By the time the snow flies this fall, the truck fleet at our Dawson Road Maintenance Service Areas are going to look much different and will continue to deliver top-of-the-line service to our communities.
Arriving over the course of this summer will be eight new International plow trucks to Service Area (SA) 16 and 22. SA 22 is also sending three Western Stars trucks to their northern neighbour, 25, to increase continuity in the yard and to be closer to a Western Stars dealership.
“We are very excited to get our hands on the new equipment. These trucks have newer technology, which will improve our efficiency and increase the quality of work of our winter operations,” said Gord Miller, Vice President, Operations DRM.
Six of the new trucks will get sent to SA 22, with a pair going to 16. Currently, the International plow trucks are either in Calgary or our Dawson International Truck Centres locations getting outfitted with all their winter operation’s needs.
The acquisition of a new fleet will create more continuity in our shops. Having trucks of the same make and model will allow our mechanics to get more work done with less down time, as this will reduce the need to order different parts for different makes and models.
“Having our trucks with their corresponding dealerships either in the same community or within a reasonable difference will make things better for everyone involved,” said Miller.
In addition to the new International trucks, six brand-new Rapid Response Units will get dispatched to SA 16, 17 and 25. It is a dream come true for Cariboo Mechanical Manager, Dave Ratch.
“I had this idea 20 years ago, that we could reduce our costs by not having our big equipment out on the road when the weather doesn’t require it,” said Ratch. “I thought we could put a bigger plow and a sander on smaller trucks and create a utility pickup truck that gives us another tool in our toolbox.”
These new Rapid Response Units will be used in the summer to remove fallen rocks and for patrolling. In the winter, they can clear intersections and put down salt or sand when needed.
With the bigger axel trucks off the road, it allows our mechanics to perform needed maintenance repairs, all while limiting the wear and tear on the pieces of equipment. DRM will also save money on fuel by having the Rapid Response units on the road patrolling, instead of the larger pieces of equipment.
“These trucks will be very beneficial to our crews with their versatility, newer systems and new technology. I can’t wait to get my hands on them and learn all about them,” said Ratch.
