TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) has become the first trade association to become a charter member of the newly formed Trucks For Change Network, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping the trucking industry to develop and promote positive social change in communities.

Officials say the mission of Trucks For Change Network is to help its membership of for-hire and private truck carriers to assist community charities in an efficient way.  Using real-time freight matching and donation management technology, Network members can identify charities’ needs and offer their transportation and logistics services on a donated or preferred cost basis. 

“It’s a matter of being in the right place at the right time with the right capacity,” says Pete Dalmazzi, a former trucking industry executive and founder and president of Trucks For Change Network. “Every time our system matches available capacity from a member trucking firm with the needs of a charity client, we improve the charity’s bottom line, and contribute to the great work they do in our communities.  Filling extra truck space with charitable freight reduces the trucking industry’s carbon footprint associated with empty miles. What’s more, by providing affordable transportation, we often make possible the delivery of donated items to charity that would otherwise end up in landfill sites, further contributing to a sustainable environment. We’re thrilled to have the OTA supporting our efforts.”

The OTA officials says the group’s participation was given the green light by its board of directors after the program was piloted by several of its carrier members in the fall. “The goals of Trucks For Change Network align with those of OTA,” said David Bradley, the association’s president and CEO. “We see this as an opportunity to positively impact our communities. It’s a classic win-win situation, and the OTA is pleased to help bring it to life.  

“OTA recognizes that many trucking companies already support charities, and that will continue. Trucks For Change Network creates a unique opportunity to co-ordinate these efforts, benefit charities, and generate incremental revenue for our members from capacity that would otherwise be wasted.” 

Serving as directors of the new company will be Scott Smith, CEO of J.D. Smith and Sons, and Evan Mackinnon, CEO of Mackinnon Transport, both executive board members of the OTA.

Membership to Trucks For Change Network is currently available to all Ontario Trucking Association carrier members. OTA members and registered charities wishing to learn more about Trucks For Change Network membership and services are asked to visit www.trucksforchange.org.