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I see a lot of van drivers that have either no straps or bars or only one bar and one or two straps. Not enough to secure properly. I carry 2 bars and 6 straps and 3 chains. Also got some non slip mats that work for loose box loads. I usually get some looks from receivers as I take a few to...

AH the memory of shifting freight. Years ago in a van I had a load only going 5 miles. Didn't strap bar or nothing. Off I go doing the speed limit but at an intersection (big one) a car going across failed to stop at the red light (my light was green for over 15 seconds). I slammed on the...

I have a piece of dowel for an idle stick and works fine. Very little fuel used for a 4 hour sleep. One nite though I couldn't find the stick (fell between seat and goodies box) so I grabbed a light box from the cargo area and stuffed it between the dash and the pedal. Worked fine!! Rob Fis

Well I say fight it. Unfortunatly this will affect all your insurance costs for all vehicles, commercial and private. Up here they penalize a DUI or DWI for 5 years minimum. Most companies are now not hiring drivers with such an offence, although we can apply for a pardon and that allows for...

As far as I know they have not yet passed the law. It does have the support of the Ministry of Transport and the Ontario Trucking Assoc and other agencies. So more than likely it will be tabled as a law sometime this year. The speed limit proposed was 105kph or 65mph. Unfortunately I haven't...

Well when you buy it make the registration for 9999#. I know a couple ppl who have registered their buggys under the vehicle rated just to avoid the hassles with the higher rating. Although does your state allow for that? Rob Fis

I usually use an air matress with a couple of sleeping bags (1 a -5 rated and a -15 rated). This winter only had a foam matress. The two sleeping bags worked rather well except once. Was north of Thunderbay Ont at a mine and the temp was -40 with the windchill. Truck would not push enough heat...

Well here in Ontario Canada the OPP (Provincial Police) actually did a campaign last summer against bad drivers. They were after just those you are complaining about. Yup a lot of tickets were handed out. I think though a lot fought them and a lot got off the charges as the cops couldn't make...

Back in the late '80s I used to make great money in a van. Yes it was over $100k per year and I was home quite a lot on weekends. But that was then and now it just isn't as good. I do about 65-75k a year now. 2 years ago I did 75-85k a year with another company. There is a fellow there making...

I have an 05 that's 6 mo old. Got over 30k mi on it sofar. I don't have this smoke problem yet and have idled for awhile at times. So if it's white smoke ok for a short time once you get going, but if it takes awhile to clear up definitely fixit. So far I only have done oil changes and a lot...

Well I agree with Greg. Yea you can make money, I do! Yes take the wife And definitely get a heater!!! Money will depend on loads you get and your availability. The wife will help with availability and hours you can run so helps with getting some extra loads as your not as tired. If...

Well maybe it's economics. But TA took over the truckstop in Woodstock, Ontario last year. So they have expanded and I would assume into other markets as well. BTW Happy New Year and may it be a profitable one for one and all. Rob Fis

I work out of Mississauga doing emergency parts runs and have met lots of Adco guys, did a short stint with Dynamex Toronto. I know Shaun who runs for K-Dac and he loves it. He left IBCL to work there and started with a van. He did alright but took over a 5 ton from another driver at K-Dac...

Well last month I made about $600/week after expenses for running. Most months I usually do around 450-500. Slow months are coming so I expect to only do 400-500 until March. I do however put in the hours and take almost every job offered. I do a lot of DH miles but I'm lucky in that...

Depends on province and GVW of van. Ontario only requires 1 ton with GVW of 4500kg or more to stop at scales. Quebec and some others require anything over 6600lbs to stop. However the Ministry can stop and inspect any van with commercial plates at anytime they wish. Enjoy the highway Rob Fis

Don't know Panther policy but IBC has a habit of wanting loads delivered within a time limit and the route we used was longer than the billing miles. Reason was customer was billed on shortest routing rather than actual route, but wanted load in shortest time. For one customer short route was...

Same here for the spreadsheet thing. Only other software used to be Quicken in which you have some preset expenses and you can add a few of your own (sub catagories). Accountants love the computer stuff when you give them the printouts and the receipts together. Also the Feds love the...

I agree, even though I currently don't have one. I do have a laptop with mapping software and did utilize a small GPS unit with it last year and worked ok but prone to errors that were workable. For anyone in this business either a full standalone GPS or the laptop with one that connects is...

Badge name means little. Go with a dealer that knows the vehicles. My Dodge dealer knows nothing about sprinters. I got mine for the same price as a Ford e-350 diesel but the sprinter handles better when in town. High roof is better I got three 5ft 6in high skids in and hand bombed a 4th...

You might want to look for a local outfit that has out of town runs but here in Ontario. There are a couple in London and St Thomas that haul to the Toronto area daily and have the rush jobs. Direct runs are same as expediting and you'll gain experience and knowledge. I'm working out of...