At the recent AGM, members of the PMTC elected Terrapure Environmental’s Brad Fletcher to the role of Chairman of the Board, taking over from John Harrison of CPC Logistics Canada. Private Motor Carrier caught up with Brad in early July to find out about his history in the industry and how he is enjoying his new role.

The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) hosted its 3^rd Annual Conference, Striving for Excellence in Training, in Mississauga, Ontario on Wednesday, February 28 and Thursday, March 1 at the Centre for Health and Safety Innovation (CHSI), thanks to the association members and official facility sponsor, the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA). The hallway and conference centre were filled with sponsor booths, many of which returned for the third year in a row.

The trucking industry has taken the blame for a lot of environmental evils in recent years. The truth of the matter is the industry is at the forefront of ‘green’ innovations. Check out these recent developments:

In a Press conference held in Brampton onDecember 18, Mike Millian, the President of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada, was invited to join the Honourable Marc Garneau (Federal Minister of Transportation), Steven Del Duca, (then Ontario’s Minister of Transportation), along with Vice Chair of the CTA Scott Smith to announce the posting of the Electronic Logging Device Mandate in Canada Gazette Part 1.

Kevin Cornelius, Business Development Manager of Power Delivery, Grote Industries

For OEMs, fleet managers and owner-operators of Class 7 or 8 trucks, keeping all the various lights on a trailer functioning properly can eliminate a considerable amount of trouble. This includes avoiding CSA fines or citations for severity points, but also eliminating a glaring reason for law enforcement to pull the vehicle over.

Richard, how did you get involved in trucking?

RL: As a student, my first summer job was ‘hand-bombing’ fruits and vegetables in eastern Ontario-western Quebec. I loved the movement and the freedom. My next job was two summers on a moving van, and I loved that, too. Then it was office work at a computer factory, and that was just OK. I graduated university with a B.Sc. in Chemistry, took a job in a copper refinery, and absolutely hated it! I then got on with Air Liquide and remained in the compressed gas industry for the remainder of my career (eventually moving to Praxair Canada).

CHAIRMAN

John Harrison
Director, Transportation Operations, CPC Logistics Canada Ltd.

Hometown: Newmarket, ON

On March 16, Federal Minister of Transport Marc Garneau announced the “Interim Order Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft,” which applies certain restrictions on the flight of model aircraft and recreational drones weighing from 250 grams to 35 kg. The Interim Order requires users to mark their drones with contact information, and prohibits flying drones:

Popular sports journalist Scott Oake says he and his family are on a “life mission” – and they need your help!

Born in Newfoundland, but a longtime resident of Winnipeg, Scott Oake is seen regularly by millions throughout the year on NHL hockey games and other sporting events such as the Olympics. Other than the fame this brings, the Oakes are a typical Canadian family unit – or at least they were until 2011 when eldest son Bruce died of a heroin overdose at the age of 25.

Just outside Regina on May 16, while on tour, country music star Dean Brody unveiled a stamp that captures the Trans-Canada Highway, the 8,000-km. ribbon of adventures, dreams and memories – and a key economic artery for Canadian business.

On June 1, Omnitracs LLC, a global pioneer of fleet management solutions to transportation and logistics companies, announced it has signed an agreement to acquire from Shaw Communications Inc. the assets of Shaw Tracking, the leading fleet management solutions provider in Canada. The terms of the transaction, expected to close this summer, subject to regulatory approval of the transfer of operational licences, were not disclosed.

June 15-16, 2017, Crowne Plaza Fallsview, Niagara Falls, ON

To view conference section, click here.

On April 20, 2017, members of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) Young Leaders Group (YLG) met for a strategic planning session at Maple Leaf Foods in Mississauga. The session, as usual, was scheduled in conjunction with a PMTC board meeting (at which members of the YLG had the opportunity to participate).

On March 16, at the Atlantic Gala for Women in Transportation dinner in Moncton, NB, Kelly Henderson, Executive Director of Trucking Human Resources Sector Council Atlantic received the “Woman of the Year” award. PMC caught up with the very busy Kelly recently to get her reaction to the award and much, much more.

PMTC-member Canada Cartage has selected fellow PMTC-member Omnitracs’ XRS platform for its Hours of Service application to become compliant in advance of the US ELD Mandate, which will take effect later this year.

Editor’s note: With the implementation of Mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training (MELT) on the horizon, Private Motor Carrier went to PMTC President Mike Millian to get his views on this industry altering development.

Starting July 1, 2017, drivers seeking a commercial full Class A licence in Ontario must complete a mandatory entry-level training course before attempting their road test. The new requirement, announced last summer by Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca, will ensure commercial drivers have the experience and training needed to safely operate large trucks on Ontario’s roads.

Don’t give up smoking and junk food; don’t exercise more; and don’t quit smoking in 2017 – at least not all at once.

January is the time when we resolve to quit bad habits and adopt good ones – resolutions that often last no longer than February or March. There’s a reason our good intentions melt away before the snow does; psychologists call it “willpower depletion.”

TTSAO 2017 Conference well attended

By Jennifer Coghill

The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) hosted its second annual Conference – Striving For Excellence In Training – in Mississauga, Ontario on Wednesday, February 15 and Thursday, February 16 at the Centre for Health and Safety Innovation (CHSI) thanks to the TTSAO’s industry partner and sponsor, the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association. The hallway at the CHSI included booths from almost 20 sponsors who stepped up to support the TTSAO.

On Jan. 1, well-known PMTC member Huron Services Group became CPC Logistics Canada Ltd. Private Motor Carrier sat down with PMTC Chairman John E. Harrison, Director of Transportation Operations with the company, to get his take on this momentous event.

Using legal advice to increase business value

By Heather C. Devine, Partner, Isaacs & Co., Barristers & Solicitors

Many executives view lawyers as simply a necessary expense. I understand this view: often a lawyer is retained to provide legal advice in a time of need or conflict, with the result that specific work is requested to be completed quickly. These legal bills can be unpredictable – and are rarely, if ever, lower than budgeted or anticipated.

Elias Demangos, Fortigo Freight Services Inc.

Q: When did you join the Young Leaders Group? Why is the Group important?

A: I joined the YLG over a year ago. As for the why, the PMTC like most organizations of this type, is very synergistic. A common truth is that a collection of people is often greater than just one person. The benefit that I (and I believe others) receive from being a member of the PMTC is the opportunity of enhancing my network while at the same time broadening my industry knowledge. I get to share ideas, exchange ‘best practices,’ hear about key achievers in my field, and also meet and brainstorm with others who are also looking to share and learn new information. At the end of the day, it’s good to give back to the industry that has given me so much. It’s often my greatest reward and benefit.

MTO’s Chris Davies discusses this year’s RoadCheck with PMC Magazine

May 17 in Calgary

The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada has announced the next regional seminar in its ongoing series of cross country educational half day conferences. The next seminar will be held on Wednesday, May 17, in Calgary, AB. 

January 13, 2017 – Hamilton, ON – The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) continues to release details about their upcoming 2nd annual conference, “Striving for Excellence in Training”, scheduled for February 15th and 16th, 2016 at the Centre for Health and Safety Innovation in Mississauga Ontario.

Welcome to the second annual TTSAO Conference – Striving for Excellence in Training. After the success of our first Conference in 2016, it is my honour to have the opportunity to chair this fantastic event.

Don't Just Roll With It

December 9, 2016 [AYR, ON] – DriverCheck Inc. announces that it will host an educational event titled “Marijuana Unwrapped – Don't Just Roll With It” on Wed. Jan. 25 in Milton, ON. This open-platform discussion will feature industry experts presenting about the challenges of cannabis in the workplace and the potential impact for those in safety sensitive occupations.

Dec 14, 2016 – Hamilton, ON – The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) has set the agenda for their second annual conference, the TTSAO “Striving for Excellence in Training” Conference, scheduled for February 15th and 16th, 2016 at the Centre for Health and Safety Innovation in Mississauga Ontario.

According to Matt Richardson, he has been in the transportation industry “all his life.” His earliest memories are of discussions around the dinner table pertaining to the family business. (Matt’s parents, Lisa and Kim Richardson, started Kim Richardson Transportation Specialists Inc. [KRTS] in 1989.)

August 17, 2016 – Milton, On. - Mark your calendar and call to register for free to attend an action-packed educational and networking opportunity for anyone in the trucking industry. Everyone says there's no free lunch anymore, but there is a free breakfast and what's even better is that it is going to be served with tons of education and a chance to brush shoulders with some of the industry’s best. The Biz and Breakfast is the brainchild of ISB Canada and Making Eligibility Easy (MEE) CEO Mike Thompson.

Michael (Mike) Colwell is Transportation Supervisor with Praxair Canada Inc. He is also Chair of PMTC’s Young Leaders Group. PMC Magazine sat down with Mike shortly after the recent PMTC Conference to find out more about him and the Young Leaders Group.

Q - How long have you been involved with the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada? Did you receive support from Home Hardware Store Ltd. for your volunteer efforts?

With Mother Nature cooperating, the Private Motor Truck Council’s 2016 Conference at the Kingbridge Conference Centre & Institute in King City, Ontario proved to be a huge success. The Conference Committee, along with PMTC President Mike Millian and Member Services Coordinator Vanessa Cox, put together a memorable Conference for 2016.

At the recent AGM, the PMTC Board of Directors elected a new Chairman: John E. Harrison of Huron Services Group. John took time out of a busy schedule to tell readers a bit about himself and his thoughts on the organization which he now heads.

North America’s largest work truck event was held March 1-4, 2016 in Indianapolis, IN. This year’s edition of the show boasted the largest attendance ever! Attendees had the opportunity to see industry’s newest products; choose from dozens of industry-focused training courses; and gain access to technical engineering representatives from hundreds of exhibiting companies.

By Mike Beaudin

The gruesome death of Hollywood starlet Jayne Mansfield in 1967 sparked a debate on truck safety that is still ongoing almost 50 years later. Mansfield was nearly decapitated when her Buick Electra slid under a semi-trailer in a rear-end collision.

Many successful trucking outfits are led by females (and other lessons I learned at Women With Drive)

By Angela Splinter, CEO, Trucking HR Canada

What do former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, retired Air Force Captain Angela Mondou and Western Star Trucks General Manager Kelley Platt have in common? For one thing, they’re all hugely successful female leaders in fields largely dominated by men.

Special edition to focus on training issues and more

The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) has named Private Motor Carrier magazine the official publication of the organization’s first-ever annual conference, scheduled for Feb. 23 and 24.

Dennis Shantz of Home Hardware Stores Ltd. continues as chair

The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada -- the voice of the nation's private fleets -- announced its incoming board of directors during an annual conference in King City, Ontario.

June 2-4 inspection blitz to focus on cargo securement

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s 28^th annual Roadcheck inspection blitz is set for June 2-4, when about 10,000 inspectors will spend 72 hours crawling over North America’s trucks and buses – and this year they’ll be paying particular attention to cargo securement.

Women account for a fraction of fleet employees. You should be worried.

By John G. Smith

Today’s fleets have a problem with women. To be precise, the problem is a lack of women. While representing 48% of Canada’s labour pool, they account for just 3% of truck drivers, mechanics and cargo workers. Things are only marginally different in office environments, where a mere 11% of managers and 18% of dispatchers are female.

Continues to seek clear operational guidance for process involving empty vehicles entering Canada

The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) is welcoming Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulatory amendments that support the e-Manifest initiative, but continues to ask for more details on the process that applies to empty vehicles entering Canada.

Association stresses it remains committed, national voice for private fleets

Imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery, but the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) needs to emphasize that it remains the only committed, national voice for private and dedicated fleets.

Meet Mike Millian, the new face of private trucking

Mike Millian wanted to be around trucks his whole life. The new president of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) – only the second person to hold the role in more than two decades – even refers to Grade 1 school books where he shared dreams of becoming a truck driver.

Think for-hire fleets are the only ones to worry about a driver shortage? Think again.

Mike Millian has little trouble finding drivers. Hensall District Co-operative tends to hear from hopeful candidates long before there are any job openings, and existing employees are an ongoing source of referrals. Even seasonal opportunities attract the interest of semi-retired farmers in the area.

2014 PMTC Chair Dennis Shantz reflects on the business of private trucking and Home Hardware

“They [PMTC] give us a voice.”
– Dennis Shantz, Home Hardware

Dennis Shantz wasn’t looking for a full-time job when he sat down for an interview with Home Hardware’s fleet manager. All he wanted was a few extra hours behind the wheel to supplement his paycheque from another carrier.

A driver’s paycheque can be an unpredictable thing. Maybe hourly pay is the answer.

It’s a rare thing for employees to say they would be willing to accept less money, but a Kriska Transportation driver recently offered that very thing. The driver was happy enough with his annual take, amounting to about $60,000 a year, but fluctuating weekly payments were driving his wife to distraction. Even if an equalized compensation plan came with some sort of financial penalty, the driver told a fleet manager that he would be willing to pay the price.

Our wish list to improve the business of private trucking

Every private fleet manager is on a quest to control costs and improve productivity, but these are no small tasks. Enhancements must be made against a backdrop of everything from rising equipment prices to limited weights and dimensions. Fleets could use a helping hand.

Productivity gains are coming to those who think outside the traditional 53-foot box

In a Tim Hortons drive-thru, the call of a “double-double” refers to a coffee with two creams and two sugars, but this is not the only way that doubles are important to the caffeine-dispensing cultural icon.

Alcohol and drug programs are stricter than ever. Maybe they should be broader.

THINK OF THEM AS THE RULES designed to keep truck drivers on the straight and narrow, emphasizing the straight. Cross-border drivers have since 1996 been blowing into Breathalyzers and peeing into bottles after accidents, because of reasonable suspicion, or when allowed to return to work in the wake of a positive test. Sometimes it’s the luck of the draw. Regulators also require carriers to test half a randomly selected driver pool for drugs, and 10% for alcohol.

Greenhouse Gas limits would apply to 2021-27 trucks. Trailers also affected.

Regulators in the U.S. have unveiled their latest plans to slash Greenhouse Gas emissions, targeting 2021-27 Model Year trucks. And, for the first time, trailers are targeted with emission standards of their own.