NAFTA

Alliance submits wish list for NAFTA talks

TORONTO, ON - The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has officially submitted comments on cross-border trade to Global Affairs Canada, as governments prepare to renegotiate aspects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The association's submission covers 11 related areas of interest including: in-transit truck moves, cargo pre-clearance, government investment at ports of entry, harmonization of security programs, the trend in rising cross-border fees, the movement of food products and related inspections, and e-commerce, among other topics. "Many of the comments by the carrier community contained in our submission are longstanding issues that have been impeding cross-border trade," said president Stephen Laskowski. "CTA is eager to work with Ottawa, Washington, and the business communities on both sides of the border to try and resolve these issues for the betterment of the economies in the U.S. and Canada."

“I only see good news for the trucking sector”: BC economist

KELOWNA, BC - Canada's economy appears to face a "tsunami" of risks and concerns, but Ken Peacock continues to project a growing economy for British Columbia -- and ongoing growth for the trucking industry that serves it. "I only see good news for the trucking sector," said the vice president and chief economist of the Business Council of British Columbia, during the annual meeting of the BC Trucking Association. He's bullish on the potential growth because of factors such as exports to both the U.S. and other provinces, increasing construction, strong consumer spending, and rising activity in the Pacific Gateway.

Daimler chief unfazed by NAFTA talk

MADRAS, OR - Roger Nielsen, the recently named president and Chief Executive Officer of Daimler Trucks North America, doesn't seem concerned by talk about renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement - even though its manufacturing footprint includes Mexico. "We're a global company, and globally we believe in free trade. And we're prepared to engage everybody and anybody in discussions," he said during his first media briefing. "I don't anticipate any major changes in the NAFTA." The company has reserve manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and Mexico, he noted. The supply chain is also dual-sourced. "They have the ability to source worldwide or source domestically."

Mexico’s trucking industry a world apart

BANFF, AB - Mexico has clearly realized the benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The southernmost member of the trading block is now Canada's third-largest trading partner, behind only the U.S. and China. "It has been good to us. It has been good to our economy," says Rogelio F. Montemayor Morineau, president of the 5,000-member Canacar - Mexico's national trucking association, referring to the trade deal. It has clearly played a role in the Canadian economy, too.

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.

Trump vows “America first” approach to trade

WASHINGTON, DC - Canada's largest trading partner has inaugurated a president who pledges "America first" policies on everything from trade to security. "From this day forward, it's going to be only America first. America first. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families," U.S. President Donald Trump said in his inaugural address on Friday. "We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs."We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth and we will bring back our dreams," he added.