Returning to the Crowne Plaza Fallsview in Niagara Falls, the setting was ideal, as were the seminars, Exhibitors’ Showcase, award presentations, and the many networking opportunities attendees enjoyed at PMTC’s 2018 Conference. Meanwhile, the AGM took care of business and saw the election of a new Board of Directors. The Conference Committee should be congratulated on putting together another world-class event. Read on as we chronologically recap the 2018 Conference.
Wednesday, June 13
Prior to the festivities, PMTC President Mike Millian and PTMC Director and TTSAO Chairman Kim Richardson received the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s Road User Safety Partnership Award. The award had been presented a day earlier to Mike, Kim, Stephen Laskowski, representing the OTA, and Brian Patterson from the Ontario Safety League for their invaluable collaboration on the development of Ontario’s MELT program.
Events officially kicked off with the PMTC’s Annual General Meeting, where President Mike Millian gave his “Year in Review” address. Others who addressed members were outgoing Chairman John Harrison and Young Leaders Group Chairman Matt Richardson. Kelly Henderson, Executive Director of Trucking HR Sector Council Atlantic, also spoke on the “Workforce Landscape for 2018.”
Following the day’s business, attendees relaxed at the YLG-hosted reception where old friends met and new acquaintances were made!
Thursday, June 14
Seminar I – A LEGAL UPDATE
Heather Devine (Isaacs & Co.)
is a familiar face at the PMTC Conference and a regular contributor to this magazine’s “Legal Forum.” Referencing the ancient Chinese military strategy, The Art of War,
Ms. Devine cautioned attendees what they may be facing in the near future from a legal standpoint. Go to this issue’s “Legal Corner” to revisit her presentation.
Seminar II – CMV ON ROAD SAFETY,
AN OFFICER’S PERSPECTIVE
Staff Sergeant Michael Hinsperger (Waterloo Regional Police Service) and Constable Pat Martin (Halton Regional Police Service) discussed the OPCVC (Ontario Police Commercial Vehicle Committee), whose purpose is to have a unified body of CVSA officers as a group representing police services across Ontario, rather than individuals from separate police services.
Mike and Pat walked attendees through information obtained from their CMV safety blitzes including defects, driver-officer interaction, and other insights to help drivers and companies be prepared for an inspection. They also discussed distracted driving and other safety related issues. Included were some grizzly real-life tales of accidents due to faulty equipment that took the lives of innocent road users or pedestrians.
The seminar concluded with John Oldfield of Dalton Timmis Insurance moderating a Q&A session.
Seminar III – YLG’s ‘DRIVEN TO LEAD’
PROGRAM and YLG PANEL
Jeremy Enns of Eagles Flight presented on the Young Leader Group’s ‘Driven
to Lead’ program, an experiential, four-part, practical leadership program that takes participants through hands-on, impactful exercises focusing on topics like culture, teamwork, accountability and strategy.
The program begins in September.
At the program’s core is the following definition of leadership: Leadership is optimizing the performance of the organization and the people who deliver that performance. The program’s four parts consist of:
1. Creating a Culture of Accountability;
2. Building and Leading Teams;
3. Communicating for Impact; and
4. Coaching for Results.
After Jeremy’s overview, he moderated a panel of current YLs to gain their perspective on the industry, the program, and what support they’re seeking from employers. It was obvious to all that our industry is in good hands – both now and in the future!
PMTC Award:
2018 PMTC Young Leaders
Group Education Bursaries
The PMTC and its Young Leaders Group was pleased to award two deserving individuals – Marcus Mares and Davis Parsons – with the 2018 PMTC Young Leaders Group Education Bursaries, presented by YLG Chairman Matt Richardson.
“This award presents two emerging young leaders with the funds to take two of the four courses required to complete the PMTC Logistics Management Graduate Program,” stated President Millian. “These courses are offered through CITT, a leader in Transportation Logistics training. When completed, this will arm these individuals with the skills and confidence necessary to climb the ranks in their organization and help them become a successful leader. We also believe this award will help promote investment in the training needs of our future leaders.”
Marcus Mares, PeopleNet Canada Inc.
Marcus joined ‘PeopleNet’ Canada as a regional sales manager in 2015. His career in the industry, though, began as a part-time driver in Vancouver while taking his B. Comm. Accounting course. This ‘taste’ grabbed Marcus, and he has never been able to let go. Along with his driving and sales background, he has also worked as a dispatcher.
With ‘PeopleNet’, Marcus was the 2017 recipient of the ‘Crystal Truck Award’ for sales performance. His employer says, “Notwithstanding Marcus’s excellent employee record, his biggest impact is his willingness to coach and mentor others, to take time out of his own schedule and help his team succeed.”
Marcus has sat on the PMTC’s Board since April 2016 and has been involved with the Young Leaders Group since January 2016. He always brings valuable insight with a strong willingness to learn and a desire to affect positive change in the industry. His desire to continue to improve is shown by his application for this bursary, despite his already successful career. Marcus’s passion for this industry, and his genuine concern for the issues that affect it, along with his professional and educational background make him a truly deserving recipient of the 2018 Young Leaders Education Bursary.
David Parsons, Sleeman Breweries, Guelph, ON Div.
Dave joined Sleeman Breweries in 2008, although his industry experiences date back to 1999. Dave’s father was a truck driver, and that’s where his interest in the industry began. To that end, Dave went to Humber College to obtain his AZ license. He has a varied background in the industry, ranging from a fleet driver trainer and instructor through the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association of Ontario, an International & Domestic Import Supervisor (1999-2004), Distribution Supervisor (2004-2008), and now as a Distribution Supervisor at Sleeman Breweries since 2008.
Dave plays a key role in a number of operational activities, including working with customers to fix concerns, obtaining cost-saving methods (which increases revenues by minimizing the need for third-party carriers), and better utilizing the assets of Sleeman’s private fleet. He is also involved with spec’ing equipment and ensuring high standards of safety & compliance. In his time, Dave has helped lower Sleeman’s CVOR rating to 8%.
Both Dave and Sleeman Breweries believe one must always strive for improvement. Thus, he believes the YLG Education bursary will provide him with the tools to help further his knowledge, and Sleeman Breweries is fully supportive of this decision.
PMTC Award:
PMTC-CPC Logistics Canada Hall of Fame
for Professional Drivers
This year, PMTC inducted three exceptional drivers into the Hall of Fame for Professional Drivers: David Armstrong, Rob Bentall, and John McCallum. The Hall of Fame is sponsored by CPC Logistics Canada. Drivers from PMTC-member companies are recognized for superior over-the-road performance over an extended period.
The Hall of Fame is a permanent recognition of their abilities.
It can be found on the PMTC website – www.pmtc.ca.
“The skills of professional truck drivers are evident to all road users, and are especially valued by their employers,” said PMTC President Mike Millian. “These professionals compile safe driving records that are beyond amazing, considering the adverse conditions they face every day, but only a select few can equal the caliber of the drivers in the Hall of Fame. The industry salutes them and we are pleased to honor them today.”
Together, these three drivers have amassed 104 years and over 16 million km of accident-free driving.
David Armstrong
CPC Logistics Canada (assigned to the John Deere Fleet)
Dave began his driving career at 16 and has experienced everything his profession has to offer. He’s driven in every state and province except Newfoundland and Hawaii. He has pulled dry vans, flat decks, tankers, livestock trailers, singles, doubles and trains. He’s been with the John Deere Fleet for over 30 years, and is consistently in the top 10 for annual mileage. He likes to keep his truck spotless and always takes time to help fellow drivers and provide direction as needed. Dave is well liked and respected by everyone in the fleet.
Away from work, Dave and wife Vonna are dedicated to their family, active in their church and in their community. In his spare time, Dave loves to dabble in old cars.
Rob Bentall
Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
Rob has been employed with Home Hardware Stores for 34 years, and accident-free for the last 32 years, amassing over 6.5 million km. In his first year, Rob ran all day trips. Later, he ran a steady diet of the east coast. He has delivered to stores in Manitoba, Northern Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. When he started, Rob was a young looking guy and was often questioned if he was old enough to drive the rig. On one trip to Russell, Manitoba, he took his dad. Two weeks later at the same store, they asked where his driver (dad) was.
Rob has sat on Home Hardware’s accident review committee, and spent seven years as a Fergus Truck Show judge. He’s always been willing to help other drivers, and has changed many a tire for motorists in distress. When not driving, he volunteers at his son’s school, and helps with school outings. Rob and Sharon also have a boat at Penatang that they enjoy with family.
John McCallum
Praxair Canada
John’s exemplary driving career spans 42 years, the last 25 with Praxair. John has lived the long stretch of the open road, as well as the busy city streets. He has amassed 5 million km and driven in 46 US states and all Canadian provinces. John was awarded the gold level of excellence from the SAAQ, which recognizes drivers of heavy vehicles whose conduct is exemplary in terms of road safety.
Safety is one of the most important aspects of Praxair – when you handle cryogenic gases, it has to be. In addition to John’s enviable road safety record, he has never had a workplace injury or incident at Praxair. This can be attributed to his disciplined devotion to operational procedures. Fellow drivers look up to John and he always does his best to mentor new employees.
John and wife Tracy have raised five children, and now have four beautiful grandkids.
PMTC Award:
PMTC-CPC Logistics Canada Rick Austin Memorial Dispatcher of the Year Award
The PMTC and CPC Logistics Canada presented the first ever Rick Austin Memorial Dispatcher of the Year Award, established in memory of CPC Fleet Dispatcher Rick Austin, who passed away on March 15, 2017.
After a stint as an owner-operator, Rick joined the John Deere Canadian Fleet in November 1991, developing a reputation as a dependable driver with a great work ethic. He earned his Million Mile Award and trained to provide relief dispatch, before moving into full-time dispatch in 2000, where he soon received the CPC Logistics President’s Award for exceptional service.
Rick fully understood the demands and strains on a long-haul driver and became not just a dispatcher, but a good friend and wise council to many over the years. He knew the job had to be done, but also wanted drivers running safe and legal at all times. He always took the time to communicate with drivers, ensuring they kept their lives in balance.
The award salutes the exceptional, often under-appreciated, efforts of a dispatcher who has made an outstanding contribution to his/her company over a career. The inaugural Rick Austin Memorial Dispatcher of the Year Award went to Praxair Canada’s Linda Valliere.
Linda began at Praxair (then Union Carbide) in Accounting and became secretary to the Controller. In the ‘90s, Union Carbide became Praxair and a new initiative centralized logistics out of downtown Mississauga. Seeking a challenge, Linda moved into a new role in Customs & Logistics, where she helped roll out a customer software that produced major cost savings.
In Logistics, she primarily dispatched the Ontario driver teams. Her rapport with the drivers was legendary, and drivers would often specifically ask for Linda when calling in for instructions.
Linda always took the time to get to know her drivers and listen to their feedback. She got to know many of them and their families. This respect for drivers has always been what drives her commitment to safety. She recognizes that facilitating safety for drivers is one of her most important roles. She ensures this occurs by communicating issues to customers, escalating issues to management, and talking to drivers to ensure they are comfortable with her dispatches.
In addition to her rapport with the drivers, she has also been supportive in mentoring logistics planners. This year is Linda’s 40th anniversary with Praxair Canada. She is a shining example that regardless of background and gender, one can succeed in this industry if willing to learn, boast a strong work ethic, and have a passion for the job.
“Dispatchers play a key role in the success of any organization, and when I look at the Linda’s credentials, I can’t imagine a more deserving first-time recipient of this award,” stated PMTC Past Chairman John Harrison.
Seminar IV – 2018 BENCHMARKING SURVEY and US REGULATORY UPDATE
In this seminar, Tom Moore from the National Private Truck Council in the US gave an overview of the 2nd annual PMTC Benchmarking Survey. The PMTC, in collaboration with the NPTC, re-introduced its Benchmarking Survey in 2017 (free to PMTC members). The survey was conducted in February-March 2018, reflecting industry activity for 2017. Questions pertained to demographics, operations, equipment & maintenance, labour, strategies to enhance utilization, and safety.
The survey found the biggest challenge for private fleets, by a wide margin, was attracting and maintaining good drivers. It also found an overriding feeling of optimism in the industry – 51% of respondents felt the industry would grow in the near future.
Tom went over more of the survey’s findings and shared how some of these compare to the trends in the US private fleet market. He also provided attendees with an update on the latest US Federal Regulatory and Compliance Issues.
Seminar V – ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS: PRESERVING EVIDENCE and PREPARING FOR LITIGATION USING FORENSIC EXPERTS
In this seminar, Leanne Rapley and Mark Fabbroni discussed accident investigations – specifically, preserving evidence and preparing for litigation using forensic experts.
Despite best efforts, accidents do happen. If the response to these mishaps is poor, costs can be crippling. In the wake of these often-tragic incidents, fleets can be caught off-guard – unprepared or uninformed – unable to make the quick decisions required to protect themselves. This talk explored the practices fleets can adopt to deal with incidents so they are in the best position to mount the necessary legal defense and protect the parties in the event of a regulatory investigation.
Leanne Rapley, principal, Rapley & Company, is experienced in the defence of a variety of civil litigation cases across Canada. She knows that the best defence begins with a good risk management policy.
Mark Fabbroni is the principal of -30 Forensics Engineering’s Trucking Group, responsible for the development and management of the multidisciplinary service offering, and specializing in collision reconstruction and automotive failure analysis.
Mark and Leanne recommended that a fleet be prepared for an accident. Preserving and managing what happens in the aftermath of an accident can make a difference between a predictable resolution of issues arising out of a lawsuit and massive payouts on numerous claims.
PMTC Award:
PMTC-Aviva Private Fleet Safety Awards
The PMTC-Aviva Fleet Safety Awards competition is open to
all Canadian private carriers, and membership in the PMTC is not a requirement. The 2018 award winners were:
• Mid-Sized Fleet (under 75 Power Units):
John Deere Canada ULC
• Large Fleet (75 and over Power Units):
Home Hardware Stores Limited
President Mike Millian said, “Members of the PMTC appreciate the support of Aviva for these private fleet safety awards. The award is a tangible sign of the commitment of Aviva and the PMTC to truck safety.
“The efforts of everyone involved with these fleets, and many others in our membership, points to their desire to keep road safety foremost in their operations. All of the 2018 award winners deserve our congratulations.”
John Deere ULC has operated its private fleet in Canada for over 41 years. It consists of 55 power units and 150 trailers running over 11.5 million km per year, distributing agricultural parts throughout Canada and the US. It is C-TPAT, CSA, and FAST approved. Personnel includes 74 employees, of which 67 are drivers supplied by CPC Logistics Canada. John Deere is a six-time winner of the Private Fleet Safety Award.
The company has a written safety policy that is updated yearly. Prior experience, education, and reference checks all factor into hiring. Potential new drivers must have three-years verifiable driving experience; submit current driver and CVOR abstracts; undergo a pre-employment medical, drug and alcohol screening; and pass written and road tests.
New hires receive two days of in-house training on company procedures, product handling, and safety practices. Drivers are trained and certified on TDG, HOS, and CSA regulations and participate in quarterly safety meetings. John Deere also uses Electronic Logs, and utilizes EOBRs to monitor its drivers’ compliance with speed limits.
John Deere investigates every incident, including written reports, interviews, and remedial training where required. It also offers a safety awards program. The effort pays dividends as the John Deere fleet has a CVOR violation rate of only 3.34%.
Home Hardware Stores Ltd. has operated one of the most visible private fleets in Canada for 54+ years, which consists
of 157 fleet related personnel (136 drivers). The fleet has 141 tractors, 522 trailers, and 6 straight trucks, and in the current year they operated 17.7 million km.
Selection of new drivers starts with a review of their applications, current driver and CVOR abstracts. This is followed by two interviews and reference checks. Drivers then undergo a road test. A new driver gets three days of in-class orientation training, loading dock training, and a minimum of three days accompanied by a driver coach. A formal performance review is undertaken with the driver after three months, and if acceptable, he/she is then offered full-time employment.
Home Hardware also has annual driver safety meetings, safety banquets, and ongoing training sessions during the year. It’s involved in regional and provincial truck driving championships, and encourages drivers to become involved. The company has a safe driving bonus program and a profit-sharing bonus.
All accidents are reported immediately, reviewed by a supervisor, and the driver is then interviewed. An accident review committee made up of management and driver reps (elected by their peers) reviews all accidents quarterly. The committee then makes a determination on preventability and on the driver’s eligibility for the company’s safe driving awards and bonus.
Home Hardware operates under the CSA Carrier Management System. To maintain its certificate of qualification it must be internally audited, as well as externally audited by CSA/QMI
annually at two locations. This audit is similar to a full compliance audit. The company has a CVOR rating of 12.09%. Home Hardware has won the PMTC Fleet Safety Award eight times!
PMTC Award:
PMTC-KRTS Driver Training Scholarship
PMTC and sponsor KRTS announced the 2018 recipient of the Professional Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Training Scholarship as William Gavin of Cardinal, Ontario, employed by Superior Propane. William has been a valued employee of Superior Propane for over three years. His employer states he has always gone ‘above and beyond,’ helping customers and fellow employees whenever he can. He has clean driving and safety records, and performs his role as Plant Supervisor with the utmost professionalism. William wants to become a Professional CMV operator for Superior and would take earning his CDL with pride and professionalism.
William’s father, stepfather, father-in-law and grandfather all have over a million miles behind them as professional drivers, and William wants to continue the tradition. He states, “Driving seems to come naturally, and this scholarship will help me expand on my driving experiences and knowledge of the industry even further. It’ll also open many doors to advance with Superior Propane, and bring growth for my career and family.”
William and Superior Propane know this opportunity will allow him to expand his duties within the company to make bulk truck deliveries and operate crane and cylinder trucks.
“The skill and professionalism required of today’s professional drivers increases with each passing year,” stated President Mike Millian. “For an entry level driver in our industry to have the best chance to be successful, it’s imperative they receive the best in training that’s available. This scholarship, which provides training that is both TTSAO and PTDI certified, provides just that. We are thankful to KRTS for sponsoring this award, and making this scholarship possible.”
PMTC Award:
Presentation to Past Chairman
On behalf of the PMTC membership, President Mike Millian presented Past Chairman John Harrison with a token of appreciation for the contributions he made to PMTC during his term as Chairman and in the many previous years he served on the Board of Directors. Individuals like John define the term “volunteerism,” and we should all be grateful for the time he has devoted to the PMTC.
Friday, June 15
PMTC Award:
PMTC-3M Vehicle Graphics Design Awards
The PMTC announced the award winners of its 2018 Vehicle Graphics Design competition, sponsored by 3M Canada. This is the 33rd year for the most colourful awards in trucking, which were presented in seven categories: Tractor Trailer; Straight Truck; Special Events/Promotion; Light Duty Commercial Truck; Human Interest and Identity Fleet Graphics.
“We’re extremely grateful to 3M Canada for their ongoing support of this competition,” said President Millian. “This national event brings entries from across the country and is a clear indication of how much pride companies take in promoting their products and services through engaging vehicle graphics. We congratulate all the winners and thank all those that participated.”
Awards by category were presented to the following fleets:
Tractor Trailer: Rosenau Transport
Honourable Mention:
Huber Motor Sports
Straight Truck: Levitt Safety
Honourable Mention:
Alloro Fine Foods
Special Events/Promotion: Sharp Transportation Systems
Honourable Mention:Rosenau Transport
Light Duty Commercial Truck: Durham Regional Police
Honourable Mention:Cottage Country Dip
Fleet Identity Graphics: Bell Canada
Honourable Mention:Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
Night Time Safety: Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
Honourable Mention:First Security
Human Interest: Trailer Wizards
Honourable Mention:Rosenau Transport
For photos of winning designs, click here.
Seminar VI – CARGO THEFT – HIGHWAY ROBBERY: AN ORGANIZED CRIME PERSPECTIVE
Cargo theft is an estimated $5 billion issue. The GTA has the highest rate of cargo thefts in Canada, with stats rivalling large US supply chain cities (LA, Dallas and Miami). Yet, the issue gets little media attention and is seen as a ‘victimless’ crime. Todd Moore gave an overview of the issue, describing it from an organized crime level.
Todd is President of two firms: Veritas Training Consultants Inc. and the Canadian Armed Robbery Training Associates (CARTA) Inc. Since 2005, his companies have provided armed robbery seminar training, robbery assignment kits, and online robbery training programs to businesses across North America. Todd has also developed an online truck-hijacking program for the industry.
He is currently a Police Detective with a large Municipal Police Service and has 30 years policing service with extensive experience in various specialized investigative units including the Intelligence Unit where he was the Supervisor of the Traditional Organized Crime Unit. Todd was also an investigator in the Robbery Unit.
Todd says criminals opt for cargo theft because it’s a “low-risk, high-reward” crime. US statistics say the average ‘take’ in a bank robbery is $4,330, while the average cargo theft yields $257,000 – and it’s considered a property offence, not a crime of violence.
Both law enforcement and the trucking industry have become more proactive in recent years. Many carriers have formed Incident Response Teams (IRTs) to immediately liaise with local police following a cargo theft incident. There is now a Canadian central registry where cargo thefts can be reported, so we have nation-wide statistics at our fingertips. As well, trailer security – formerly a weak link – has been improved, as has fleet yard security.
Seminar VII – SOCIAL MEDIA INVESTIGATIONS
Social media networks are the next frontier for security investigations. This seminar looked into the current social media landscape and the social media life cycle. Attendees learned about open source investigations, data collected from publicly available sources, and the full capabilities of geo-fencing (targeting a specific area to gather evidence of a current workplace investigation). ISB Canada’s VP Client Services, Maeve Davis, also discussed the potential landmines in conducting your own social media investigation and the importance of the handling of collected data and their court admissibility.
Maeve is responsible for driving growth while helping customers across the continent meet the need for better efficiencies,
cost-savings and accuracy in the processing of claims.
Maeve said once information is posted to a social network, it’s no longer private. The more information posted, the more likely you’ll leave ‘bread crumbs,’ even with high security settings. Friends or websites may inadvertently reveal important information.
Maeve said social media investigations can be used in a variety of instances, including:
• Internal Theft and Fraud
• Insurance Investigations
• Benefits / Disability Claims
• Bill 132 – Workplace Violence/Harassment
• Pre-Employment / Background Checks
• Absenteeism
• Corporate & Personal Due Diligence
Attendees left the 2018 Conference better informed on a variety of subjects, and the private trucking industry will benefit from this knowledge. The 2018 conference set new records, with over 200 people in attendance, and record levels of participation at the AGM and YLG reception, as well. Reviews of the conference in follow-up surveys have been overwhelmingly positive, with 100% or replies indicating they would recommend the Conference to others. Congratulations to the PMTC staff and the Conference Committee on another successful conference.
Next year the PMTC will return to the Crowne Plaza, and the event will be held from June 12 to the 14. Mark your calendars and plan to attend what we are sure will be another exceptional Conference in 2019.
