The PMTC conference committee is very excited about the conference program set for June 17 & 18 in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

This year marks a return visit to this fantastic wine region for our conference, a decision driven by the many favourable reviews of the venue and the area by conference attendees.

In addition to the world-class venue, the two-day program features informative seminars that will benefit everyone involved with truck transportation, a tour of a state-of-the-art distribution centre, networking opportunities, and of course lots of food and entertainment.

The conference seminars include “Developing an Award winning Professional Driver Team,” led by Roy Craigen. Roy is the current chairman of the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council and Principal of Transcom. Roy is a true believer in the art of getting the best from your drivers and recognizing the significant role they play in developing a company’s business. He has delivered this program extensively in Western Canada and we are pleased to be presenting it at our conference. Designed for fleet operators and personnel suppliers, this seminar will provide fresh ideas on developing the driver team you need.

We’ve also engaged the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to update us on the status of Hours of Service (still a hot topic with a lot of confusion) and Trip Inspections. Dawn Stevely and Glenda Prudom will handle this practical session and provide answers to your questions.

We’ve also arranged for two experts to provide an in-depth explanation of the leading edge Six Sigma program, with a special emphasis on how it benefits fleet operators. Jim McSheffrey, a Master Black Belt who leads 3M Canada’s Six Sigma deployment, will provide an overview of the program and how it works, and Jim McKay of Praxair Canada who implemented Six Sigma with their fleet will describe the benefits that the Praxair Canada fleet realized.

Many management philosophies and programs fail to consider the truck fleet but with this seminar we are able to offer a first-hand account of how a fleet operator actually implemented the principals of Six Sigma – and lived to tell about it.

Our special guest speaker at the President’s Breakfast on Friday is Harry J. Haney III, the Associate Director of Transportation Operations for Kraft Foods with responsibility for the entire transportation network.

The Kraft Foods transportation system includes private fleets, contract carriage, for-hire carriage, and just about any other mode available. Harry’s total involvement in transportation includes a Bachelor degree in Transportation and Logistics and his current role as vice-chair of the National Private Truck Council in Washington.

We’ll also take a side-trip to the nearby John Deere Distribution Centre, a state of the art operation from which a variety of transportation modes are used to distribute parts throughout Eastern Canada.

Included in those modes is a private fleet that operates with enviable efficiency. We’ll take a first hand look at the controls John Deere employs to ensure excellent customer service. From order-picking and inventory control, to the choice of transportation mode this distribution centre is a model of efficiency.

Of course, the PMTC awards luncheon will feature the 3M Canada Vehicle Graphics Design Awards; the Zurich North America Canada Private Fleet Safety Awards; and the induction to the Cancom Tracking Driver Hall of Fame of some drivers with absolutely extraordinary safe driving records.

A full spousal program includes visits to area attractions and the beautiful village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the music of the Jack de Keyzer band at the Chairman’s Dinner Evening round out the program. Jack de Keyzer is the multiple award-winning recording artist who has played with the likes of Ronnie Hawkins, Robert Gordon, Bo Diddley and Blue Rodeo.

For dancing or listening, this will be an exceptional evening of entertainment.

So it’s all there: a valuable conference for every fleet operator in a fantastic location, at a modest price. Make plans to join fleet managers and leading industry suppliers on June 17 and 18.

If you are a PMTC member your participation will help you get the most from your membership. Not a member?

No problem, call the office to hear about our introductory package and then come on out and see what we have to offer.

– The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada is the only national association dedicated to the private trucking community. This column presents opinions on trucking issues from the perspective of private carriers. Comments can be addressed to trucks@pmtc.ca