tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26478665155703213012024-03-13T05:03:23.609-05:00The Caldwell's in CanadaHere For The Long HaulDave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.comBlogger433125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-68189205235410549862022-11-24T17:03:00.004-06:002022-11-24T17:08:21.849-06:00<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijnq-Xu8J9Pby2J79pyhBBiifJSRhkzkXe9F00SCvz70ogC7ZYLFhcOoZm6bRzNiWO8odhf5qs1WY0iZdOR4MJLlIN_cP3pbhgiObzrXz5rjfJUMEnDW9H5mIvxE5FBk0svEV88tOU66-dP-UOzae80sGg0oi3sZMYghSk56qtssHUFBnaghE3_wc5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="699" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijnq-Xu8J9Pby2J79pyhBBiifJSRhkzkXe9F00SCvz70ogC7ZYLFhcOoZm6bRzNiWO8odhf5qs1WY0iZdOR4MJLlIN_cP3pbhgiObzrXz5rjfJUMEnDW9H5mIvxE5FBk0svEV88tOU66-dP-UOzae80sGg0oi3sZMYghSk56qtssHUFBnaghE3_wc5=w583-h699" width="583" /></a></div><br /> Wow, haven't been on here for years. On youtube now, take a look.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQAIMKosBJTb4qc78lTk2Fg/featured" target="_blank">Here For The Long Haul</a><br /></p>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-7239868954145145492015-07-14T13:18:00.000-05:002015-07-14T13:57:30.673-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Going to very quickly bring you up to date as I am going to resurrect this blog for a couple of weeks.</div>
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I am still an owner operator at Penner International and still going well.<br />
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In August last year Sue and I became grandparents for the first time, Gary and Amber had a son, Carson, love him to bits.</div>
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Now the main reason for blogging again is all to do with what is happening tomorrow. We leave on a bike tour, a motorcycle that is. In fact this one to be more precise.</div>
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We also have a precise route we want to take, attractions we want to see and things to do along the way. Around 4200 miles and taking at least two weeks to do it in.<br />
We have only had this bike for a few month after selling the older one we had. It's a 2006 Honda Gold Wing, 1800cc engine and all the extras. It comes fully loaded with heated grips and seats, audio system, sat nav, cruise control, abs......could go on and on.<br />
Anyhow here is a pic of our intended route and I will update with pics and destinations as we go.<br />
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Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-53456000852905390442013-11-22T16:51:00.000-06:002013-11-22T16:51:28.302-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This new gig as an owner operator is going really well so far. Still getting a good combination of miles and home time.<br />
I spent this week running with my brother from another mother, Neal. Not sure why people think we are brothers lol.<br />
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Anyway we had the same drops and picks so made a nice change to be running with someone else for a full trip.</div>
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Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-36898754655235893192013-10-14T07:35:00.000-05:002013-10-14T07:36:51.239-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few shots while it was in Penners body shop and the finished article before leaving on its maiden voyage.</div>
Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-58182046540019101152013-10-13T22:00:00.001-05:002013-10-13T22:00:17.043-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am back home after my first trip in the truck. The trip was 4874 miles with 2 drops, 4 trailer swaps and 6 border crossings. I returned home with a very nice 9.1 mpg average for the trip. So far so good.</div>
Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-66237026978151532252013-09-18T04:31:00.001-05:002013-09-18T04:31:29.984-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Some more up to date pics of my truck. Volvo have now done everything to it that they need to, it goes to Thermo King this week to get a <a href="http://www.tkwinnipeg.com/tripac_evolution.htm" target="_blank">TriPac apu</a> fitted then should be in Penners next week for licensing, safety, qualcomm fitted and decals.</div>
Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-53572188168495522952013-09-12T19:45:00.002-05:002013-09-12T19:45:51.582-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Once again I have been asked to bring the blog up to date (your fault Mr. Coles lol). This week I gave my notice of resignation to Andy. It's one of the hardest things I have ever done.<br />
The reason for this is not to go and work somewhere else but I am buying my own truck and doing it for myself.<br />
I am buying a Volvo VNL 670 and putting it to work at Penners so not a lot will change apart from who has to pay the bills. I hope to have it on the road by the beginning of next month, more pics to come nearer the time.<br />
We had my parents come and visit again this year for Gary and Amber's wedding and we are planning a holiday in UK next year for my Nieces wedding.<br />
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Autumn is coming very quickly and we have had the logs delivered ready for winter. Sue has been working hard all summer in the yard and has kept it looking very nice.<br />
I will get up to Winnipeg and take some more pictures of the truck as they prepare it for the road.</div>
Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-53028361735325202472012-10-21T09:16:00.001-05:002012-10-21T09:16:46.646-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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4145 miles, 7 days. 3 drops, 2 picks and 2 trailer swaps.</div>
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Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-15564980991435817392012-10-21T07:48:00.002-05:002012-10-21T07:50:43.043-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been quite a while since I last posted anything on here and after many requests decided it was time to bring you all up to date.<br />
First thing you may have noticed is the picture at the top of the page, my current ride at Penners and by far the best so far. It's a Volvo 670 powered by a Cummins ISX and Meritor auto shift transmission.<br />
Summer has been a busy time for me, both at work and home. Still getting good miles, being treated well by Andy and Penners so it's still going well there.<br />
At home we have been getting out as much as possible, meals out most times I am home, concerts, casinos and generally enjoying life here.<br />
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Gary, our first born, is getting married next year to Amber and preparation for the social is well under way. 10th November will be a good time, as will the 11th when Andy & Donna are taking us back to Celebrations again for our Christmas party.</div>
Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-57971215037043361062012-06-01T09:41:00.001-05:002012-06-01T10:29:12.175-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beware of low flying aircraft.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train crossing ahead.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything is bigger in Texas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charity bike run at Limon, CO</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Garden 2 nights on the trot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We looked after Gary's dog for 2 weeks and our newest addition, a stray we have named Misty, on the left.</td></tr>
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I made a conscious decision to leave the blog alone for a while, it was getting harder and slightly tedious trying to keep it interesting so I have decided to cut right back on the postings and only blog when I have something that interests me or I think may be of interest to others.<br />
Everything still going really well at work, 3 years service achieved last week and I am now at home for 16 days off while we have some special visitors come and stay with us.</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-40295346815161015892012-03-25T19:02:00.001-05:002012-03-25T19:02:56.067-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2366 Miles, 4 days.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a nap.</td></tr>
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Just a short 4 day trip after spending 5 hours waiting at the border because of a screw up by Livingston, the customs broker (agent).<br />
Only spending the one night at home as I want to get another trip in before we go away for the weekend next week.<br />
Leaving tomorrow going to Oshkosh, Wi so that will get me home in nice time with good miles again this month.</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-84829544107997621222012-03-22T17:02:00.001-05:002012-03-22T17:02:23.418-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4716 miles, 10 days.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and after!!!!!</td></tr>
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This was a very enjoyable trip where everything went according to plan, well almost. I had a collection in New Jersey which lost me about two hours and 50 miles trying to get to the place avoiding truck restrictions, weight limits and low bridges. It turned out to be a nightmare and wasn't any easier getting back out the place. I don't think I could find it again even after having been there!<br />
The snow has completely gone and Manitoba has been experiencing some very nice warm and sunny weather, the shorts are back out and the bbq has been used, bring on the summer. </div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-51458915913277702932012-03-08T14:34:00.000-06:002012-03-08T14:34:06.794-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-15870644766534467782012-03-07T10:00:00.000-06:002012-03-07T13:03:13.193-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF3t11MeGGQ/T1eDIzfABmI/AAAAAAAAHGM/eTIqRl_FA_A/s1600/2990+miles,+5+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF3t11MeGGQ/T1eDIzfABmI/AAAAAAAAHGM/eTIqRl_FA_A/s320/2990+miles,+5+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2990 miles, 5 days</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I94 Michigan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minneapolis, MN</td></tr>
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Left home Thursday morning with a delivery in Menasha, Wi. I had my reload Thursday afternoon which I would be loading in Appleton, Wi only 5 miles from my delivery and going to Mississauga, On.<br />
I made my way to Appleton Friday morning to pick up my reload.<br />
After loading I was soon on my way to Mississauga where I was to just switch trailers and head back to Shekopee, Mn for a delivery Monday morning.<br />
On the bay 9am Monday and empty by noon, the poor guy on his own had to hand ball the full load off.<br />
Now empty again it was up to Cloquet, Mn to switch once again and bring back to Steinbach.<br />
3 days off now and will leave again Friday.</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-23344595952026899292012-02-29T16:03:00.000-06:002012-02-29T16:03:04.086-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBPsXMChdWk/T06X87zERXI/AAAAAAAAHFU/GnhJBTdzFaY/s1600/2916+miles,+5+days.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBPsXMChdWk/T06X87zERXI/AAAAAAAAHFU/GnhJBTdzFaY/s320/2916+miles,+5+days.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2916 miles, 5 days</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2600 miles, 4 days then wrecker home</td></tr>
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This trip took me to Kimper, Ky. I left Thursday mid morning and went out to Portage La Prairie, Mb to load and met up en route with Clarence, Bryn and Neal in Lebanon, Indiana Saturday night. These guys were travelling in style in Clarence's pick up truck going to Nashville to take delivery of two brand new Freightliners. I made my delivery Saturday evening and picked up my reload in Lawrenceburg, Indiana Sunday afternoon, going straight back to Steinbach.<br />
On my way home I managed to catch up with Bryn and Neal again in their new trucks, unfortunately only one was able to make it home under it's own steam! They look really nice but maybe not on the back of a tow truck.<br />
Got home Monday evening and leave again Thursday morning with two drops on, 1st in Wisconsin and 2nd in Illinois.<br />
<br /></div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-9388125721887560582012-02-22T20:10:00.001-06:002012-02-22T20:10:45.662-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3179 miles, 6 days</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Wonderland</td></tr>
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Just had a few days at home after this last trip. During my time at home we had the heaviest snowfall this year, about 9" overnight, so I spent a couple of hours Tuesday clearing the drive while Sue cleared the path. It looked good until it snowed again in the afternoon.<br />
Next morning we were going up to Steinbach and there was 5 cars in just a few miles in the ditch, the snow had frozen during the night and made the roads extremely dangerous.<br />
The roads are mainly clear again now and tomorrow I leave to go to Kimper, Ky, a load I have done a few times.</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-82274487601119661972012-02-11T19:12:00.003-06:002012-02-11T19:29:40.960-06:00A funny thing happened on the way to.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4324 miles, 8 days.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
This trip was going extremely well until........ I loaded and left Friday and delivered in Johnson City, Tn Monday morning. My reload was from Orangeburg, SC going to Mississauga, On to deliver Wednesday morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I informed dispatch I would be there Tuesday afternoon and was cleared to just switch in Mississauga and deliver my next load in Oakdale Mn. That's when my luck started to change.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I arrived at US Customs at the Detroit border Thursday 5.30am, the officer asked me the usual questions, handed back my passport and "FAST" card and said "Have a nice day", if only!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
90 mile west of Detroit my phone rang, it was dispatch, "Dave, where are you?" "90 mile west of Detroit" "How did you manage to clear customs?" So I explained the process and the line went a little quiet then "ok I have a contact name and number at CBP (Customs and border patrol) Detroit that you need to call asap"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I called and it turned out that my load had been selected to go to x ray at Detroit before leaving, one problem..... the officer didn't ask me to go to x ray. There was no way around this, I had to return to detroit for x ray or they would come looking for me and if they had to do that I would be arrested.</div>
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5 hours later, a personal escort through the scanner and an encounter with the k9 unit at CBP I was now free to leave and head towards my delivery.</div>
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I arrived 3 hours late at my delivery because of this fiasco but they were very good about it, and I was now planned to switch trailers only 15 minutes away and take that load to Winnipeg. </div>
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Back home safe now and don't want to ever repeat what happened this week, it's not a nice feeling.</div>
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</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-44689749340963356012012-02-11T16:31:00.001-06:002012-02-12T09:55:40.039-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>A WORD OF WARNING</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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It came to light this week that a certain forum "British Truckers Abroad" has been getting paid by recruiters. That in itself is no big deal but they actively promote these companies as a good option to come to Canada, the latest pays 24.5 cents per mile, well below the average and would be almost impossible to live on. Their is plenty information out there and it is up to the individual to distinguish between fact and fiction.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I pride myself in being totally honest , although outspoken, and will continue to be so.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It seems I got banned from this forum for being abusive, I called the recruiter a liar when he claimed it was a great job with good opportunities, well sorry but 24.5 cpm is abysmal at best and would almost certainly lead to failure here in Canada.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If considering emigrating ask yourself a couple of questions before choosing your new employer. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If the job is as good as they promise why are they having trouble finding drivers and keeping them? Why are they spending a huge amount of money hiring full time recruiters and trainers to recruit from abroad?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Also be careful of some of the drivers sitting in their ivory towers claiming to know best, a few on this forum have already claimed that this is a good opportunity but yet would not do that job for that money themselves.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*UPDATE*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It seems that it is acceptable to have a go at drivers as a group but not as an individual, that will get you a ban and reported lol</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This doesn't count by britincanada</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">quote "bleating, moaning, pessimistic British truckers who quite frankly would not get a job back in the UK anyway. Lets face it would you want to employ these wasters who slag off and slate everyone who trys to give others a chance there are to many on here"</span>
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</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-28362519935435317612012-02-11T16:15:00.002-06:002012-02-12T07:46:35.582-06:00Fame but no Fortune<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9D61ymXez4/TzbnR0PQqsI/AAAAAAAAHD0/tv1Lm3OSOsU/s1600/TP-Cover-Feb2012_web.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9D61ymXez4/TzbnR0PQqsI/AAAAAAAAHD0/tv1Lm3OSOsU/s200/TP-Cover-Feb2012_web.gif" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Found in Truck Stops Across Canada</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was approached a number of weeks ago by a writer, Kathryn Thorpe Klassen, and asked if I would like to be featured in an article in the magazine. I agreed and made it into the February issue.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The online version can be found <a href="http://www.supplypost.com/Construction-Equipment-News-Article.aspx?ID=226" target="_blank">here</a>. I think it turned out rather well even if I do say so myself although the hard copy is much better.</div>
</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-84504299181984943572012-01-22T17:09:00.003-06:002012-01-22T17:11:57.651-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>MISSING</b></span></div>
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Buster has been missing since January 16th. He was out with our other dog, his sister Jasmine, when they both roamed off. That is not very unusual, they often go hunting together but what was unusual was when Jasmine came home an hour later on her own.</div>
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There has not been any sightings since then and we now fear the worst. It is possible he has been caught in a trap or maybe picked up by someone.</div>
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We still hope for his safe return but in our heart of hearts feel it may be too late. Jasmine has been very timid without him, it is the first time they have been apart from birth.</div>
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We have always accepted that something like this may happen, we do live in the country and hunting and trapping is a big way of life out here.</div>
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We will continue to hope that one day he may show up.</div>
</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-6035452244940539942012-01-14T12:32:00.000-06:002012-01-14T12:32:12.949-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsrtWNvTRHQ/TxHHTiJkgBI/AAAAAAAAHDY/wvA7SVKIKmA/s1600/DSCN2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsrtWNvTRHQ/TxHHTiJkgBI/AAAAAAAAHDY/wvA7SVKIKmA/s320/DSCN2578.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right. Sue, me, Neal, Samantha, Tiffany, Clarence, Bryn, Majka, Annette, Martyn.<br /></td></tr>
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We had a really special night out last week. Martyn and Annette were over on a visit and it was there last night in Canada before catching the flight back home.<br />
A limo was booked and paid for, thank you very much you know who you are, and took us all to Tony Roma's in Winnipeg. The food was excellent as was the company, what a great night.</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-75496604794138100292012-01-04T08:45:00.000-06:002012-01-04T08:45:31.183-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Merry Christmas & Happy New Year</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0H42buOpH0/TwRjxo7N13I/AAAAAAAAHC4/1rkXNx0nG4A/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0H42buOpH0/TwRjxo7N13I/AAAAAAAAHC4/1rkXNx0nG4A/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3227 miles, 5 days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wishing our family and friends all the very best for 2012. I ended 2011 with a trip out to Watertown, NY with a reload out of Rotterdam Junction, NY going back to Steinbach. It was the perfect trip to fit in between Christmas and new year, giving me good miles and letting me spend time at home.</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-66657245475002493002011-12-21T19:14:00.001-06:002011-12-21T19:14:23.176-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnM2FRTMSOk/TvKDYxaXEkI/AAAAAAAAHCs/9EUOVMCfttw/s1600/1915+miles%252C+4+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnM2FRTMSOk/TvKDYxaXEkI/AAAAAAAAHCs/9EUOVMCfttw/s320/1915+miles%252C+4+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1915 miles, 4 days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This short trip would have been 3 days and I would have got another trip done before Christmas but the shipper in Chicago didn't want to play. I waited 4 hours for them to load my trailer and start my journey home. That meant I didn't get out of Illinois before running out of time Saturday night and as a result didn't get home till 8.00 Monday morning.<br />
Not to worry it has given me a nice break before Christmas.</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-25799851983585348212011-12-21T11:32:00.004-06:002011-12-21T11:32:31.496-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AEK_HlY7rI/TvIX0O0bvQI/AAAAAAAAHCY/G9U_UqWap1Y/s1600/DSCN1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AEK_HlY7rI/TvIX0O0bvQI/AAAAAAAAHCY/G9U_UqWap1Y/s320/DSCN1680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eIJkXjP-jk/TvIX1i1BxSI/AAAAAAAAHCg/XWn5nATgJrw/s1600/ram_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eIJkXjP-jk/TvIX1i1BxSI/AAAAAAAAHCg/XWn5nATgJrw/s1600/ram_logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">How
have GPS Trackers changed trucking?</span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Satellite controlled devices are quickly
becoming a standard piece of kit in trucks all over the world, if you work for
one of the larger trucking companies the chances are they are using satellites
to keep an eye on you and keep you safe, even if you work for yourself using
satellites for navigation can make a days work a lot easier. RAM GPS Trackers are a British company that
install a lot of these <a href="http://www.remoteassetmanagement.co.uk/">fleet
management</a> devices and have written a brief explanation on how these
devices work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">The
origins of GPS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Like a lot of modern technology GPS has
it’s origins in the U.S. Military the satellites that are used to help navigate
and track your truck were originally designed to guide missiles and smart
bombs. Using satellites has completely
changed the nature of warfare; during WWII bombs dropped from a high altitude
could land over a half a mile away from their target and still be counted as a
hit. Now however missiles and bombs are
guided by satellites and are expected to land within meters of the desired
target. This means it’s not only
possible to hit individual buildings but sometimes isolated rooms of
buildings. The result is that civilian
casualties can be minimised and fighting can be a lot cleaner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">As with a lot of technologies as GPS has
developed domestic and business uses have been found for it prices have fallen
and satnavs have become available not just to professional drivers but also to
individuals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">How
does it work?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">There are two kinds of tracking systems,
‘active’ and ‘passive’ trackers. If your
trucks location can be monitored by your company or even your family online
your system will be using active tracking, if you just have a satnav device
that helps you determine your location it will most likely be using passive
tracking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The technology behind the two tracking
systems is essentially the same. The
device in your vehicle searches the skies for signals being broadcast from
navigational satellites orbiting the earth.
Your devices are able to work out exactly how far away it is from the
satellite by calculating the time taken for the signal to reach you. As long as the device has been able to read
three or more signals it is able to triangulate your position and give an
accurate reading of where you are. If
the device monitors how quickly your position changes it is also able to
calculate the direction and velocity that you are travelling at.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">There are twenty seven navigational
satellite currently orbiting the earth (each weighing between three and four
thousand pounds!), twenty four of these need to be operational at all times to
ensure that the whole planet has satellite coverage, the remaining three are on
standby ready to activate instantly if something should happen to the others ensuring
that the whole planet can always be covered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Passive
tracking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Passive tracking devices are most commonly
used for navigation, after calculating your position the device can compare it
to internally stored maps and tell you exactly where you are. It can then use its software to work out the
best route to get to a selected location and give you directions. Other uses of passive tracking include geo
tagging photos, or offering you location based advertising on your cell phone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Active
tracking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Active tracking is where your position is
then uploaded to the internet using a GPRS connection. This is the same connection that mobile
phones use, so it will only work if there is network reception. Once your position is uploaded to the
internet anyone who has permission to access this information can see exactly
where you are and exactly what speed you’re travelling at. This is useful for large trucking companies
who want to see exactly where there assets are allowing them to check they are
safe. Some delivery companies use this
information to quickly find out who their closest asset is to a pick up. Families of truck drivers away from home for
prolonged periods of time are often also able to access this information to
keep track of their loved ones progress and check they are ok easily. Outside of the trucking industry this
technology is also very useful to the emergency services that can quickly send
the closest response team to an incident and easily track their progress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">The
future of GPS trackers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The price and sophistication of this
technology are constantly improving, and new innovations seem to always be
around the corner. The latest cell
phones can already use GPS trackers to completely change their behaviour depending
on where you are but what are the next changes likely to be for truckers? Well Google have just patented technology
that allows a vehicle to drive its self using satellite navigation, the self
drive car has been a fantasy for years but GPS trackers means it might not be
too far from reality. What could this
mean for the trucking industry?</span></div>
</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647866515570321301.post-3705719194057796772011-12-15T07:45:00.000-06:002011-12-15T07:45:05.154-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JWw6a4zQXk/Tun4Gx8A0pI/AAAAAAAAHCE/vyhv21rwGr0/s1600/2740+miles%252C+5+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JWw6a4zQXk/Tun4Gx8A0pI/AAAAAAAAHCE/vyhv21rwGr0/s320/2740+miles%252C+5+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2740 miles, 5 days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCMsBkyU2m0/Tun4JXMLMeI/AAAAAAAAHCM/_7c8MJyRt5c/s1600/7ec4723289837b50050acb6b2aeef99c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCMsBkyU2m0/Tun4JXMLMeI/AAAAAAAAHCM/_7c8MJyRt5c/s320/7ec4723289837b50050acb6b2aeef99c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new iphone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just a quick visit home to reset my hours and then get another trip in before Christmas. Christmas won't be the same for us this year, Gary and Craig both have their own place, the other side of their family to visit so this year we are planning Christmas dinner on the 23rd, it's the only time we could all manage to get together with work and family gatherings.<br />
Sue goes back to work on 26th so I have decided I may as well do the same.<br />
After a few weeks deliberating about which phone I should get I eventually decided on the iphone, once I work out how to use it I think I will be very happy with it ;-))</div>Dave Caldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15116475726442624124noreply@blogger.com2