TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario Trucking Association has launched a new information campaign to encourage carriers to build a more profitable relationship with their shippers.

The OTA has developed a brochure titled, “5 Steps to a More Profitable Relationship with your Shipper”. The brochure was developed in response to recent OTA membership surveys that found carriers are often more to blame for low freight rates than are their customers. It is being sent to every carrier operating in or through Ontario.

The major message in the “5 Steps” brochure is that “there’s no better time than today to seek fair compensation”.

Carriers are being encouraged to charge rates for service that enable them to make a reasonable profit so they can pay drivers decent wages, cover insurance and fuel costs, and re-equip and maintain their fleets.

The brochure says carriers should always bill for unreasonable wait times and delays during unloading and loading, and shouldn’t pay compliance penalties that aren’t spelled out in writing.

The most important message the OTA is trying to get across in the brochure is that carriers should document any problems, and always keep the lines of communication with shippers open.

Copies of the brochure are available by calling 416 249-7401 or by email at info@ontruck.org.