast from Alberta in about one-fifth the time of pipelines, and the cap-ital cost to expand rail infrastructure is about one-tenth that of the cost of adding incremental pipeline capacity, Dathorne said in the report. "Based on its competitive economics, rail has the potential to become a significant transportation option in the longer term."

Other economic factors also are coming into play.

The Keystone XL delay and the ensuing volatility in heavy oil price differentials have caused many analysts, including S&P, to raise the near-term price discount between Brent and Western Canada Select. Canadian oil companies are already losing about $18 billion each year because of price differentials, according to CIBC.

Canada finds itself in an unenviable situation in which many Alberta oil companies are selling crude at WCS prices, while Ontario and Quebec businesses are buying oil at Brent prices, which is $30 higher. But some companies are finding ways, including using rail, to avoid lower prices.

Baytex Energy Inc. said in March it is bypassing weaker crude-oil markets in the U.S. Midwest by moving crude by rail to higher-value markets.

"We have contracted to deliver approximately 15 per cent of our heavy oil production for March to market by rail and expect railed volumes to increase during the remainder of 2012," CEO Anthony Marino said in the annual report.

Source: The Province

Livingston acquires M.G. Maher, MCLX

Livingston International has acquired New Orleans-based freight forwarder, customs broker and logistics provider M.G. Maher & Company, as well as the business of its affiliate MCLX.

Not included in the transaction is MBLX, the barge freight handling and transportation affiliate of M.G. Maher. MBLX will continue to operate independently and provide clients of both companies the same services it does today.

"This is an exciting evolution of our company," said David Schulingkamp, president of M.G. Maher and MCLX. "We are looking forward to, and pleased to be, joining the Livingston family. This merger creates exciting new opportunities for our staff, and means a broader range of services is available for our customers. With our combined expertise, we will be a much stronger full-service national customs broker and international logistics and freight forwarding provider."

"The addition of Maher, with its decades of experience as well as its excellent reputation for high-quality service," said Livingston's president and CEO, Peter Luit, "strengthens Livingston as North America's number one company focused on customs brokerage and trade compliance. This acquisition enables us to enhance services for current and future clients in the US and internationally. It increases our presence and plays a key role in Livingston's growth in the United States."

Source: T&L