Alberta association constructing plans for growth

CALGARY — They say there’s strength in numbers, and the Alberta Construction Trucking Association (ACTA) is hoping to build on theirs.

Ron Singer, owner of Ron Singer Truck Lines, recently took over as president of ACTA and the association has renewed plans to establish itself as a prominent voice for truckers in the construction industry.

From 1983 to 2000, ACTA was well supported and represented by the Alberta construction trucking industry, says Singer. “From 2000 to 2005, the Alberta construction trucking industry failed to keep up the support and representation required by ACTA."

Membership dwindled to a level that could no longer sustain the group.

After being resurrected in 2005, ACTA has been actively lobbying all levels of government to seek positive legislation changes for the Alberta construction trucking industry.

One lobbying campaign saw the association play a central role in helping create new weights and dimensions for three-end dump configurations. ACTA worked with a federal and provincial task force to create new weight limits for eight-axle reverse super B, seven-axle truck and full quad trailer, and eight-axle tridem drive truck and full quad trailer (super quad).

In the end, the gross vehicle weight on the seven-axle truck and full quad trailer went from 53,500 kg to 55,300 kg.

“If you were to work this unit five days per week, 12 months per year, that would be a gross revenue increase of at least $20,000 per year,” says Singer.

ACTA also prepares an annual member minimum haul rate range survey per configuration. The results are averaged and published as a recommended minimum haul rate range standard for the province. This minimum haul rate would be paid hourly, per tonne km, per meter km, and load factor per configuration, and includes travel time and fuel surcharges.

The association is now renewing efforts to raise its profile among the trucking industry and has outlined a number of initiatives for the upcoming year.

Part of the plan includes bringing a strong voice representing the industry on trucking issues like truck route closures, wait time and traffic lane restrictions, truck parking restrictions, car pool lanes, speed limit restrictions, road construction issues red light cameras, expansion of adequate roadside washroom facilities and brake checks, roadside pullouts, roadside food and lodging facilities.