Trump, Trudeau commit to pre-clearance, Gordie Howe Bridge

TORONTO, ON - The inaugural meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resulted in a joint statement by the two leaders. And while the statement didn't mention NAFTA, it did mention the importance of deepening the relationship between Canada and the U.S. The statement touches on some issues pertaining to the trucking industry, namely the quick completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Detroit, which is cited as a vital economic link between the two countries. In addition, it commits to implementing pre-clearance operations for cargo.

CTA releases joint statement ahead of Trump, Trudeau meeting

TORONTO, ON - The Canadian Trucking Alliance released a joint statement this morning addressing principles on how the world's biggest security, trade and cultural relationship should be managed -- just as U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were meeting for the first time.

Driver shortage and the demographic cliff

Discussions about a driver shortage tend to fade away when the economy struggles, but there is no escaping the fact that Canada needs to attract a new generation of drivers. A 2016 study - Understanding the Truck Driver Demand and Supply Gap - determined that for-hire fleets will need 34,000 more drivers by 2024, many of whom will be needed to fill seats once held by drivers who retire or quit. Solutions will involve reaching out to underrepresented groups like millennials and women. In the meantime, limits on Temporary Foreign Workers have effectively eliminated another option.

David Bradley’s exit plan

David Bradley, arguably the most recognized industry lobbyist in trucking, retires this year from the role he defined as the long-time Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Trucking Alliance. Stephen Laskowski has been named as his successor, and has already begun to assume many of the related duties.

Laskowski to lead Canadian Trucking Alliance

VANCOUVER, BC - Stephen Laskowski will lead the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) as president and Chief Executive Officer when David Bradley retires from the positions on January 1, 2018. Laskowski, who was recently named Bradley's successor at the Ontario Trucking Association, is currently CTA's senior vice president and second in command. "It's a great honor to represent this industry and do it on a national basis," he told a room full of CTA board members in Vancouver, after being named to the role. "I love this industry. The CTA staff and I are very privileged to represent you. Moving forward, the staff and I are eager to work together as an alliance, with the provincial associations, and with each provincial board to represent carriers from coast to coast."

ELDs, environmental focus among industry ‘game changers’

BANFF, AB - Mandated technologies like Electronic Logging Devices and an increasing focus on environmental standards will be among "game changers" for Canada's trucking industry, Canadian Trucking Alliance CEO David Bradley said in what will likely be his final address to the Alberta Motor Transport Association.

Orlick’s term as CTA chair begins with search for chief

Gene Orlick's tenure as chairman of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) can still reasonably be counted in days. The owner of Alberta-based Orlicks Inc. assumed the role just last week, during the alliance's spring board meeting in Arizona. But his mandate already includes one issue that will define the nation's largest trucking organization for years to come. Who will replace David Bradley?

Trucker Delivers Hope, Hay for Drought Stricken Farmers

EDMONTON -- Hope for several Edmonton farmers arrived last week in the form of a turquoise Kenworth piloted by Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) board member Carl Rosenau, president of Rosenau Transport. Rosenau was busy hauling flatbeds full of donated hay to Edmonton-area farmers suffering from drought conditions, according to CTA. For many western farmers, this has been one of the hardest summers in 50 years, marked by weeks of drought that have decimated hay crops and left farmers struggling to feed their livestock.

Minister Urges Trucking to Address Mental Health

TORONTO--Federal Minister of Labor Dr. Kellie Leitch recently wrote to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), asking the group to encourage member carriers to take action to address the issue of psychological health in the workplace. The minister's letter refers to sources of data showing that a significant proportion of the Canadian workforce suffers from some form of mental illness, affecting worker productivity, safety and workplace losses, according to the group. The minister's letter provides a link to tools that can assist employers in assessing, addressing and mitigating psychological health and safety issues from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).

Western Fleets: New Rules Can’t Undercut Truck Reliability

TORONTO -- Truck operators in Western Canada say if there are going to be changes to regulations for tractors, trailers and engines they have got to meet the unique needs of their area.

Driving Standards Unveiled, Part of Mandatory Training Goal

OTTAWA -- The job of a truck driver has been defined more clearly than ever before, at least according to the new National Occupational Standard unveiled Monday by Trucking HR Canada, which is expected to pave the way toward establishing mandatory driver training regulations.

Trucking Alliance Says Build on U.S Environmental Regs

OTTAWA - The CTA has responded to Environment Canada's recent regulation draft on Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Gov. Study on Green Truck Tech Good Move, says Alliance

TORONTO - Government study on green truck tech will save industry money.

Truckers Guild Starts Anti-EOBR Campaign

BRITISH COLUMBIA - In order to voice opposition to the mandating of EOBRs in Canada, the North American Truckers Guild is running an anti-EOBR campaign.

CTA concerned over harmonizing with U.S. fuel economy standards

OTTAWA -- Earlier this month, federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice revealed Canada's plans to harmonize passenger vehicle fuel economy standards with the U.S.