AMTA Board Chair Jude Groves submitted an op-ed to the Edmonton Journal chronicling the importance of drawing more people to careers as commercial drivers. Read the article in full here.

Meet James, an enthusiastic go-getter, who is actively searching for a brand-new career in trucking. He brings with him an extensive background in customer service and leadership, and has experience supervising, training and managing teams.

Since 1909, when it was known as Minister of Railways, a man had always been named as Alberta’s Transportation Minister. That all changed when Rajan Sawhney was sworn in as the province’s first woman Transportation Minister on July 8, 2021.

When I first started trucking, I was terrified.

The fear I felt when I first began trucking wasn’t a deterrent, though. It was felt along with feelings of excitement, wanderlust, adventure, and a boyhood dream of becoming a trucker now fulfilled. When working in yards, practicing maneuvers, and riding with trainers, I was always eager to get going and couldn’t wait to get out on my own.

Arvind Nunner is at a Petro-Pass north of Edmonton on Highway 43 when he takes some time to talk to us about health behind the wheel.

The 2021 Alberta Inspectors Challenge has concluded.

This year’s event was held at the Atmore Vehicle Inspection Station. The event usually takes place in conjunction with the AMTA Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC), however with restrictions surrounding public gatherings, PTDC 2021 was cancelled and the inspectors event moved to a smaller venue.

In response to Alberta’s Public Health Emergency, the COR program is implementing an immediate suspension of on-site data gathering activities by auditors. This means:

Michael Miscampbell was an equipment operator for 20+ years working the last 13 years in the Alberta Oilsands Industry.

Calgary, AB (Sept. 29, 2021) – Canada’s commercial trucking industry is shifting into a future driven by safety, efficiency, and Connected Automated Driver Assistance Systems. Today, the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) and its partners introduced the nation’s first pair of artificially intelligent semi-trucks of their kind, which are part of a project studying the safety and benefits of connected commercial transportation on Canadian roadways.

While the official name for September 30th may have changed, Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation share common goals of honouring those who attended residential school, their families, and communities; creating meaningful discussion and reflection about the effects of these schools; and commemorating the history and ongoing legacy of the residential school system.

Alberta Government: The province has expanded eligibility for an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine to more immunocompromised Albertans to align with recent recommendations made by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

You’re probably already out working in your field, but here are some more tips on staying safe during this busy season.

Make sure everyone knows what to do.

Before you head out on the field:

Via CN Police Service: September 20-26/2021 marks National Rail Safety Week across Canada United States and Mexico. Its annual aim is to increase awareness of the importance of safe behavior near railroad tracks. Operation Lifesaver Canada and Operation Lifesaver U.S. work in partnership with CP, the rail industry, National Rail Safety Week Sept. 20-26government, police, unions and many public organizations and community groups to highlight safe practices around railway property. Although safety awareness is ongoing, this week raises that importance even further.

Alberta Government: New temporary health measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 will apply provincewide. This includes new restrictions on restaurants, indoor gatherings, weddings and funerals, retail, entertainment venues, and indoor sport and fitness beginning Sept. 20. Measures in workplaces, indoor private gatherings, places of worship, schools and children’s activities, as well as mandatory masking and physical distancing in all indoor public spaces begin Sept. 16.

Canadian Trucking Alliance: The Government of Canada has announced a new ArriveCAN feature which now allows exempt/essential workers, including truck drivers, the ability to save time by entering their information into ArriveCAN once and using the same ArriveCAN receipt for each entry.

More than ever people are realizing the importance of what commercial drivers do for us all, and as an association, the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) will continue to add our voice to the chorus to say “thank you”.

“A general problem with prescriptive work rules of all types is that they require rote compliance instead of intelligent self-management.” – Dr. Ron Knipling, Safety for the Long Haul [1]

CALGARY, Alberta – Pioneer Safety Solutions, Ltd ELD (powered by Apollo Assured Tracking Inc.), becomes a Transport Canada Certified Electronic Logging Device (ELD) vendor, passing all test procedures as per the Third-Party certification company – COMDriver Tech, appointed by Transport Canada.

Press release: Bison Transport is pleased to announce they are currently engaged in operating a full battery electric class 8 tractor in their cross-border regional operation. Bison has partnered with Freightliner Corporation in running two full Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) exclusively between Delta, BC and Washington State.

A familiar face with an even more familiar laugh at Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) events, Terry Warkentin, has retired after more than 40 years in the commercial transportation industry.