TruckNewsTalk

It took a terrifying accident involving his kids to inspire a system to make safer drivers everywhere and method to test your professional driver's habits. Angus Poulain of Halifax, Nova Scotia created a system that essentially prevents you from texting while driving, and provides a report on your driving habits to help you be a better, safer driver. For trucking fleets, this is better, and less expensive than telematics. Stan Campbell talks to Angus Poulain about his creation and the high-tech team that created it.

Her name...Julie. You are her proud father of your bright, outgoing, attractive daughter, but one night, she doesn't return home. Six days later, Julie’s battered body is found in a ditch. You discover that your daughter, your beloved flesh and blood was kidnapped, tortured and raped. How do you deal with deal with this unspeakable horror? For this father, inspired by Julie’s message to him, he became a crusader for justice for violence against women and for victims and the victim’s families. He became an advocate for the families who have suffered from the loss of a child or a spouse. He is senator Pierre Boisvenu. Although he just retired, he has not given up the fight to put more teeth in the laws that should put murderers, human traffickers and those convicted of spousal abuse and murder in prison for longer sentences. Those who lead anti-trafficking organization owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Boisvenu,a ti former MP, Joy Smith for enacting laws that out traffickers behind bars. Stan Campbell talks to Senator Pierre Boisvenu.

She defied the male dominated field back when female truck drivers were not only unwelcome but often harassed by good-ole-boy truckers. Well, she challenged them and won...for almost 40 years! She is still driving and doesn't know when she will ever quit, simply because she loves the road and the job...and the money isn’t bad! Often driving long-haul over-the-road can be lonely, but not for Caroline Carter. Nope! She has her alcohol to keep her happy. She loves her Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, and of course a little Rosé. Just listen. Caroline is a feisty driver who is quick to encourage women to consider the trucking industry as a satisfying and well-paying career. (after all, we're told that there is a serious driver shortage)

She was warned, “you will be raped or killed”. Unfortunately, after all these years, the trucking industry is still faced with a negative stereotypical image by the general public. Therefore, it's not easy encouraging women to join the trucking industry. Our guest MacKenzie Melton was warned terrible things would happen to her physically and emotionally if she became a truck driver. Well, we talked to MacKenzie and she is perfectly fine. In fact, more than just fine. But how she suddenly became interested in trucking is interesting in itself, demonstrates that sometimes it just takes a simple positive unassuming role model and a company that cares about the image of their drivers. Listen to MacKenzie's story.

Have you seen those little brown vans in your neighborhood. Or maybe you had one come to your door to deliver something really important and time sensitive. Yes, I’m referring to those UPS vans. Well, this week on my TNT Podcast I am talking to another lady in what might be a non-traditional job…but a rewarding one. Her name is Sherry Muckleston. She drove one of those brown vans picking up and delivering time sensitive parcels. Funny…parcel sounds like an old-fashioned way to say package but UPS is the United Parcel Service. Back in 1907, when Claude Ryan and Jim Casey launched the company with $100 loan, “parcel” was the word. A lot has happened since then and I am sure that that back then you rarely if ever saw a woman driving one of those vans. Well even today, most drivers are male. It’s not an easy job and it requires some physical strength. You need to be able to lift at least 70 pounds. That didn’t stop my guest, Sherry Muckleston. Listen!

This is another in our TNT series on women in non-traditional trades and careers. We decided to call them TNT Women. The Non Traditional. This week, we talk to a lady who has chosen a career that places her among men…often tough strong males. She chose to be a mechanic…and not just any Toyota or Chevy Malibu mechanic. That would be non-traditional enough….no she chose to be study and become a truck mechanic…and not just a Ford F-150 truck…we’re talking a big rig truck mechanic. Her name is Alex Kis. I wanted to know how she survived in an all class male class…and then after a successful graduation, how touch was it to get hired in a male dominated field. How would she be accepted in a testosterone filled environment out there on the floor in the shop. She has quite a story to tell.

Angela Baltkois had a vision She saw a blank canvas and decided to paint it, with the result being a win-win for two divergent industries...one with a blank canvas, and the other with a message. In 2013, Angela Baltkois founded Big Rig Wraps Transport Truck Advertising, after identifying an untouched out-of-home marketing medium: transport truck advertising on independently owned fleets. Recognizing that only large companies with their own fleets were maximizing the benefits of non-competing ads on large vehicles, Angela created a business model where all-sized businesses can buy large-scale ads on trucks ranging from 20 feet to 53 feet. Currently, Big Rig Wraps partners with more than 50 reputable and well-known fleet owners who make their big rigs and their routes available to advertisers who want to generate more sales. Angela proves that there is a place for women in or working for the trucking industry. Listen to her story and hear her tell how she built this company, Big Rig Wraps. https://www.bigrigwraps.ca/about-us/angela-baltkois/

An impressive female truck driver with a great story of how she came to Canada from Germany and created a career in trucking, wearing several hats...but the one she loves is the one she wears behind the wheel. Her name is Claudia Winterhalter and she, like many other women in trucking, she destroys any remaining trucker stereotypes. A customs and border protection officer told her once, "you don't look like a trucker!" Claudia is an inspiration to women everywhere, especially those new empty-nesters who are wondering, "what do I do now?" The transportation industry is calling. Don't believe me? Listen to Claudia!

Why aren't more women looking at the trucking industry for a career? There are many opportunities in varied fields. For too long, men have dominated this industry. It's time for women to assume the many positions open for smart, educated and adventurous women to look seriously at the transportation industry for a great paying and secure career. We talk to two extraordinary women who have found meaningful careers in trucking...and, they love their jobs and the companies that employ them! We talk to Brenda Brajkovich, Director of Marketing at the Polaris Transportation Group. Then we chat with Melanie Bell, Director of Business Development at McLaren Doors, (yes, doors. The ones you see on the tail end of truck trailers) Both of these women will inspire you. They inspired me.

We talk to Truck News Magazine Editor James Menzies about two topics. First, it about the trucking company bankruptsies in the US...one is a huge 100-year-old-company and there are others. The question is, can it...will it happen in Canada? James updates us the health of the Canadian industry. Our second topic is about the future and specifcially EVs and, one of our favorites, Hydrogen. Is the industry embracing the new technology, or are diesel fans digging in?

How do recruiters sense an attitude problem in a prospective employee? David Henry recently wrote an opinion piece in Truck News Magazine about how a bad attitude can spread line a cancer through an entire company. Just a good looking resume and great verifiable driving and safety record and excellent skills may not be enough. Listen as Dave and Stan develop attitude.

Cargo theft across Canada and the U.S. rose by 15% in 2022 from the previous year, equal to 1778 recorded theft incidents, a cargo theft recording firm reports. We get an update on the newest anti-theft technology with an expert. His name is Todd Moore. He is the Vice President, Partner Integration at FocusPoint International, a global assistance company that specializes in critical event management, with an emphasis on mobility risks. Todd is a retired Police Detective with 31 years policing service and extensive investigative experience working in Intelligence, Organized Crime and Robbery Units. If you haven't heard Todd in a while, you need to get caught up the latest technology like Smart Dongle Technology.

A look at what Canada's National Police Force is doing to fight human traffcking...more specifically, sex-trafficking. We look at America's Mountie stereotype and the RCMP reality. We talk to three RCMP officers in three different regions of Canada...Corporal Jennifer Botham, Constable Kristin Appleton and Corporal David Lane. This podcast is from an interview conducted over a year ago.

We talk to Joy Smith. Joy Smith’s journey, and the history behind the Foundation, are testimony that the actions of one individual can make a difference for so many others. Joy jumped into action after learning no laws yet existed in Canada to protect victims, or to bring perpetrators to justice. In 2004, she became a Member of Parliament and made Canadian history as the first sitting MP to amend the Criminal Code twice, strengthening sentencing for traffickers and expanding Canadian laws to reach internationally. In 2011, Joy founded the Joy Smith Foundation and with the help of volunteers and supporters, continues to advocate and raise awareness for this important issue across Canada and around the world. Joy Smith is Canada’s leading authority on the prevention and intervention of human trafficking, and the first organization in the country to focus on coordinating regionalized resources and services, the Joy Smith Foundation’s commitment to ending human trafficking is stronger than ever. We are in a period of growth and proudly building on our history with the National Human Trafficking Education Centre which was launched in the Fall of 2021. Listen

Katarina MacLeod is the founder of Rising Angels, is a survivor of exploitation, sexual & physical abuse, drug addiction, forcible confinement, and domestic prostitution and trafficking. In 2008, she finally escaped ‘the game’ and now works to raise awareness regarding the truth behind this industry, as well as walk alongside women who, like her, want to start over and realize they cannot do it on their own. Katarina has a diploma in Addictions and Community Service, a certificate in Sexual Violence, and a Level 1 certificate in Trauma Counselling for Front Line Workers. She is a mother to 4 children and living proof of a life restored. Katarina has some rather graphic descriptions of the horrors inflicted upon her.

Liz Williamson is a training specialist leader for Truckers Against Trafficking. No one is more qualified to speak and train than Liz. She is a sex trafficking survivor. Her story will move you. Hopefully, it will also move you to be a fighter against this growing crime. In this Truck News Talk (TNT podcast, I include the initial interview that I did with Liz two years ago. Emotionally, it was the toughest conversation I ever had with any guest in the past. It's been two years since we talked to Liz, so I thought we should catch up to see how she is doing today, and maybe tell us some success stories from TAT...Truckers Against Trafficking. Stan Campbell

This Episode Number One in a series to conversations with women in the trucking industry, or those who have retired but are still encouraging women to look seriously at a career in this male dominated industry. This week, we talk to a recently retired 31-year veteran in trucking. Her name is Stephanie Klang. She has quite a story to tell, especially about her grumpy driving companion. She is an award winner and the pride of her fleet owner. In fact, so much so, they put her name and photo on the side of a trailer. Stephanie is inspiring. Listen.

This is another in our TNT series about trucking women. It's about those brave women who defy the "we've always done it this way" crowd and ventured into a non-traditional career for women. My guest this week is Susie DeRidder. She drives for a major carrier. She's been driving for 44 years. Susie has a passion for truck shows, promoting students into the trucking industry and staying healthy. She gives back to her community by supporting SPCA, homeless shelters, and women’s shelters. She is the recipient of the 2020 Women in Trucking Driver of the Year award. Listen to Susie tell her story and list the awards she has received, including a big accolade coming up in August.

This is Part 5 in our series Trucking Women. This week we feature another influencer female professional driver making a difference in the trucking industry. She is Kellylynn McLaughlin. Kellylynn was the Women in Trucking Association’s first Driver Ambassador. In this role, she traveled around the country educating those she met about the importance of the transportation industry and shares some of the challenges drivers face within the industry. She is currently a professional driver for Prime LTD. Kellylynn is passionate about the trucking industry and is a tireless advocate for professional drivers. In addition to training new drivers to prepare them for the challenges they will face, she is also actively involved in sharing the “driver” perspective with decision makers in the industry. She firmly believes the general public should be educated about how important truck drivers are to the American economy and seeks to raise awareness about ways to support CMV drivers to do their jobs safely through her role as the Driver Ambassador. Kellylynn serves on the FMCSA MCSAC Commercial Driver Panel, the Advisory Council for Truckers Against Trafficking...and there more. Just listen as Stan Campbell chats with Kellylynn McLaughlin.