Uncertainty Remains Around Upcoming Log Hauling Regs

Monday, February 26, 2007 04:03 AM

New regs affecting truck drivers were expected to come on-line early in 2007

Forestry Trucksafe BC Manager MaryAnne Arcand says a recent gathering of truckers from the Terrace area to discuss upcoming changes in regulations for log hauling mirrored similar meetings held elsewhere.

Arcand says there were more questions than answers among the 30 or so drivers gathered for the breakfast meeting on expected changes to hours of service and proposed changes to WorkSafe BC’s section 26.

Some of the questions voiced:

“What happens if you run out of hours and you’re still out in the bush because the loader broke down?”

“What about when you’re hauling out of town and want to get home Friday night?”

“How are 7 hour cycles going to get cut down to 6 ½ hours without speeding?”

And, Arcand says, the comment heard the most often is, “Log books just make liars out of honest men”. She says many log haulers are concerned RCMP, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers and WorkSafe BC officers will not all be on the same page once the new regulations do take effect and truckers will be subject to individual officers’ interpretations.

Arcand admits Forestry TruckSafe doesn’t have all the answers to these questions. The official legislation hasn’t been signed off yet, but, she says, once it is, staff will be sitting down with CVSE staff and put together a bullet point fact sheet that will inform drivers of the legal requirements.

Arcand says Forestry TruckSafe will also be partnering with the Logging Associations around the province to build an integrated log book that will cover off all the requirements, so truckers will only have to do one log book. "We’re aiming to have those out by the end of March."

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 04:03 AM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: Mcfly on February 26 2007 8:08 AM

All other truckers have to abide by hours and regs, so why should loggers be above the laws the others need to follow?
I asked 15 years ago now why logging truck drivers could run as many hours as they like, and no log books, but every other rig on the road was not given the same freedoms.
Its about time the rules were evened out, and this was implemented.

Posted by: thereasonableman on February 27 2007 8:36 AM

"Arcand admits Forestry TruckSafe doesn�t have all the answers to these questions."

It would be more truthful for her to say that she and her program don't have any answers at all. Just a monthly, short, glib, shoot from the mouth comment about what has happened lately, and the cheque is in the bank. What does this program really accompish, achieve or even set as attainable goals ?

Remember everybody, "Snowflakes don't kill people."

Ever been caught in an avalanche or a caved-in snow shelter ?

Posted by: whynotyou on February 27 2007 8:42 AM

The main reason LTD's were singled out for exception (to SOME degree)was due to the fact it was seasonal work. An LTD (logging truck driver) could earn his 70,000 plus salary in 8 months and take the rest of the year off. But, in order to do this, they did have to work longer hours, although it was usually in a camp like setting where they did their days work, came in for dinner, a shower, and off to bed for a solid 7 hours of sleep.

Logging roads were for hauling logs....LTD's did not have to contend with day to day traffic like they do on the highways more and more often these days.

Too many truckers started believing they were invincible and that they owned the road (comes from hauling on too many logging roads for too many years where they actually DID own the road, they always had the "right of way"). Statistics please....when a Truck Driver dies on the job, it is usually a "logging" truck driver.

When the mills quote based on impossible turn-around times, the truckers drive faster and haul more weight in an attempt to "break even". To save money contractors don't grade or sand the bush roads and this puts the log haulers under more stress and in jeopardy. Which in turn puts the general public in danger.

Trucksafe BC can monitor the truckers till the cows come home, and yes - it all helps. But, until the sawmills can pay on a guaranteed minimum tonne hour rate there will be safety issues and concerns. There will be tired out truckers forging DVIP's and Trip Reports.

When we have huge corporate sawmills claiming profits in the millions or billions and tired out log truck drivers who can barely afford to buy new tires and chains, somewhere in the middle don't you think the s**t must be hitting the fan...??

I agree, all this reporting system will do is make a liar of an honest man. Go to the top, that's where the fixing should start. And the driving schools that flood us with Class One drivers who aren't even qualified emotionally to drive a boxcar should be regulated. Driving an 18 wheel truck hauling 40 tonnes is not a job you do because "it's cool".