Saskatchewan Update

The end of 2020 concluded a very busy year for our Saskatoon yard, where we saw many changes. Our yard size was significantly increased, and security walls were installed throughout. A Driver supply trailer was also put in place in the 75 yard and as the year came to an end, we opened the Buffalo Lounge, where our Drivers can relax during long breaks and resets. Our full-time Bison mobile Technician, Travis, has also now been in place for a full year, and having him available in the yard has been a huge success, his presence having been very well received.

Finally, during the last days of 2020, our new Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) container was brought into Saskatoon. The DEF tanks have been filled and last-minute connection hiccups are being addressed. The announcement of our DEF tanks going ‘live’ in Saskatoon is expected during the very early part of January 2021. We also plan to install an air compressor within the DEF container for trailer blow out/cleaning. The lengthy compressor hose will allow access to the full trailer interior, ensuring all areas can be reached and that thorough cleanings can occur. The garbage and recycling containers will be relocated nearby to set up a ‘trailer clean out area’. Extra lighting will also be installed by the new DEF container, which will add illumination to the clean out area as well as to our LCV staging area. In the coming months, we hope to also obtain some yard maintenance equipment. This will assist us with snow removal in the winter and ground maintenance in the summer months.

UPDATE Jan. 5 - The Saskatoon Yard’s new Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) container is now in place, tanks are full, and connections have been checked and verified. We are now “live” and operational for DEF in Saskatoon’s  Bison 75 yard.

Regina

Our goal moving forward towards the end of 2020 and into the new year was to improve our wi-fi system, in order to improve internet access inside the Regina terminal and in the yard. The recent EFS card access installation in our DEF shed in the fall also allowed us to utilize the DEF shed roof to mount a wi-fi extension antenna. This was done just before Christmas and Drivers should now notice a bit better connection range further out in the yard. We also recognized the frustration caused by intermittent internet access within the Regina office over the past months. The internet service quality would vary from day to day, and at times from hour to hour. As a result of these issues, we have been in discussions with our Systems Support team to replace our current internet connection with a fiber optic connection. Watch for this in 2021.

Any questions or concerns about our Saskatchewan yards can be forwarded to Rob Ruiters, SK Manager, at rruiters@bisontransport.com .