Truckers committed to road safety: OTA

TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is reassuring the public of their commitment to road safety. In a statement released today the OTA says despite the recent media coverage about fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles, trucks are the safest vehicles on the road. The statement comes as a fatal collision involving two tractor-trailers shut down eastbound lanes on Ontario Highway 401, and day after the Ontario Provincial Police charged three more commercial vehicle drivers in 10 deaths on Ontario's highways this summer.

OTA calling for zero-tolerance on substance use

THUNDER BAY, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is calling on the government stand behind fleets who use drug and alcohol testing on their drivers. In an interview with the CBC yesterday, OTA president Stephen Laskowski said the association will be lobbying the government for a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol for commercial vehicle drivers.

Green rebates should include older vehicles: OTA

TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is weighing in on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) draft Green Commercial Vehicle Program (GCVP). The government announced it was seeking feedback on the proposal in September, with commenting closed as of Oct. 6.

OTA wants ‘Uber-like’ towing system

TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association and Ontario Recovery Group are looking for an app-based electronic call system to help address incidents on the province's 400-Series highways.

Ontario WSIB rates to climb for trucking

TORONTO, ON - Some Ontario fleets will see a bump in their Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) premiums for 2018. The rise in rates were announced at the group's annual general meeting Set. 20, while WSIB also announced a drop in rates for other industries, totaling about $760 million combined for 2017 and 2018. Warehousing is among those seeing a cut, with a 7.5% decrease in premium rates from $2.95 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2017, to $2.73 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2018. The rates for general trucking, couriers, and waste materials recycling, however, will go up.

Ontario government seeks feedback on proposed rebates

TORONTO, ON - The Government of Ontario is seeking input on a proposed program that will provide rebates to fleets towards the purchase of alternative-fuel trucks and fuel-saving technologies. The Green Commercial Vehicle program (GCVP), a part of the Ontario Climate Change Action Plan introduced in 2016, would provide up to $170 million for electric and natural gas-powered commercial vehicles, infrastructure and temperature controlled trailer technology - as well as tractor-trailer aerodynamic devices and anti-idling devices.

OTA supports zero-tolerance for drivers on weed

TORONTO, ON - As it engages in consultations with the provincial government, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is supporting the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) position that the trucking industry should be held to a zero-tolerance policy on for being under the influence of marijuana.

OTA seeks answers on employement law

TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is calling for more clarity on proposed changes to employment standards in Ontario.

Fleet financial folks get OTA council

TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association has launched a new council for carrier Chief Financial Officers, providing a forum for issues on the money side of trucking.

Registration opens for OTA conference

TORONTO - Registration is now open for the Ontario Trucking Association's Executive Conference - a November 8-9 event that will feature keynote speakers including former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

Design work begins on Highway 17 parking

TORONTO, ON - Ontario has begun to work on the detailed design and environmental assessment for a rest area on Highway 17, about 1.3 kilometers from the Manitoba border, the Ontario Trucking Association reports.

Association releases “DCP in a box”

TORONTO, ON -- The Ontario Trucking Association has released its Essential Driving Skills: Tractor-Trailer Driver curriculum for fleets that want to upgrade their Driver Certification Program (DCP) ahead of the province's Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) regime that takes effect July 1.

OTA members receive access to online courses

TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) have made a special agreement which will allow for each OTA carrier member to take part in two free CCOHS workplace health and safety e-learning courses in 2017.

OTA weighs in on proposed Thunder Bay truck ban

TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association is asking Thunder Bay, Ontario to consider safety zones and photo radar rather than banning truck traffic on several routes. The comments made in a letter to Mayor Keith Hobbs and city council come as the municipality debates a ban on trucks using routes such as Dawson Road and Arthur Street. A proposed bylaw would require those bypassing Thunder Bay to use Highway 11/17 and 61. The debate has emerged on and off over a decade.

OTA seeking hero, top driver

TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association is looking for nominees for 2017 Volvo Trucks/OTA Ontario Truck Driver of the Year and the Bridgestone/OTA Truck Hero Award.