DIGGING IN

Dispatches
Truck of the Month
Pinked out for the Cure
The color is ubiquitous and the message is universal. This 40-ton rolling billboard leaves little
doubt that St. Marys CBM is a huge supporter of breast cancer research and efforts to eradicate
the disease. Each year this Toronto-based Mack Granite and two similar sister trucks
based in eastern and western Ontario take part in dozens of community events. It’s met with
curiosity and fascination, and it’s a real conversation starter.
St Marys CBM launched the first-ever Canadian pink ready-mix truck in September 2008,
in partnership with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Since then, two more trucks
have been added to the fleet to expand the message. Nat Morlando, manager of technical
solutions for St. Marys CBM’s ready mix division says reactions to the first truck were
positive, especially from the construction crews where the product was delivered.
“It was well received right from the start,” he says. “The shock value was higher than today
because it’s been around for a few years, but as soon as we explained what it was all about
everybody got it and then started sharing stories personal experiences. We did it to raise
awareness of breast cancer, and we certainly accomplished that.”
This truck and the two others in the fleet work every day and they have dedicated
drivers who are trained to answer the inevitable questions about the paint scheme and the
awareness program.
“It’s a real source of pride for those drivers as well as St Marys CBM,” adds Morlando.
“We do it for the women in our lives, the women who work here, and for all the others we
haven’t met. It’s all about building awareness and it has generated a lot of direct contact
from the public. It has worked just the way we wanted to.”
Today’s Trucking caught up with the big pink ready-mix truck at the 7th annual Convoy
for the Cure event in Woodstock, Ontario on September. 24. TT
THE SPEC’S
2005 Mack Granite CT-713
Engine: Mack E7-ETech 350hp
Transmission: Eaton
RTO16909ALL 11-speed
Axles: Eaton DS46 tandem,
4.56:1 ratio
Suspension: 46,000-pound
Chalmers High Stability rear
with 72-inch spread. Twin
20,000-pound steer axles with
Simard equalizing suspension
and 80-inch spread.
Mixer: London Machinery nine
cubic meter mixer
Do you have an unusual, antique, or long-service truck to be profiled?
Send your Truck of the Month ideas or photos to johng@newcom.ca, or mail Today’s Trucking Magazine, 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON, M9W 5C4
NOVEMBER 2016 29