particularly tough on the mechanical condition of the trucks.  To ensure that all trucks traveling on our highways are safe and in good working order the Provincial Department of Works, Services, and Transportation requires that all trucks pass an annual inspection at a licensed inspection station.   Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Woodlands requires an additional inspection, which is very thorough and is also done by a qualified mechanic, using Company criteria.

 For the past two years Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Woodlands has engaged the services of Norm Osmond, a certified heavy-duty equipment mechanic and a tractor-trailer owner/operator with thirty years of experience repairing trucks and hauling wood.  Norm performs almost all of his own repairs and knows exactly what to look for when it comes to truck safety.  Among the list of items inspected are tires, brakes, front ends, fifth wheels, lights, and load binding equipment.  Inspection deficiencies are broken into three categories - Minor, Major and Severe.  If a deficiency is found the trucker is required to correct it within a specified time frame; typically Minors are 1-2 weeks, Majors 1 week or less and Severe is immediate and the truck is parked until repaired.  Woodlands Operations Superintendents are given copies of all deficiencies and ensure that they are corrected within the time frames specified.

In September 2003, 67 truck inspections were conducted.  Of those inspected, 22 trucks (33%) had a perfect score with no deficiencies and five trucks had minor deficiencies, ranging from minor adjustments of fifth wheel to a missing inspection tag on a fire extinguisher.  Of the remaining trucks, 16 had severe deficiencies requiring immediate attention, ranging from badly worn brake parts to badly worn fifth wheels, while 11 had major deficiencies.

 Congratulations are extended to the 22 owner/operators whose trucks had a perfect score on this year’s inspection.  These employees were recognized as CBPP Woodlands’ Outstanding Performers in September.  In 2002, there were eight trucks with no deficiencies; four of which were repeat performers this year.  A special “thank you” goes to Norm Osmond for his dedication to safety, making this program a success.

 These truck safety inspections are just another way of taking extra measures to ensure the safety of the motoring public and of course, our drivers.   We are extremely proud of our truckers and pleased with their support and cooperation when it comes time to do an inspection on their truck.

“A very thorough inspection”