MAYNARD FRIESEN Vice President, Sales & Operations Q-Line Trucking
Not long ago, we were able to fit any tractor on a standard step deck. In the past two years, we have seen equipment move onto trailers with a number of axles that we haven’ t seen before, leaving dealers and carriers scrambling for equipment and capable drivers.
$ 100k, this potentially puts you at risk, as the majority of new 4WD Tractors and Combines are valued over a million dollars. Here in Canada, this can be particularly detrimental to you as the dealer if your equipment is damaged in transit. If the value of your equipment is not properly documented on the BOL, the value to the insurance company is automatically defaulted to $ 2.00 per lb. Thus, if your combine is 65,000 lbs. and your carrier has misrepresented or not documented the value, your compensation for that damage is only $ 130,000 and not the true value of the commodity. In the U. S., the Carmack Amendment allows for the dealer to receive full invoiced value( value stated on the BOL) for any loss or damage to the property.
So, if you haven’ t already done so, take some time to evaluate your current carrier network’ s insurance. What is the actual cargo limit on your carrier’ s policy? Are they willing to show proof of insurance directly from their broker? Can they scale coverage if the value of the load demands it? If they don’ t have the required standard value, can they get an insurance rider?
Some of you may already have a local carrier that is reliable and has provided you with consistent transportation services for many years, yet may not have the insurance limit you require. We have seen that some dealers, in this case, choose to purchase an insurance plan themselves as a backup or even as the primary protection for freight in transit. This can be a proactive way to close the risk gap and ensure you’ re not left exposed in the event of a claim.
We have found that the dealers we’ ve worked with feel more at ease when there is transparency around who is carrying the risk if damage in transit should occur.
QUESTION 3 How much do you know about your transportation provider?
If you are in the process of evaluating your current transportation network or looking to procure carriers for upcoming freight, there are a few foundational questions that will set you and your logistics department up for success. In the transportation industry, there are several benchmarks that indicate the strength and health of a carrier.
Here is a“ carrier checklist” to support quality outcomes:
• Have you verified your carrier’ s operating authority?( U. S. DOT or Canadian NSC)
• Does your carrier have certifications- for example, C-TPAT, PIP, etc.
• Is your carrier maintaining a“ satisfactory” safety rating with NSC and the FMCSA? Are you confirming this regularly?
• Do you have access to real-time GPS tracking once the load is in transit?
• Are your carrier’ s trucks equipped with intelligent dashcams or other safety technology to support accountability?
Although not extensive, checklists like these help support a thorough evaluation process, promote safety, and build strong supplier relationships.
The more manufacturers and dealers invest in these standards, the more evident they become industrywide. Safety and consistency should be a guiding principle of the carriers that you choose to contract with. No matter where you are in the carrier procurement process, these guidelines will help you determine that you are working with the right solutions provider. EDM
Maynard Friesen, Vice President of Sales & Operations at Q-Line Trucking, embodies a unique blend of seasoned expertise, entrepreneurial vigor, and strategic leadership, making him an indispensable pillar of our organization. With a career trajectory characterized by a profound understanding of logistical intricacies and a relentless pursuit of operational excellence, Maynard stands as a cornerstone of our success.
With a foundation rooted in his formative years on a farm, Maynard cultivated a deep-seated understanding of machinery and mechanics, laying the groundwork for a career defined by innovation and proficiency. Transitioning seamlessly from his role as a mechanic at an automotive dealership to co-ownership of a manufacturing company, Maynard ' s tenure was marked by exceptional achievements, including being honored as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 1993.
In his current capacity as Vice President of Sales & Operations at Q-Line Trucking, Maynard oversees a fleet exceeding 300 trucks and orchestrates terminal operations across multiple locations with meticulous precision. His strategic vision and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction have led to the establishment of warehousing solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clientele.
Managing the execution of over 50,000 shipments annually, Maynard ensures seamless coordination and delivery, underscoring his dedication to operational efficiency and client-centricity. Furthermore, his stewardship extends to the management of a CAPEX budget surpassing $ 15 million per year, facilitating strategic investments in expanding our fleet and enhancing our infrastructure.
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SPRING 2026 • EQUIPMENT DEALER MAGAZINE 13