N.B. invention solves anti-idling problem for truckers

A Moncton truck driver and inventor says he's come up with a solution to a problem raised by increasing anti-idling legislation in the States.

It's illegal in many American statesto leave tractor-trailer units running for a prolongedperiod of time. Some of the fines are as high as $25,000 US for more thanfive minutes of idling. That makes it illegal for drivers to heat their cabs in order get some sleep during their downtime.

Rodney Foreman, who runs six trucks for Midland Transport that head to the U.S. every week, says that's a problem.

"There's already a few states were you can't idle already, and I have to buy motel rooms at times for drivers because they'd be in areas where they can't run their trucks."

But Foreman says he has the solution. Trailers used to transport perishable cargo have temperature-regulating units attached to them, to keep things a safe temperature.

After months of testing, Forman says he's found a way to use the units to keep drivers comfortable as well, hooking a truck's cab heater to the unit, instead of an idling engine.

Midland contributed a new trailer for Foreman to work on his final patents with. He says he hopes to see the invention heading down the highway within a few months.