MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (Feb. 4, 2004) — TST Truckload Express and Caledonia, Ont.-based Kim Richardson Transportation Specialists have partnered in offering an entry-level training program to people interested in obtaining their AZ license and becoming owner-operators.

The program involves entry level driver training at KRTS, based on the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) criteria. TST then will take the student and continue additional training on real hauls with professional drivers and mentors. The applicant will then be put through an owner-operator business skills course to help the driver get a head start as a independent contractor.

A third partner, Arrow Truck Sales, will offer special lease/purchase terms for students graduating from the program.

Stan Morris, manager of driver services for TST, believes the program is unique in Canada. He says the program will help relieve the driver shortage issues the company is dealing with these days. “In our case, where we hire owner-operators, that’s what we’re facing,” he said in a release. “We decided to do something about it. I’m confident this program will work.”

It took some convincing, but KRTS President Kim Richardson now agrees. “Initially I was wondering how this can be done,” he said, “but now that we are getting down to the fine strokes I’m confident the program will help career minded people to become professional owner-operators.”