Surf’s up at TMC

Welcome to the Truck News blog! The addition of the blog to trucknews.com not only makes the Web site more interactive, but it will also provide you with a look behind the scenes of Canada’s largest trucking newspaper.
In addition to providing thought-provoking industry commentary, we will also share some of our own stories about our experiences covering the industry and a look at the lighter side of the job we do.
I am writing my first blog entry from St. Petersburg, Florida…but you wouldn’t know it by the weather. I am here to cover the ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council meetings. If you’ve never been to TMC, it’s quite a show. In fact, technical editor John G. Smith will be accompanying me on the trip to ensure we can properly cover all this show has to offer.
I must admit, I was pleased to hear the show was taking place in Florida. It is February after all, and although there’s little time to relax here, the prospect of soaking up a few rays definitely appealed to me. But when the plane landed and they opened the doors a gale-force wind swept through the aircraft. I feared I had mistakenly boarded a flight to Winnipeg. It is cold and miserable outside, but alas, I’m here to work anyways.
There’s a lot going on at TMC this year. Many of the industry’s top suppliers are hosting press conferences over the next few days. I’m a bit surprised, considering the Mid-America Trucking Show (the industry’s favourite venue to debut new products) is just around the corner. I take it as a sign of a healthy industry. Check for updates all week on www.trucknews.com to find out what’s new and what’s coming up down the road.
As I await the first of these press conferences, the waves are crashing against the shore outside my hotel room. The taxi driver who drove me here said not everyone is upset about the weather. “You should have brought your wet suit,” he said. “Surf’s up!” Maybe next time I’ll check the weather report. One final note about this unseasonable weather we’re experiencing here. The same gale-force winds that swept through the plane when the doors were opened made for a hairy landing. A poor kid two rows ahead of me proceeded to fill not one – but two air sickness bags on our descent. It’s the first time I’ve seen one of those things used. I felt bad for the kid, but worse for the poor old codger who happened to be seated next to him.
Well, that’s all for now. I hope you check back regularly for updates from the Truck News editorial staff. Despite the weather, this promises to be an exciting week for the industry with plenty of new product announcements expected. In addition, technical guru John G. Smith will be scribbling furiously in his notepad during the technical sessions. The April issue of Truck News and Truck West will carry a full report from him.
See ya at the next stop,
James