ST. JOHN’S Nfld. – The Newfoundland and Labrador Carriers Association (NALCA) will be holding it’s annual general meeting on Mar. 1 at the Chateau Park hotel in Mount Pearl.

The NALCA was formed three years ago in order to address and improve the road transportation industry to, from and within Newfoundland and Labrador.

As well as being instrumental in developing and promoting a more open relationship among carriers to share mutual industry concerns, the NALCA also dedicates its time to improve and resolve issues ranging from government Lands and Services’ liquid spillage regulations to the ongoing discussions with driver training institutions.

Gerry Dowden, NALCA president, says this year’s meeting will include talks on Marine Atlantic and ferry services, Newfoundland insurance tax and provincial fuel tax, among others.

“We deal with a lot of trucking issues unique to Newfoundland but some concerns take us away from here as well, and we plan to address all of them,” says Dowden.

Dowden adds, that everyone involved in the road transport business can benefit from the NALCA, in that both carriers and suppliers can have access to the wealth of knowledge the Board possesses and the commitment from the Board for improving the transportation scene in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The main advantages of becoming part of the NALCA, Dowden says, is to have a voice on various trucking industry issues, and to belong to a group that deals with them.

“There is a wealth of knowledge within the members of our group that can easily be shared among anyone who needs it,” says Dowden. “And if we don’t have the answers, we will inquire on behalf of the member to find the answers.”

The Board of Directors consists of business owners and managers who freely volunteer their time to participate, and currently includes: Gerry Dowden of East Can Transport as president; Don Bursey of Bursey’s Trucking as vice-president; Gord Peddle of DD Transport as secretary; Roger Flood of Day & Ross as treasurer; Grear Hunt of Hunt’s Transport; and Bob Ledrew Jr. of Bob Ledrew and Sons Moving as directors.

An election of officers for the executive will take place at the meeting and a major recruiting drive, which has already begun with a mail program, will continue at the AGM.

“We are trying to get as many people into this meeting as we can in order to show them what we have been doing as well as highlight some of the things we are going to be doing and to let them know the benefits of becoming part of the NALCA,” says Dowden.

Members will receive updates on topics of concern, minutes of meetings and voting privileges to elect the NALCA executive.

Dowden extends an invitation to attend the AGM to meet fellow industry members eager to improve and promote the trucking and transport industry.

Membership for carriers is $200 per year and an associate membership is $100 each year. For details about membership or for more information about the AGM, contact Bob Ledrew at 709-747-1140 or Trina Clark at 709-368-1773.