TIRF report calls for improvements in truck driver training
A new report from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) with support of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) highlights the need for better entry-level driver training in Canada.
Key findings included: shared leadership and action are required to improve road safety and protect the integrity of Canada’s supply chain; entry-level training (ELT) has provided a solid foundation for drivers to pass the licensing test but there are inconsistencies in training delivery; small and medium-sized carriers are challenged to offer comprehensive onboarding and coaching programs to fill the skills gap; and more action is needed across government agencies, industry associations and other stakeholders.
“The truck driver shortage is a complex issue that has existed to varying degrees, despite work to address it. It’s a pressing concern among a broad cross-section of stakeholders,” says Robyn Robertson, TIRF president and CEO.
“The future of the trucking industry and its continued ability to safely deliver goods across the country is highly dependent on the availability of a skilled and well-trained pool of qualified drivers. More importantly, they must be able to safely share the roadways with the millions of Canadians who utilize our road network every day.”
The report finds ELT programs, while they do provide a solid foundation for drivers to pass the licensing test, the rapid expansion of driving schools has placed more demands on governments. As a result, the report says, the quality of training varies substantially across jurisdictions.
“We agree with the conclusions in the report, and that’s why we are working with the trucking industry to remove barriers to Class 1 licensing to get more drivers behind the wheel, while improving overall safety,” says Devin Dreeshen, Government of Alberta, Transportation and Economic Corridors. “Alberta’s upcoming Learning Pathway will eventually move Class 1 drivers towards a red seal certification, that will ensure commercial drivers have the right mix of skills to perform their jobs safely and efficiently.”
Other issues identified included challenges for insurers to understand the risk and provide coverage of entry-level drivers. And a need to close loopholes in laws and regulations that allow carriers to undermine fair competition.
“It is widely recognized that there is a subset of the transportation industry that undercuts the competitive market as much as 25-30% by passing the buck to individual drivers when it comes to training, safety, regulations and paying taxes to support social programs,” TIRF said in a release.
“In essence, carriers who should be paying appropriate taxes to support these programs are not consistently held accountable, nor may they experience consequences. This damages the professional reputation of the industry and makes it challenging to attract the next generation of drivers.”
“So many stakeholders shared their experiences and insights to help us paint a clearer picture, not only about the priority issues contributing to this problem, but more importantly a blueprint for coordinated action to systematically address it,” said Geoff Wood, senior vice-president, policy, CTA. “This work is essential to build a sustainable future for Canada’s trucking industry and ensure healthy and fair competition among companies of all sizes so they can provide safe delivery to all customers.”
The report, titled Addressing the Driver Hiring Shortage: A Trucking Industry Blueprint, can be downloaded here.
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The driver licensing test needs to become the true gate keeper for entry to Professional Driving. In most jurisdictions the road test does not remotely replicate the skills, abilities and attitudes that are needed to become a qualified entry level driver. These tests need to be a minimum of 4 hours long and be focused on skills that are relevant to the career. IN BC, tests must include driving in mountains and proper downhill control. Random skills must be demonstrated as taught in the ELT program, random as generated by a computer not by the examiners choice. The cost of the test needs to reflect the importance of it say $500 or higher so it is taken seriously. Test centers may not be convenient located and you may have to wait to schedule an appointment so you better be properly prepared. If you fail 3 times, you will need to go back to school for more training. The governments can’t find the resources to properly police the schools then do it at the road test, time to get serious folks.
Another solution is give the schools a mechanism to separate themselves from the crowd by applying to be accredited by a recognized body (at their own expense) so that consumers can readily tell which are the better schools.
Carriers need to step up and help to educate the public on the pathway to a professional driving career and endorse the driving schools who they will hire from.
The public has no idea what it takes to be a Professional driver , we all have a responsibility to educate them.