CHARLOTTETOWN, (Oct. 29, 2004) — Canadian Trucking Alliance CEO David Bradley rounded out his North American speaking tour in P.E.I. yesterday, as he spoke to Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association carriers about the issues the industry overcame in 2004, and what it must face this coming year.

Highlighting similar messages Bradley has successfully brought to several shipping and third-party logistics groups throughout 2004, the CTA chief told Maritime truckers that the industry in general has survived, and even flourished, in the face of multiple obstacles — issues that would have likely crippled most companies years ago.

The “perfect storm” he referred to included the ever-changing hours-of-service rules in the U.S.; skyrocketing fuel and insurance prices; the depreciating U.S. dollar; border delays and security compliance rules; new ‘2007 engine technology; and, what Bradley called perhaps the most pressing issue, the increasing shortage of drivers.

“Just one of these items would have been enough to push some carriers over the edge in days gone by,” Bradley said.

But a maturing relationship between carriers and shippers, and the latter’s increasing willingness to pay fuel surcharges, accessorial charges, and accept general rate increases, has helped some carriers in various sectors weather the storm, he said.