Guest column by Andrew Stacey, Certified Director of Safety, National, Commercial Auto Fleet Safety Consultant, Aviva Risk Management

Fleet managers: do you want to improve safety, ensure your drivers are operating efficiently and reduce the frequency and severity of vehicle insurance claims? Use your telematics data.

Submitted by Chad Eamer, Civeo

According to the National Forestry Database over 8,000 fires occur each year and burn an average of over 2.1 million hectares Also, lightning causes about 50% of all fires but accounts for about 85% of the annual area burned, this is all within Canada.

From the Government of Alberta, find active alerts, archived alerts, and details about Alberta’s Emergency Alert System, and current wildfire updates.

AMTA’s May 2023 Driver of the Month: Kim Lamb, Trimac Transportation

CITT has announced it newest alliance with an industry association. The formalization of the relationship between CITT and the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) is the first step in the two associations’ collaboration to better the commercial transportation industry.

AMTA celebrated 85 years of advocacy and safety in Alberta’s commercial transportation industry at its Annual Leadership Conference, AGM, and Awards Gala, April 18-20 at the Delta Edmonton South.

Since 1938, AMTA – through collaboration with government, business partners, members, and other stakeholders – has advanced the industry through dynamic safety training and programs, advocacy, research and innovation, progressive policies, and strategic partnerships.

In 2023, AMTA will reach a significant milestone in its history, celebrating 85 years of promoting, preserving, and advancing the safety and well-being of the commercial transportation industry and all Albertans.

Trucking HR Canada released a new labour market information report today, analyzing newly released vacancy data.

The latest released data shows:

AMTA April 2023 Driver of the Month: Manuel Ross

East West Express driver Emile De Petigny hangs up the wheel after 50-year career

Growing up on a Saskatchewan farm, Emile De Petigny’s first experience driving truck was helping his dad in the field, picking up bales with a five-tonne truck.

Meet Kurt Baylock. He’s an energetic, loyal individual who would bring years of in-depth knowledge of safe practices and safety guidelines to his next job. With an ability to form positive relationships with clients and coworkers, Kurt is excited for his next professional chapter where he is seeking a full-time driving position. New to the trucking industry, Kurt’s business knowledge gives him an inside understanding of what it takes to make a business successful.

Today, Trucking HR Canada (THRC) announces a new project, funded by the Government of Alberta, that will support Alberta employers with recruitment and retention efforts. THRC has partnered with the Alberta Motor Transport Association to deliver project activities.

AMTA would like to introduce the Student Work Placement (SWP) subsidy to Alberta-based employers. This subsidy is targeted at both traditional trucking companies and those in other industries that have a trucking component to their operations. For example companies in the construction, manufacturing, agriculture and other industries employee commercial trucks.

BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. has signed on as the Alberta Motor Transport Association’s (AMTA) 2023 Driver of the Month sponsor.

Long time members of the Association, BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. made the decision to show its appreciation to the safest drivers on the road recognizing that ‘Safe Drivers Make Safe Fleets’.

On April 1, 2023, the federal minimum wage will increase to $16.65 from $15.55 per hour in 2022, an increase of a $1.10 or 7.1%.[1]

Trucking HR Canada’s preliminary research findings released today reveal the trucking and logistics sector has more work to do when it comes to attracting more women to the workplace.

The first phase of a three-part research initiative took place February 17-25, 2023, with 1500 interviews. The research was conducted by Abacus Data for Trucking HR Canada, and today at its 9th annual Women with Drive Leadership Summit, David Coletto shared the following initial findings with attendees:

Meet Dan D’Haene. Dan is a knowledgeable equipment operator with over 20 years of experience in the construction and manufacturing fields. He is proficient in operating heavy trucks and overhead cranes. Dan also has a solid understanding of automotive component inspection. He is eager to bring his hard-working personality and dedication to his new role where he can showcase his experience and industry knowledge.

AMTA March 2023 Driver of the Month: Matthew Ferguson, Ledcor Group

Meet Lynn Bates. Lynn has a great attitude and over 35 years of trucking and transportation experience. He also has extensive knowledge of the industry and the highway network across Canada, Alaska and the Territories. Lynn has become a teacher and mentor, assisting with training drivers and providing sage advice to individuals interested in starting up their own business. With Lynn’s mix of experience, skills and eagerness to return to work he would be an invaluable asset to any organization.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra officially announced the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide $46 million to the trucking industry to address the nation’s growing truck driver shortage.

Today’s announcement follows a joint statement last January between the Government of Canada and the Canadian Trucking Alliance in recognizing the driver shortage challenge and its impact on the Canadian supply chain.