Load Securement Alert!!!!!!!!!! 

So the MTO has been hitting quite a few tow operators for unsecure load. 
Two scenarios…….

• 1 – the practice of some, on flatbeds is to chain the back of the vehicle and tighten the chains by winching the truck forwards, and then strap the front wheels.  MTO has ticketed 3 operators, that I am aware of so far because the rear chains did NOT have binders.  The MTO wants to see binders on those rear chains regardless. 
• 2 – wrecker with Vulcan scoops, but the front roll pin was not slid in front of the tire.  All the pieces on the Vulcan system are there for a reason.  There is the argument that the front pin does not do anything, but I can tell you that we have replaced a lot of bent front pins, so they are doing exactly what they were designed to do.

The MTO is ticketing operators, for both of these, and they are looking for it.  So, tell your drivers to make sure they are doing everything by the book.

• Kenworth & Peterbilt Pushing Automated – It looks like Paccar is pushing to get rid of manual transmissions.  Pricing for the Exdurant Automated is now less money than a manual transmission.   They have indicated that they will only be allocating a few builds for manual transmission in 2025.

• Ram Availability –  we had a meeting with Ram this week.  Sounds like they are finally coming around to building chassis for us.  This should mean we can catch up on back order and hopefully add a couple of stock units as well.

• Stock Availability – We are slowly seeing better availability of stock.  Also, Miller is now having available inventory from their pool as well.  This could mean quicker order fulfillment.  I would love to say pricing is coming down, but with the weaker Canadian Dollar, the prices are actually going the other way.  Although some OEMs seem to be priced SIGNIFICANTLY higher than other for some reason.  Currently in inventory we have the pieces to build the following in a relatively short time….

• Freightliner extended cabs with Aluminum Beds (possibly steel beds as well)
• Hinos with Aluminum Beds
• Western Star with 1150 Rotator
• Freightliner with V24 Wrecker – build scheduled to start early January
• International HV Tandem with 30’ Industrial Bed
• International MV with Aluminum Bed
• Have a small selection of small wreckers just waiting on chassis.
• Miller has some 7035s and DTUs available as well.

• Hydraulic Brake Update – I met with Freightliner this week, and they are definitely committed to getting out of Juice Brakes.   It sounds like they will be strictly Air Brakes by January 1, 2027 or when they run out of stock of key components that are no longer being made, whichever comes first.  These key components are also on International and Hino, so I am not sure what their plans are but I would suspect they will follow suit.  You may want to consider getting Air Brake Endorsements for your team before it is too late.

• Close Calls – So I have heard of 3 drivers in SWO that have been hit in the past 60 days.  One was very serious, with life altering injuries, on the driver was luckily out of the way but there was over $60,000.00 and a vehicle out of commission, and the 3^rd incident was a mirror striking the operator.  Needless to say it is not getting any better.  So, please, please, please try and be safe out there.  If it is not safe then wait for police to set up.  Your life and your families well being is more important.

That is it….Short and sweet.  The snow (what Harold Markle calls White Gold) is flying, and the holiday season is about to start.  Please be safe when you are out there.  Have a Great Christmas and an Amazing New Year.  Thank you for your business, your support and your friendship this year.  See you in 2025!!!!

Paul Reitz – Canadian Towing Equipment
5 Cochran Drive
Ayr, Ontario N0B 1E0
E. preitz@cantow.ca
M. 519-496-5819
O. 519-622-5522
Website. www.cantow.ca