QUEBEC CITY, Que. – The Quebec Trucking Association (QTA) has adopted an eight-point code of conduct for its 1,000-plus member carriers, suppliers and shippers.

“The principle of the code of conduct was accepted at the 51st Congress (annual general meeting) in May,” says QTA executive vice-president Marc Cadieux. “When you accept to be a member of the QTA, you will agree to abide by its code of conduct.”

Members must agree to work towards improving highway security, to protect the province’s highway network and the environment. They will conform to the rules and regulations that guide the trucking industry and will promote the harmonious co-existence of the diverse user groups in the province’s highways. This co-existence will be a two-way street in la Belle Province as earlier this year, the Societe de l’assurance automobile du Quebec announced it would require automobile driving schools begin showing a video about how to share the roads with transport trucks. As well, they must begin including questions on road sharing with trucks on automobile driver exams.

From the truck-side, QTA member companies are now asked to ensure their personnel have adequate training in defensive driving, proper loading of cargo, the transportation of dangerous goods and the rules governing weights and dimensions. Members will also look for effective ways to ensure their drivers adhere to standards. They will also manage drivers’ Hours-of-Service so they conform to the law, as well as take proper account of issues relating to fatigue and driver alertness behind the wheel.

Finally, the members will work together to advance the industry and to promote equity in competition in the industry and to recognize those carriers that assume their proper costs in conforming to highway safety.

It is, says Cadieux, “a commitment to continue to do what we’ve been doing for so many years, but have never taken the time to write down.”