by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | Nov 19, 2017 | BLOG
Inevitably every year we have a major pileup of cars and trucks in inclement weather…but it is avoidable if we all do our part. Pay attention to local news and weather reports and plan your trip accordingly. If you have to travel in inclement weather leave an extra hour or two to get where you need to be safely. If you don’t feel safe don’t go !!! Remember to slow down, keep your distance and not cut in front of others. The life you save maybe your own !!!!
Let’s discuss a few of the issues :
1. Following distance!
Trucks require a football field on dry ground… on bad roads you can expect at least double if not triple! When visibility is less than a mile… your distance needs to increase and you’re speed needs to decrease .
Keep a safe following distance
2. Speed!! SLOW DOWN…
Not only should you slow down sooner, but your maneuverability will be easier if you catch yourself in a slide…. sliding is scary in ANY situation… sliding at 100 + KPH , is terrifying Because any movement by yourself or others can make a bad situation worse!
Slow Down-Posted speed limit is often too fast for the conditions
3. “Always Leave Yourself An Out” THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT!!!
I can’t imagine that many of you haven’t heard this somewhere, even us old timers… “always leave yourself an OUT!” A ditch or a field is much better than a person or another vehicle… you might sustain some injury, or damage to your vehicle, but it’s better than the alternative.
Instead of ending up in the pile… find your way out!!
4. Lights On !!
Make sure your full headlighting system is on. Clear the snow from your lights and don’t forget your tail lights.
5. Sliding !!
If you find yourself in a skid … steer into the skid and not out of it , this will help you get control of your vehicle . Keep your foot off the brake. No engine/jake brakes !!!
Find a safe place to get off the road and “Park It” if weather is severe, no load is worth a Life !!!!!!!!!
Let’s all keep safe this winter ……
by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | Nov 14, 2017 | BLOG
Twelve years ago, 28 Nov 2005, my belated co-driver, William (Bill) Sloggett & I attended orientation with TransX in Winnipeg, MB and what a ride it’s been ever since.
Our 1st assigned truck was a Volvo (#85120) that was governed at 115km/hrs. We always got so excited when we hit the Hwy 16 between Saskatoon, SK and Edmonton, AB. Hammer down all the way home. ????
On our 1st trip out we were heading back from Mississauga, ON when I got the call that my grandpa Duly (my mother’s dad) passed away. He lived in Welland, ON and we wanted to turn around but it was our 1st load with our new job. I called up, Tim Murphy (our 1st dispatcher who has now moved up the ladder since) and explained the situation. Immediately he got the ball rolling. We got home to Edmonton & I jumped on a plane to make it in time for my grandfather’s funeral; even spent some time with the family. Right from the start both Bill & I were appreciative of how TransX put personal needs first.
Over the years I’ve gone through a divorce, 2 surgeries, paid off my condo & renews, boughten a few cars, but most importantly grown into the crazy chick I am today. ????
One of my biggest accomplishments in the trucking industry has got to be receiving my Million Miles Award for 2013. What a special night that was at the annual TransX Safety Award Dinner. A fellow driver, Barb, that I looked up to and respected received her 2 Million Mile Award that night. Sadly, she has now passed away. The theme that night was the roaring 1920’s. The following 2 years after had the themes of Mardi Gras & Old Hollywood Glam. Oh what fun I had making those costumes.
As the miles racked up so did making great friends. I was so honoured and still am when Shelley Uvanile-Hesch, CEO of the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada asked me to not only join but to be on the Drivers Advisory Council. But the topper was when she asked me to be a mentor on the WTFC Mentor/Mentees Only page on Facebook. Thank you, Shelley, for expanding my knowledge, giving me an outlet to perhaps helping other women & men too, but most of all helping me build my self confidence.
This past year TransX has become a sponsor to this great group and it’s been greatly rewarding.
Another amazing thing that happened while working for TransX would be meeting my beloved, Shawn Mills, who just happens to work for DeckX. It’s been a world win romance and a none stop adventure.
Together we each have cute dogs that travel with us up and down the roads. Phreaway, travels with Shawn while Hyway, travels with me.
Sadly, back in January of this year, one of the hardest things happened and that would be the passing of my co-driver, Bill. We’ve known each other for almost 20 years and it’s because of him that I even got into trucking. Still can’t believe he’s gone but the memories of the eleven years will always put a smile on my face; especially all those times we fought like cats & dogs. ????
Since his passing I’ve worked tremendously hard at learning to drive single, back up, e-logs, work a GPS, dash-cam, crossing border procedures, and mainly trying to get use to being away from home so much.
One of the many things that’s helped me through this difficult time has been how TransX has stood by me. Yes, given monetary would be greatly celebrated if there was an increase but the bottom line is the strength, support, and patience that has been overwhelming. Thank you, TransX.
Another thank you has to go out to all my friends and family. Without you I know I wouldn’t be where I am today. The love and on going support will never be forgotten or unappreciated.
Life is truly a highway. May there be many more miles. Be safe all !!
Shannon Charest Block
by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | Oct 4, 2017 | BLOG
WTFC Decal
Special thanks to Mike Millian and the PMTC for offering WTFC this great opportunity to show case some great women of the Trucking Industry in this Special Supplement. I’m sure you will enjoy the articles we have planned with the team from Kelman !!
If your a proud supporter of women in the industry, what a great way to show it by advertising in the supplement. Take this opportunity to reach out to the ladies by promoting your products, services and employment opportunities.
On behave of the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada we thank you for your support 🙂
The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (WTFC) is a non-profit organization established to encourage the employment of women in the transportation industry.
The organization wants to celebrate and promote these accomplishments as well as address obstacles and issues faced by women working in the industry. Their purpose is to promote personal growth and responsibility whether your “In the Office, under the Hood or behind the Wheel”. Despite the name “Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada” its membership is not limited to women, as they welcome the involvement of anyone who is positive and supportive of women in the transportation industry.
With that said, the WTFC is proud to announce that the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) will be featuring its organization with a “Special Supplement” in the Winter issue of the PMTC’s magazine – Private Motor Carrier.
As the WTFC continues to grow, having this opportunity to be featured in the PMTC’s magazine will allow the organization to share its message with nearly 5,300 people on the PMTC’s mailing list throughout Canada.
WTFC has recognized your organization as being one of their valued supporters, so we are offering you this unique opportunity to place an ad in the special supplement and show your support of both the organization & women in the trucking industry. Not only will you be visibly demonstrating your support to the WTFC, but you will also be putting your company’s products/services noticeably in front of all the PMTC members and 5,300 people on the associations mailing list.
If you would like to participate in this special supplement, below is the ad sizes/prices that you can use to convey your message.
Ad sizes available (includes full-colour):
Size Cost
Full Page $2,100
2/3 Page $1,300
1/2 Page $1,000
1/3 Page $800
1/4 Page $600
NOTE: At this time we are only reserving the ad space for the WTFC supplement, the actual payment of the ad is not due until January 2018.
Thanks,
Marketing Manager
Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (Private Motor Carrier)
