The best fleet managers are always looking for opportunities to discuss new ideas or get advice for their fleet operations, but in difficult times it becomes even more critical to find out what successful fleets are doing. The agenda for the annual conference of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada has been designed to answer one topical question: How can fleet managers control or reduce costs in recessionary times? It is a question that every fleet manager has or will face, because companies are looking for an edge, a way to keep costs in line, and private fleets are not immune from the pressures of cost control.

The dates are June 18-19, and we are returning to Queen’s Landing in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. This beautiful hotel with the feel of a southern mansion has received rave reviews from past conference attendees.

Combine such an informative conference in a venue with access to many of wine country’s attractions and you have a great get-away.

This conference has become the best opportunity for those involved with private trucking to join their peers and industry suppliers in a relaxing forum where they can participate in educational and instructive seminars on current issues.

The seminars cover a wide range of topics, such as:

Hybrid technology

Manufacturers will explain the technology and operators of hybrid fleets will describe their practical experience.

Empowering for productivity

Roy Craigen of Transcom Fleet Services and past chair of the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council will lead this seminar on getting the most from your drivers – a proven source of savings.

Strategies for recessionary times Part 1 – Conserving fuel

A panel of industry professionals, fleet managers and suppliers will discuss specific steps they have taken, along with products and strategies they have implemented to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Annual legal update

Christopher Andree, who specializes in labour law and Dean Saul a well-respected transportation lawyer, both of Gowling Lafleur Henderson will update and review changes in labour and transportation law that affect the way our fleets operate.

Strategies for recessionary times Part 2 – What fleet managersare doing

We’ve assembled a panel of fleet managers who have implemented some interesting and innovative ideas for containing costs. You’ll hear from your peers about real strategies that work.

Let me preview a little of what you can expect to learn:We’ve all heard something about hybrid technology but few of us know enough to determine whether it would have an application in our particular business. This seminar will explain the technology and then we’ll hear from users of hybrid vehicles about their actual experience.

Roy Craigen is an expert communicator and trainer. He is a sought-after speaker and consultant for fleets that are seeking ways to improve productivity and team-building within the fleet. Roy will be describing how you can get your drivers to want to contribute to improving productivity, and turn them into even more valuable resources for your fleet.

Think you know all the ways to improve fuel economy? Our panel will be discussing some innovative ways that work. Fleet operators and suppliers join this panel to offer ideas and actual results from steps they’ve taken.

During our Friday morning breakfast we’ll receive a legal update with commentary on labour and transportation law.

And in Recession Strategies Part 2, our panel of fleet managers and safety experts will describe actual cost-control initiatives and safety management strategies that have worked for them.

And of course we’ll mix in a little social time at the Chairman’s Reception and Dinner Evening where we will experience an evening of great food and entertainment featuring stand-up comedy.

A highlight of the conference is always the Annual Awards Luncheon. It is during this event that we celebrate some of the best that trucking has to offer.

The Private Fleet Safety Awards, sponsored by Zurich, recognize some of the safest private fleets in Canada. We continue celebrating excellence with the induction of professionals into the Hall of Fame for Professional Drivers, sponsored by Huron Services Group. The Hall of Fame resides on the PMTC Web site (www.pmtc.ca).

And of course the Vehicle Graphics Design Awards, sponsored by 3M Canada are always a crowd favourite.

Conference registration information is available on our Web site (www.pmtc.ca)or by calling the office (905-827-0587). •

– The Private Motor Truck Council is the only national association dedicated to the private trucking community. Your comments or questions can be addressed totrucks@pmtc.ca.