It may be an inside baseball cliché to many of us in the industry, but I never tire of reminding people who I know that: “If you got it, it came by truck”. 

But what does that mean, exactly? Well, on the surface, it means that whether it’s the first mile from the manufacturer, the last mile to the store or to a customer’s house – or any stop in between – a truck and professional truck driver has touched that item along its way.

However, in the background, the security and certainty we as Canadians expect when it comes to our everyday needs is made possible because of the sophistication and reliability of our modern supply chain. That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes constant effort by industry leaders acting in good faith, working with stakeholders and decision makers who truly have the best interests of Canadians and the economy in mind. 

Along the way, there are always challenges that sometimes make this difficult to achieve, from unforeseen market forces, economic disruption and unconstructive – perhaps even nefarious – actors in both industry and government, who for whatever reason, choose to stand in the way of progress.

And yet, our industry continues to get stronger because, for the most part, there are those of us who believe in more than profit and want to see a trucking industry that continues to support the fabric of society for generations to come.     

Everyone has a voice

It is for that reason that I am so proud to be part of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and its current chairman. The CTA, in case you don’t already know, is in an alliance of the seven provincial trucking associations whose mission is to promote the industry as a whole and communicate the interests of 4,000 member carriers from across Canada to Ottawa, various non-governmental organizations, and the public.

As a small fleet owner from B.C., I am living proof that everyone within the alliance has a voice and everyone’s opinion matters no matter where in Canada you are domiciled.  

It’s likely not a surprise to many readers of this website, that one of CTA’s main goals for 2024 is to continue seeking justice for truck drivers who are victims of labor abuse by Driver Inc. companies who use the misclassification scheme to rob employees of their rights and benefits while also undercutting Canadians by not paying taxes that are supposed to fund critical programs like healthcare.

Unrelenting in our goal

I can promise that CTA will be unrelenting in our goal to see meaningful, widespread enforcement across Canada. We can do this with your help. It is essential that all responsible, compliant companies get involved. 

CTA recently launched a social media campaign that so far has motivated more than 6,000 Canadian citizens to send a letter to their MPs demanding the end of Driver Inc. While that’s a good number, we would generate 6,000 emails a week if every carrier and driver who’s tired of the underground economy sent just one email.

That’s a powerful, collective voice that Ottawa would have to address – whether the issue is Driver Inc., poorly crafted regulations, or unfair taxes. 

Full agenda

On top of battling Driver Inc., CTA’s agenda for 2024 remains full.

A few issues that will take center stage, include: The establishment of national committees to deal with interprovincial trade barriers such oversize loads, winter clearance and the need for highway improvements and more rest areas, nationally; a comprehensive report on the state of alternative engine technology as Canada sets to propose new engine regs for heavy trucks; lobbying for an extension of a carbon tax suspension to diesel fuel; a review of licensing, training and related funding for commercial drivers; cross-border improvements to policies involving in-transits, administrative monetary penalties, and empty trailer moves.

There are many other issues that will receive our attention involving labor, transport safety, the environment, immigration, etc. Undoubtably, there are matters somewhere along this diverse spectrum that are important to you. Make your voice heard through your local provincial association; they will represent you well at the national CTA table. The sustainability of our great industry depends on it.