National Trucking Week

8 Manitoba Trucking Week 2014 Supplement to the Winnipeg Free Press Wednesday, September 10 E very day, in communities all across North America, Manitoba truckers deliver valuable cargo for their customers. Thanks to their community spirit and participation in a national initiative, many are now also delivering messages of hope and support for people affected by breast cancer. Smart Truck Canada and their dealers have joined forces with cancer care foundations across Canada to launch the Pink UnderTray Awareness Campaign. In July, Smart Truck Canada began offering bright pink UT6 undertray systems to its trucking customers, donating $350 from each sale to the cancer-care organization in the province where the equipment is sold. Buyers, encouraged to make a donation to their local cancer care foundation, also receive a large decal to attach to the truck trailer to further show support for the fight against breast cancer. Each participating truck sports the logo and distinctive signage of its home province and cancer-care foundation, but their shared message of hope is universal. The campaign is slated to continue until the end of October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada. John Manchulenko, business development manager for Smart Truck Canada, said the idea to support cancer care and create awareness began to take shape after a visit to the Mid-America Trucking Show in Kentucky this spring. Smart Truck Canada's eye-catching pink undertrays also contribute to truck and business efficiency by promoting better vehicle aerodynamics. Rectangular trailers, by design, are commonly used for hauling cargo but are also tough to pull through the air. Directly behind every trailer rolling down the highway is a low pressure wake that is the single largest element of aerodynamic drag on the entire vehicle. The wake tries to pull the vehicle backward, greatly reducing fuel efficiency. Smart Truck Canada's undertray system was designed to directly reduce the size of the drag wake and improve fuel efficiency on an average Class 8 truck during normal, long-haul highway operations. Durable and easy to install, the product has been verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership between governments and the trucking industry to improve fuel efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower air pollution. The verification means vehicles equipped with the trays are carb compliant, a requirement for trucks accessing the lucrative California market. Manchulenko said the provincial trucking community was quick to step up and support the campaign. In just under a month, more than 80 pink undertray systems were sold, a response that is gratifying, but not surprising for a province well-known for its strong sense of community and charitable spirit. "The response has been fantastic so far and that's so like Manitoba," said Manchulenko. "The fleets we have approached have been very supportive of the idea, especially many of the smaller companies. Some of the larger companies bought more than one system and also donated funds to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation." Manchulenko said the public also continues to show its appreciation for the industry's support for an important cause. Since professional truck drivers travel all over the continent, the campaign's breast cancer awareness message is reaching people every day, every where the vehicles travel. The provincial industry's driver training vehicle, commonly seen in and around Winnipeg, also features the campaign elements for added awareness in the local market. Truck drivers say that people often wave or honk when they see the pink trays and accompanying signage. Others have posed for photos by the parked trucks as a show of their support. Smart Truck Canada's campaign vehicle has been on display at CancerCare Manitoba Foundation's special events. "In addition to raising needed funds and providing exposure for the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the pink on the trucks is unique and will cause people to pause and think about the cause," said Bob Jones, vice-president of marketing and communications for the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. "The more people are aware, the more likely they are to seek ways to help. It may also remind women to get checked. Early detection can result in better outcomes." John Manchulenko, business development manager at Smart Truck Canada. Photo by Darcy Finley Supporting the fight against breast cancer, one truck at a time By Nancy Boomer For the Free Press

• Cover