TORONTO (Nov. 14, 2002) — Ontario Trucking Association president David Bradley said the overhang from September 11, 2001, and renewed talk of war in the Middle East is contributing to a lingering uncertainty over next year’s economic outlook, oil prices, and insurance markets.

“But, I learned long ago to never count out the U.S. economy and I am therefore hopeful of a turnaround in U.S. growth prospects,” he told members gathered at the OTA’s annual convention in Toronto yesterday. “And, when this happens — and I believe it is already underway — it will serve to further tighten industry capacity and put further upward pressure on freight rates which is both long overdue and welcome.”

Bradley said 2002 “has been another successful year on the legislative front,” citing the approval by provincial and federal transport ministers of proposed new hours-of-service rules, new funding for border crossings, and the development of FAST, a joint Canada-U.S. bilateral system of electronic border clearance for low risk freight, carriers and shippers.

He said the Kyoto Accord is currently high on the association’s agenda.

Bradley added that in the coming year the OTA would build on work to help carriers improve their relationships with their shippers, consignees, and third-party logistics providers.