VANCOUVER, (May 3, 2005) — A shortage of truck capacity brought on by a deepening shortage of truck drivers, as well as a growing economy, has created the best opportunity since deregulation for fleets to raise freight rates, the CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance told his B.C. counterparts this week.

Speaking to a special meeting of the British Columbia Trucking Association in Vancouver, David Bradley said the so-called “perfect storm” of escalating costs for diesel fuel, labour, equipment and insurance, has forced many carriers to demand higher rates and accessorial compensation or risk perishing in the new market.

Moreover, he says conditions remain good for carriers even though more shippers seem to be testing the resolve of carriers, when it comes to charging and recouping fuel surcharges, and costs of delays. “Now is not the time for the industry to reverse its course. Shippers may be toughening their stance. The economy may be softening in some areas. But, costs like diesel fuel and border security continue to escalate, and the driver shortage is getting worse, so capacity remains tight,” he said.

Bradley was essentially reiterating a message he delivered to Alberta truckers at the Alberta Motor Transport Association’s annual conference this past weekend. In that speech, Bradley make note that the severe shortage of qualified truck drivers is perhaps inflated in Alberta where the oil patch and other high-wage industries attract much of the potential driver pool.

“Even if the economy softens a bit — and there seems no chance of that in Alberta — the shortage of truck drivers will only get worse in the years ahead.

Bradley said that while trucking is not a homogeneous industry, he sees no reason why carriers from all sectors and niches — if they know and manage their costs efficiently — cannot take advantage of the current market conditions. “It’s tough, but sometimes you’ve got to be prepared to say “no” to your customers,” he said.