CTA

Don’t Waste Time: Let’s learn the lessons of a different ELD mandate

At first glance, the Canadian Trucking Alliance seems to be getting ahead of itself in the call for a “graduated education” period before electronic logging devices (ELDs) are mandated. The federal government has yet to finalize such rules, or even decide if it will embrace an accelerated December 2019 deadline the alliance is championing. Other than Ontario, most provinces have been silent on the idea, too.

New CTA chairman looks to raise regional voices

TORONTO, Ont. -- This isn’t the first time Scott Smith has occupied a seat at the head of a boardroom table. The president and chief executive officer of Ontario-based JD Smith led the Ontario Trucking Association from 2004-06. Now, just a little over a decade later, he has been handed the gavel for the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). As familiar as the role might appear, this is a time of significant change among some of Canada’s largest trucking associations. Stephen Laskowski is entering his first full year as chief executive officer of the Canadian Trucking Alliance itself. Recent months have seen changes to senior staff at the British Columbia Trucking Association and Alberta Motor Transport Association, too.

‘Dear Sask. truck driver’ shows support for trucker in Humboldt crash

HUMBOLDT, Sask. – “Dear Saskatchewan Truck Driver.” So begins a note penned to the driver of the truck involved in a tragic collision that took the lives of 15 people in rural Saskatchewan, April 6. The truck collided with a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos, a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team on their way to a playoff game in Nipawin, Sask., killing 15 passengers and sending 14 more to hospital with injuries. The truck driver was briefly detained at the scene but walked away with no reported physical injuries. The letter offering support

CTA wants harmony on 11 issues

TORONTO, ON – Leaders of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and provincial trucking associations have come together to identify 11 industry issues that could benefit from improved harmonization. The call is designed to support a new task force under the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety, established in September 2016, and complements existing initiatives like the National Task Force on Weights and Dimensions. “This is a great opportunity for further collaboration between industry and government,” said Stephen Laskowski, president and Chief Executive Officer of the alliance. “CTA commends the provincial trucking associations for their efforts in contributing to our submission and looks forward to working with all interests in addressing the issues identified.”

More long-haul infrastructure needed to reduce carbon emissions: CTA

OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Trucking Alliance says infrastructure and fuel technology has not kept pace with the trucking industry’s desire to reduce its carbon footprint. Submitting its comments on the upcoming federal Clean Fuel Standard regulation to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the group said the increasing environmental policies would have to address some of the implementation and infrastructure challenges faced by long-haul fleets, which consume the bulk of the fuel used by trucks.

Analysts: Participating in politics is crucial

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Engagement in the political process at a grassroots level is key to making headway on industry issues, experts are saying. This morning panelists at the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) breakfast meeting titled "Bridging Border Barriers" said fleets and drivers aren't engaged enough in lobbying efforts at home and in the United States. With the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on everyone's minds, the industry analysts said now more than ever engagement from the bottom up is crucial to having a say in the issues that will shape the future of trucking. President of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), David Bradley, said keeping members engaged, is a constant challenge faced by trade associations on both sides of the border. "I think at some point the carriers will become engaged, but I don't think we're engaged enough," he said. "If everybody does one thing, once a year, that helps." Bradley says it's not always enough to send executives and lobbyists to speak with legislators, because they don't own and drive the trucks. The stories need to be told by those on the road.