DECEMBER 2023 CANADA CARTAGE EXPANDS INTO THE U.S. MARKET WITH STRATEGIC ACQUISITION OF GTI GROUP NEW SNOWPLOW LAWS IN ONTARIO CARGO THEFT OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DEALS ON WHEELS: PERKOPOLIS
Safety Supervisor Liz Wright and Operations Supervisor Richard Irvine took a Canada Cartage truck for “Show and Tell” at Richard’s daughters’ daycare to support their Transportation Education Month. The children loved the big truck and were thrilled when the horn honked as they were leaving the event.
At this special time of year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your dedication to our company. We wish you abundance, happiness, and peace in 2024.
Happy Holidays!
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CANADA CARTAGE EXPANDS INTO THE U.S. MARKET WITH STRATEGIC ACQUISITION OF GTI GROUP Canada Cartage has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The GTI Group (GTI). Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, GTI provides customers in Canada and the United States with a range of supply chain service offerings, including brokerage, transportation management, freight forwarding, drayage, intermodal, warehousing, flat deck and specialty trucking services for oversize and heavy haul freight. This is a transformational acquisition for Canada Cartage and the largest in our company’s history. By joining forces with GTI, we will significantly increase our size and scale in services such as freight management, freight brokerage, and specialized freight hauling. Canada Cartage is entering the U.S. market for the first time in our 110-year history. GTI has offices across the U.S., including large regional operations hubs in Houston, Texas, Des Moines, Iowa, and Franklin, Tennessee. While GTI is headquartered in Montreal, over 80% of GTI’s revenue is in the U.S. market, and they have a significant customer base of well-known companies such as Nestle, GE, Lowe’s, Cargill, Johnson Controls, and many more. We have been looking for an opportunity to enter the U.S. market for several years but have been waiting for the right acquisition. We are confident that GTI and their team in the U.S. are the right platform for us to build and expand our North American presence. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and is expected to close by December 31, 2023.
NEW SNOWPLOW LAWS IN ONTARIO With the onset of the first significant heavy snowfall of the year, drivers in Ontario will now be subject to a new legal requirement. A recent revision to the Highway Traffic Act has prohibited improperly passing snowplows operating in an echelon formation, where these vehicles work side by side on multi-lane roads or highways. Following this updated legislation, drivers are banned from passing snowplows operating in echelon formation on multi-lane roads or highways with a posted speed limit of 80 km/h or higher. Passing is only permitted when an entire lane is free to complete the maneuver safely. For a lane to be considered available, it must be entirely free of any part of a snowplow, including its attachments or blades, overlapping into it. Violators of this regulation will be subject to a fine of $325. WWW. C ANADACARTAGE.COM
eBeaver: page 3 of 15 SAFETY CORNER
WINTER DRIVING: PREPARE FOR THE WORST Winter road conditions can pose hazards for both new and experienced drivers. Here are some tips to help you prepare and ensure your safety while on the road: Be vigilant for black ice, a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms when temperatures are near freezing. Exercise caution when approaching shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses, as these road sections tend to freeze before others during cold weather. Ensure your cell phone is charged. Cold weather can cause cell phone batteries to freeze, so avoid leaving your phone in your vehicle for extended periods. Adjust your driving speed to match the current road conditions. Regardless of your experience, how your vehicle behaves on snowy or icy roads can be unpredictable. Stay informed by listening to road conditions and weather updates on your radio. Additionally, engage with other drivers when parked to exchange information about road conditions. Avoid tailgating. Traffic tends to cluster on slippery roads, and while it may be tempting to follow closely behind other vehicles, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Watch for warning signs. If you notice vehicles spinning out in the median or on the shoulder, it’s a clear indicator that road conditions are deteriorating. Consider finding a safe spot to exit the roadway if you see large trucks losing control. Remember that no cargo is worth risking your life. If you encounter extreme driving conditions, inform your dispatch and seek a safe place to wait. Ensure you have the necessary supplies on hand. If you become stranded, lose control, get involved in an accident, or encounter traffic delays, keep extra warm clothing, blankets, canned food, and water in your vehicle. Maintain a full tank of diesel to avoid running out of fuel. Wear sturdy boots with good traction. Snow, ice, and cold weather can make even simple tasks hazardous. To stay on your feet, especially when the steps and ground may be icy in winter, maintain three points of contact when entering or exiting the cab.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT CANADA CARTAGE GEAR We have added new items to our online store, Canada Cartage Gear. By popular request, we have added a three-pack t-shirt collection. These three t-shirts each feature a different Canada Cartage design. Starting at $25.00, these t-shirts are a great addition to any closet.
A miniature International Lonestar truck is available in white and features opening back doors. Made of die-cast metal and plastic, each truck is packaged in an individual box. The Canada Cartage logo is imprinted in full colour on both sides of the truck. Again this year, we are offering Christmas ornaments. This 3” durable and impressive ornament is sure to be a standout item, perfect for holiday gifts and unique keepsakes. It comes complete with a hanging ribbon. We even have gifts for kids and pets! Visit www.canadacartagegear.com to place your order. WWW. C ANADACARTAGE.COM
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CARGO THEFT OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY The Christmas holiday period typically experiences an increase in cargo thefts. It’s crucial to implement measures to safeguard transport and warehouse operations. Here are key practices for protecting cargo: Always lock and seal loaded trailers and trucks, storing them in a secure, fenced area. Avoid leaving loaded vehicles in non-secure locations like shopping center parking lots or truck stops. Regularly check and maintain camera and terminal alarm systems. Ensure outdoor lighting functions properly, especially from dusk to dawn. Station security guards at any site where cargo is stored outside docks or warehouses. Lock all power units and safely store keys with dispatch. Verify that all gates at terminal and warehouse sites are functional and locked when unattended. For facilities that close during the holidays, ensure they are thoroughly checked, locked, and secured by the last staff member leaving. Encourage drivers to be extra cautious during stops. Prevent drivers and operations staff from disclosing cargo details to outsiders. High-Value / High-Risk cargo should be positioned within CCTV range and secured with rear doors, pin locks, and glad hands. Staff present should also monitor these cargoes. Treat every alarm as genuine and not a false alert. Immediately report any suspicious individuals or vehicles near terminals to the police. Ensure all visitors are properly identified before allowing access. This advice is particularly relevant for the 2023 Christmas season, from the evening of December 22, 2023, to the morning of January 2, 2024. Everyone needs to stay vigilant and collaborate during this time to ensure safety.
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HOLIDAY ONLINE SHOPPING SAFETY Holiday shopping heats up in December, and many holiday shoppers turn to online shopping using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Unfortunately, amid the increase in e-commerce, financial fraud scams also increase. Use these tips to keep yourself safe while online shopping this holiday season: Don’t save your credit card information. Storing personal and payment information in your online may be convenient, but it comes with risk. Some retail websites may not have the security tools to secure your information, leaving your details and payment card data vulnerable to cyber thieves or data breaches. So skip the autofill option or try using a password manager, which protects your account information. Consider using Apple Pay or Google Pay. Credit card fraud is a severe problem, but using a digital wallet or app like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, or others can help increase transaction security. The digital wallet obscures payment card information. The digital wallet sends a unique code to the merchant that’s only good for that purchase. If a store employee handling the purchase or a hacker tries to steal the store’s payment information, your credit card and bank details will not be visible to them. Only buy from confirmed retailers. Some businesses are fake and set up on the web by people who want your credit card information and other personal details. Confirm the company’s legitimacy by checking out reviews and consumer feedback. Don’t jump at the lowest price. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become traditional holiday shopping choices. However, if a website offers a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Extremely low prices signal that the website may exist only to get your personal information. Do your research on the website before making a purchase. Never make purchases on public Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi networks use public airwaves. With some tech know-how and the free Wi-Fi password at your favourite coffee shop, someone can intercept your data while you’re on free public Wi-Fi. If you can’t resist the lure of shopping online while sipping that peppermint latte, install and use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your mobile devices and computers before connecting to any open Wi-Fi network. Use strong passwords and a password manager. Use a strong password that includes numbers, letters, and symbols. Sometimes, using a passphrase such as “Niceday2day:)” is easier to remember. Remembering all those passwords can take time and effort. Use a password manager that securely stores all your passwords for you.
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eBeaver: page 4 of 15 Check the URL The small lock icon in the corner of your URL bar is a notification that the web page you are on has privacy protection installed. The URL will also start with “https.” These websites mask the data you share on pages that ask for passwords or financial information. If the lock is missing or you don’t see the “s” after “http,” the webpage isn’t secure. Use extreme caution before providing credit card information over these sites. After purchasing gifts, watch your credit and bank statements. Get in the habit of checking your bank account and credit statements at least once a week to ensure that you are not a victim of fraud, or you can set up account alerts. When you receive a text or email about a charge, you can check the message and recall if you recognize the charge and made the purchase.
VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER Company Drivers: Satveer Sekhon, Leonard Selensky, Philbert Ducusin, Simranpal Singh, Tyler McKinley, Travis Kleinfelder, Regina, Saskatchewan The team at YRHC mentioned how grateful they are for the drivers’ services. Most anyone who comes into the facility goes above and beyond to help the linen service workers when there is no expectation, nor do they ask them to do so. The different drivers always greet staff upon arrival and are very friendly. The drivers often assist in rearranging the soiled linen bags to maximize cart and truck space. We just wanted to pass along our thanks. Shauna de Jong South Linen Lead Provincial Linen Services
Behruz Kaveh, Company Driver Port Coquitlam, B.C. I wanted to send this note to let you know that Behruz has been extremely helpful at the Langley DC, especially the last two weeks. Always going above and beyond to ensure we are set up for success! Big thank you to him! Shukri Abdulle Productivity Manager Bimbo Canada
Satwinder Singh, Company Diver Saskatoon, Sk The driver who delivers our linen is amazing! Always courteous and happy. Always look forward to seeing him! Kudos to you and your team. Great job as always. Barb Lewis General Manager K-Bro Linen Systems Inc.
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WELLNESS CORNER
SLEEP APNEA Do you feel drowsy when driving during the day? Do you snore or have frequent headaches? If so, you could have Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA). According to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the American Transportation Research Institute of the American Trucking Associations, nearly one-third (28 percent) of commercial truck drivers have mild to severe sleep apnea. OSA is a serious medical condition that happens when a person’s throat muscles relax when they are asleep. This causes numerous pauses in breathing that can last upwards of 10 seconds each and occur up to 400 times per night. People with OSA experience broken sleep patterns and poor sleep quality. If OSA is untreated, high blood pressure, heart disease and depression all increase in risk. People who are over the age of 40 and are overweight, have a large neck size (17 inches or greater for men, 16 inches or greater for women), and smoke or drink are at a higher risk for developing OSA. Symptoms include but are not limited to loud snoring, morning headaches and nausea, gasping or choking while sleeping. Driving becomes affected because OSA causes fatigue and increases the hazard of drowsy driving, lowering your ability to react to traffic situations proactively or causing you to crash if you nod off. You can continue to drive with OSA, but you must get your OSA treated. Depending on the severity of your OSA, treatment options can range from an overnight mouth guard, a CPAP machine that helps you breathe while sleeping, or a surgical implant that monitors your breathing. If you suspect you have OSA, see your medical provider and request a sleep study or other examination method.
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DEALS ON WHEELS: PERKOPOLIS Did you know that all Canada Cartage employees have access to Perkopolis, Canada’s leading provider of fully managed perk programs? By partnering directly with brands across North America, Perkopolis finds offers and benefits that save you money, with more than 5,000 exclusive perks for employees. Automotive Perks Save money by taking advantage of exclusive discounts on various daily automotive expenses, including gas, car insurance, car maintenance, tires, car rentals, and new car purchases.
Retail & Shopping Perks Exclusive discounts and special offers are available at a wide range of top retailers, including fashion, electronics, house & home, fitness, footwear, sports & outdoors, and even restaurants.
Entertainment Perks Employees can access priority pricing, seat selection and pre-sale offers on the latest and most popular theatre shows, sporting events and special events. Plus, Perkopolis offers discounts on movies, attractions, activities, and more.
Travel Perks Employees get exclusive rates at over 400,000 hotels worldwide, discount flights, unique tour packages, airport transfers, car rental discounts, special rates on VIA Rail tickets and travel insurance packages.
Health & Wellness Perks Discounts and exclusive value-adds are available for fitness clubs, fitness equipment, dental, eye care, spa services, and nutritional supplements, to name a few. As a result, savings are available on everything needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
Insurance Perks Perkopolis members can get savings and value-adds on home, automobile, pet and travel insurance.
Employees can sign up using a Canada Cartage email. Visit www.perkopolis.com to learn more.
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HOT JOBS
EMPLOYEE VOICE: WE'RE LISTENING
We have several open positions across Canada. We invite you to share these roles with your friends and networks who might be interested in these positions.
Have questions, comments or concerns? Do you have any ideas or suggestions to help us improve the business? Maybe you have a work-related challenge that you need help resolving? We want to hear from you.
For a listing of all open positions, visit www.drivecanadacartage.com Bilingual Service Desk Analyst Mississauga, ON As part of the IT team, the Service Desk Analyst is responsible for delivering efficient and prompt technical and operational assistance to end users concerning system applications, hardware, and software. Responsibilities include accepting, prioritizing, recording, and proactively addressing user issues and challenges. Additionally, the role involves escalating more complex problems when required. The applicant must be fluent in English and French. APPLY HERE Class 1 Flat Deck Driver Winnipeg, MB We are looking for talented and dedicated Class 1 Driver with flat deck experience to join our fleet. Deliveries made in Winnipeg and surrounding rural areas and eligible and open to going to the US as well. This is a day driving position. You will be home every day. If this job sounds like a fit for you, apply below.
Submit them confidentially to our Employee Voice program email at employeevoice@canadacartage.com. All emails received are held in confidence and will not be made public without your permission.
When you see a team member doing great work, let them know by sending them a thank you card or certificate. Each quarter, a team in each region reviews all submissions and recognizes those who have gone "Above and Beyond" to receive a $50.00 gift certificate. Each winner is also eligible for the President's Award in January. You can email your recognition, along with the reason why you nominated the recipient and the values they demonstrated, to recognition@canadacartage.com, or online at www.canadacartage.com/truenorth
Nominate someone now!
APPLY HERE AZ Flatbed Driver Etobicoke, Ontario We seek talented, dedicated drivers with exceptional customer service skills to join our delivery fleet. This is a Monday to Friday dayshift position that delivers block and glass products within the U.S.A., GTA & the Southern Ontario region. If this sounds like the job for you, apply below. APPLY HERE
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! Don't forget to send in your photos to The Beaver! We may use your photos in upcoming editions of The Beaver, the eBeaver or even on social media! Send your photos to thebeaver@canadacartage.com
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TRUE NORTH NOMINEES The following employees received True North nominations from their peers for demonstrating our core values. Congratulations to all of our nominees, and thank you for being great ambassadors for Canada Cartage.
Safety and Compliance supervisor Sylvain Rougeau, right, presented Company Driver Steve Beauregard Lamarche, left, with a True North Certificate for demonstrating our company’s values.
PHOTO GALLERY
Operations Supervisor Michael Morton, left, presented Company Driver Harpreet Singh with his 5-year service anniversary certificate. Michael and Harpreet work out of our terminal in Calgary, Alberta. WWW. C ANADACARTAGE.COM
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Senior Operations Manager Mike Sawchuk celebrated Company Driver Charles Payment on his retirement after 25 years of service. Charles officially retired on November 6th from our Winnipeg terminal.
Oshawa Terminal Manager Sender Waldman, left, and Operations Supervisor Tammy Fowler, right, presented Company Driver Roger Cobbledick, middle, with a certificate and gift to commemorate his 25-year anniversary with the company.
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The Billing & Handling department at our head office in Mississauga, Ontario celebrated Diwali in colour.
Our London terminal recently held their annual propane tanker safety meeting. WWW. C ANADACARTAGE.COM
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Senior Operations Manager Lori Sharma, right, presented Home Depot Company Driver Brian Gelineau with a certificate and gift to commemorate his 25-year anniversary with the company.
The Central Dispatch team at our head office in Mississauga, Ontario celebrated Diwali in colour.
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Surrounded by friends and co-workers, Gord Dixon was presented with a certificate and gift to commemorate his 25-year anniversary with the company.
Dispatcher Bryan Lacey from Regina, Saskatchewan, grew a “Mo” to support men’s health initiatives for the month of Movemeber. WWW. C ANADACARTAGE.COM
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John Ronchiadin was presented with a certificate and gift to commemorate his 25-year anniversary with the company.
Employees at our First Gulf location in Brampton, Ontario celebrated Diwali. WWW. C ANADACARTAGE.COM