BANFF, AB – The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) has identified a series of key accomplishments achieved in the past year, at a time when the province’s trucking industry continues to struggle against the backdrop of a weak economy. Among them:

• 325 online training courses are now offered, ranging from professional development, to safety awareness, and driver training.
• Joint marketing campaigns are being developed under Coalition for a Safer 63/881 (http://safer63and881.com) to encourage safe driving and the best behaviors by Alberta road users.
• Working with 511-Alberta, the association is developing a professional driver portal on the citizen reporting app and website. “This portal will be accessible to all professional drivers in the industry for accurate and detailed reporting on all road conditions throughout the province,” the AMTA says. “This will allow drivers to participate by actively enhancing public safety for all road users in Alberta.
• A 20% increase in carriers participating in the Compliance and Regulatory Affairs membership program, and a 19% increase in associate supplier members.
• A January safety conference and tradeshow in Lloydminister, and the scheduling of three more events in Lethbridge, Red Deer, and Grande Prairie.
• A revised Long Combination Vehicle training program – developed with counterparts in B.C, Manitoba and Saskatchewan – to be released in 2016.
• Final steps in developing a certified pilot/escort vehicle training program, alongside Enform.
• Plans to reintroduce the AMTA Safety Toolbox in 2016. It includes a self-audit tool to help achieve a Certificate of Recognition.
• Work with law enforcement, Insurance Bureau of Canada and CTA to expand a cargo theft reporting program to four western provinces.

Priorities for the coming year “include enhanced member engagement and continued collaboration with government. We also aim to develop a comprehensive communication strategy, which will include a brand refresh and a new AMTA website,” the association says in its annual report.