By Derek Clouthier, LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) outlined its Top 10 advocacy initiatives for 2019, with super singles, Level 8 inspections, and mandatory entry-level training (MELT) at the forefront of the list.

Advocates of the commercial trucking industry in Alberta are pushing the federal government to make electronic logging devices (ELD) mandatory in Canada as soon as possible.

New systems for tracking truck drivers will soon be in place in Canada.

For any inquiries regarding our 2019 events and sponsorships, please contact Connie Grace directly at (403) 214-3431 or Connie.Grace@amta.ca.

It is the season for holiday parties, and in many cases, comes the serving of alcohol at a company-sanctioned event. This is often part of the company culture and in line with the lifestyles of many of the workers but certainly not in all cases. Regardless the risk of serving alcohol at workplace-sanctioned events can outweigh the benefits…

The trucking industry plays a major role in the functioning of the Canadian economy. Virtually all goods that are delivered to consumers find themselves on a truck during at least one segment of their journey and the industry employs in excess of 400,000 people.

CTA: The Government of Canada’s Fall Economic Fall Statement delivered an early Christmas present for the Canadian trucking industry in the form of significant accelerated cost allowances for tractor/truck capital; an emphasis on further harmonizing trucking regulations; enhancements to major western trade corridors to the United States as well as intermodal connectivity improvements.

On October 10, 2018, the Government of Alberta announced plans to introduce new Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) Program requirements for drivers seeking to obtain a Class 1 (tractor-trailer) or Class 2 (bus, school) driver’s licences. Since the announcement of the MELT Programs, Alberta Transportation has worked together with industry stakeholders to develop training curriculums for Class 1 and Class 2 MELT Programs that will meet the driver training needs of Albertans.

The Student Transportation Association of Alberta (STAA), in partnership with Alberta Traffic Safety Fund, has produced an educational video for drivers. According to STAA, the video will contribute to safer highways by highlighting safe driving procedures in compliance with the Traffic Safety Act.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance visited Grande Prairie on October 17 and Edmonton on October 18 to conduct roundtable sessions with Carrier Members – hosted by the Alberta Motor Transport Association. The sessions were aimed at better understanding the needs of the members in this region and discussing ways the CTA advocates for members on the national level.

Alberta Transportation: Alberta is mandating training for new commercial drivers and strengthening safety requirements for commercial carriers to enhance public safety.

More needs to be done to attract women to industry, says WBF panel

EDMONTON, Alta. – Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) president Chris Nash believes companies that do not embrace diversity and inclusiveness will soon struggle to find talent.

CTA: As trucking companies continue to grapple with thin margins and ever-escalating operating costs, it’s imperative governments do what they can to ensure the competitive playing field remains levelled across the industry, says the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

CTA: The Canadian Trucking Alliance yesterday appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance to present the industry’s view on topics related to Canada’s economic growth and business competitiveness.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance issued five key policy recommendations to the federal government concerning tax fairness in the trucking sector, supporting important infrastructure projects across the country, and committing to implementing electronic on-board recorders by the end of 2019, among other things.

Workers’ Compensation Board Alberta (WCB) is introducing a new return-to-work specialist service designed specifically for situations when return to work is a little more challenging. To support you in preparing for the changes to Bill 30 legislation, taking effect on September 1, the AMTA would like to provide you this information bulletin from WCB.

CAODC Communications (August 27, 2018): The truck was recovered.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance is warning truck drivers and carriers that using the so-called Driver Inc employment scheme could ultimately come back to bite them.

Click here to read the Canadian Trucking Alliance’s HR challenges of marijuana in the workplace.

Effective June 1, 2018 the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act was repealed and replaced.