Dear Editor,

I just read the article in the December issue of Truck News – the one by Mark Ram from Markel. I do not know of one company or individual who has insurance that has not gone up over the years, and this year in particular rates have doubled, and tripled.

I’ve also heard about comments such as: “We don’t insure that type of business any more” or “You must own at least 10 units before we will even talk to you.”

What happens to the small carriers that have been the backbone of this and many other industries in Canada? In the article, Mr. Ram indicates that truckers should just increase the rates for detention delays, stop offs, etc. But I have asked and tried, and the answer is “Too bad. You do it, or we will get some one else to do the job, who does not whine and cry and or complain.”

The truth is, we can’t control our rates to the extent suggested by Mr. Ram – we have to provide service that is competitive, or else there is always someone else who will do it cheaper.

We don’t have the luxury of being able to control, or set our rates, or target some commodities that are shipped.

Doug Trott

Via email