Alberta is stepping up efforts to clean up the trucking industry, with truck drivers and carriers who flout rules facing increased scrutiny.

Citing a rise in fraudulent activity, the province plans to take action to ensure drivers receive proper training and carriers comply with regulations, Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen told trucknews.com.

Among the measures under consideration are higher penalties for drivers who strike bridges and overpasses, and a proposed two-year waiting period before Class 5 license holders can apply for a Class 1 commercial license.

Last October, Alberta revoked the licences of five commercial driver training schools and shut down 13 trucking companies following a months-long investigation into unsafe practices across the industry. At the time, Dreeshen said the crackdown followed a surge in highway incidents, including bridge strikes involving trucks with over-height loads.

Speaking to trucknews.com on Jan. 15, Dreeshen said the enforcement action was an important first step.

Improving road safety

“We wanted to make sure that we were targeting the bad actors in the industry and make sure we could improve road safety by closing them,” he said. “That was a really good first step in cracking down on the bad guys in the industry.”

The province wants to ensure drivers are properly trained to operate commercial vehicles safely. On the proposed cooling-off period for obtaining a Class 1 license, Dreeshen said it would allow drivers to gain familiarity with Alberta’s roads and driving conditions. The province is observing and learning from other jurisdictions that have already introduced similar requirements.

Immigration

He added that the change would improve safety, particularly for drivers who may lack experience driving in snow and icy conditions.

In broader discussions with the federal government on immigration, Alberta is also seeking more control over the number and types of immigrants entering the province, particularly those with specific skill sets.

“This will help fill employment gaps as well as ensure that the right number of immigrants coming into the province can be woven into our societies without disrupting core essential services that are provided,” Dreeshen said.

Alberta has also introduced a requirement for commercial carriers to provide driver experience records for Class 1 tractor-trailer drivers when they change employers. Compliance with the rule will be mandatory beginning June 1.

Improving accountability

Dreeshen said the measure will improve accountability and transparency and contribute significantly to cleaning up the industry.

The province is also pursuing Red Seal certification for truck drivers and is working to secure agreement from five provinces on the trade designation. Dreeshen said he plans to raise the issue at a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial officials in Vancouver next month.

To protect infrastructure, Alberta is also moving toward tougher penalties for truckers who strike bridges and overpasses. Dreeshen said he is working with law enforcement agencies to ensure the rules are enforced. “Enforcement goes hand in hand with the rules so we can keep our roads safe,” he said.

The minister emphasized that professional truck drivers are valued and respected, while warning that those who undermine safety and compliance should expect increased enforcement.