LANGLEY, B.C. — The B.C. Trucking Association is offering two seminars in May: How to Handle Freight Claims; and Workplace Drug and Alcohol Training for Supervisors.

“How to Handle Freight Claims” will be a full-day seminar with information, advice, and suggested procedures for investigating and settling freight cargo claims. Topics to be covered include: responsibilities of shippers, receivers; responsibilities of pickup, delivery and linehaul carriers; bill of lading clauses, (restrictions and exceptions); claims investigation procedures; when and how to decline freight claims; time limits of claims; loss and damage prevention programs (and staff training); determining if a shipment is properly packaged and protected; and differences with handling claims that originate in Canada or the US.

The presenter, K.A. (Ken) Martin, has been involved in all aspects of trucking for over 30 years, which includes working for several trucking firms, as well as his own consulting firm. Ken also teaches transportation courses at the B.C. Institute of Technology.

The instructor has prepared a course outline, handouts and take-away material that will meet the practical needs of trucking companies. While some aspects of claims law will be touched upon, the BCTA emphasizes, that the opinions expressed at this seminar, “do not constitute legal advice.”

This seminar will be held on May 9 from 8 to 5 p.m., at the BCTA classroom, suite 100, 20111-93A Ave. in Langley. The cost is $110 (plus GST) for BCTA members and $140 (plus GST) for non members. Lunch will not be provided. For more information or to register online: http://www.bctrucking.com/regForm.php?rid=190

The other seminar: “Workplace Drug and Alcohol Training for Supervisors,” is Canadian Motor Carrier Consortium approved. This course offers front-line staff, such as safety and driver supervisors, maintenance managers and supervisors, dispatchers, or anyone who regularly is in contact with employees deemed to be in a safety-sensitive position, the training required under US DOT (Department of Transport) regulations.

“The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) stipulates that all persons designated to supervise drivers must be trained to regulation standards,” states the BCTA, which advises that this course exceeds those standards and includes a comprehensive 100-page Manual.

According to the BCTA, this is a comprehensive half-day course that provides an essential education component that will help companies, through their supervisors, overcome the many challenges they will face when implementing drug and alcohol policies.

The seminar will be held on May 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the BCTA classroom, suite 100, 20111-93A Ave. in Langley. The cost to BCTA member is $100 (plus GST) ; non-members $125 (plus GST). For more information, or to register online: http://www.bctrucking.com/regForm.php?rid=185