Team members at our CCLS fulfillment and distribution warehouse on White Hart Lane in Mississauga, Ontario wore orange shirts as part of National Truth and Reconciliation Day
We know it's been a tough 18 to 24 months for the transportation industry, and we've had to make difficult decisions to manage financial pressures. Now, we're looking ahead and want your input on how we can improve as the economy recovers.
Why Your Feedback is Important
We're conducting an employee engagement survey to better understand what our employees need, their experiences, and how they feel about their work. We also want to learn what two or three changes we can make next year to improve the workplace.
Your Voice Counts!
Your honest feedback will help us make Canada Cartage a better place to work. We're committed to listening to your ideas and taking action based on the survey results.
Survey Goals
The survey will help us:
See how satisfied you are with your job and responsibilities. Measure how well communication works between teams and with management. Find ways to support your professional growth and career goals. Identify key areas we can focus on improving over the next year or two.
2024 EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
How to Take Part
An email was sent in the last week of October with a link to the survey to your primary email listed in Radius People –UKG. Please check your inbox and junk folder to avoid missing it. The deadline to return your survey is November 18.
Confidentiality
Please be assured that all responses will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of enhancing our workplace. Your honest and thoughtful feedback is crucial.
What Happens Next
After the survey, we'll review the results and share a summary with everyone. We'll use the feedback to create a plan that addresses concerns and builds on our strengths
We encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey and contribute to our ongoing efforts to create a better work environment for everyone.
Thank you in advance for your participation and for helping us make meaningful improvements based on your feedback.
IT ALL BEGINS WITH SAFETY
SAFE USE OF CELL PHONES
It's essential for everyone working at Canada Cartage to follow our cell phone policy to keep all drivers safe. This includes company drivers, agency drivers, owner-operator drivers, and office staff.
No Device Use While Driving: Drivers are not allowed to use cell phones or any electronic devices while driving This includes hands-free options like Bluetooth connections to truck systems, earbuds, or other
or other devices. In short, drivers should not use any electronic devices when the vehicle is moving.
Emergency Calls Only: Drivers can only use their phone when the vehicle is in motion to call 911 in emergencies. For example, calling in an accident you ’ ve witnessed, or reporting dangerous drivers. Using the phone for any other reason is not considered an emergency
Safe Usage: Drivers can use their devices only when the vehicle is legally parked in a designated area and the parking brake is on.
Communication Protocol: Office staff can leave messages for drivers. If drivers need to return the call, they must pull over to do so
Reporting Issues: If a driver is being pressured to break this policy, they should report it to the Safety & Compliance department.
Zero Tolerance: Breaking this policy will result in disciplinary action, which could include dismissal.
The Safety & Compliance team, as well as operations, will monitor for compliance through check-ins and road observations We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our roads safe
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME SAFETY
On Sunday, November 3rd, most of North America will turn their clocks back one hour for the end of Daylight Saving Time. Of course, most of us think: "Fantastic! I got another hour of sleep". However, a significant difference exists between our "society clock" and our "biological clock "
Statistics show increased safety incidents during these changes, putting drivers and pedestrians at risk. In addition, darkness during rush hour reduces the visibility of vehicles, hazards, and pedestrians during peak traffic times. The end of Daylight Saving Time can also leave many of us feeling tired, posing safety risks at home and in the workplace You can prepare yourself for a return to Standard Time by taking a few extra measures:
Get enough rest. The time change throws off your body's internal clock and can impact the quality of your sleep. Never drive while overtired. The shift from drowsy to asleep at the wheel can happen faster than people think.
Drive defensively. You may be feeling alert – but not everyone is. Be aware of people who drift between lanes or stop abruptly, and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Approach all crosswalks and intersections slowly and check your mirrors for oncoming cyclists or pedestrians before making any turns.
Prepare your vehicle for darker driving conditions. Ensure your headlights, windows, taillights, signal lights, and windshield wipers are clean and in good working condition so you can see and be seen on the road Keep your line of vision clear by brushing away any snow from your car or truck before driving.
VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER
Travis Kleinfelder, Company Driver - Regina terminal
I wanted to give a shout-out to our delivery driver Travis Kleinfelder. Everything is always smooth; he arrives at the exact time, brings in our carts, takes the dirty ones, and always leaves us with the empty carts needed It's no muss or fuss We appreciate it, and the laughs we share are also super great Just wanted to let you know that us at the Urgent Care Clinic give him an A plus
Lindsey Evans, EVS Supervisor
Urgent
Care Center
WINNERS OF THE 2024 SCHOLASTIC
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Since 1960, Canada Cartage has provided financial awards to the children of employees who have achieved academic excellence. There are five awards available in each grade of high school, and for post-secondary undergraduates.
Congratulations to the following students (and their parents) on being selected as this year's winners:
Grade 9 - $300
Brynn Paquin, child of Tyler Paquin
Summer Desrochers, child of Martin Desrochers
Grade 10 - $300
Charlotte Taylor, child of David Taylor
Shelby-Ann Waite, child of Geoff Waite
Ramneet Kaur Jaswal, child of Shamsher Jaswal
Kayleigh Fletcher, child of Stephen Fletcher
Melvin Domingo, child of Rommel Domingo
Grade 12 - $500
Gagandeep Sahota, child of Suman Sahota
William Taylor, child of David Taylor
Rupinder Sahij Pal, child of Harinder Sahij Pal
Harshpreet Kaur Bawa, child of Rajvinder Singh Bawa
Timothy Hardwood-Billington, child of Glenn Billington
Grade 11 - $300
Raghav Kapur, child of Akhilesh Kapur
Evelyn Phu, child of Kimberly Tran
Brie-Anne Charles, child of Heather Davis
Souradrita Bhowmik, child of Debanjana Mukherjee
Piranavi Sivanathan, child of Sivanathan Tharmalingam
University Undergrad - $1,000
Glenn Noronha, child of Genevieve D'Souza
James Kampen, child of Michael Douma
Erica Wong, child of Mickey Wong
Kasia Faron, child of Robert Faron
Brianna Malison, child of Stuart Malison
Congratulations also go to Stephanie Evans (child of Tim Evans), and Bella Phu (child of Kimberly Tran). They were recipients of $1,500 each in scholarships from the Ontario Trucking Association. Stephanie was also awarded the OTA Allied Trades University Scholarship, and the J.D. Smith and Sons "Leaders of Tomorrow" Scholarship.
Canada Cartage congratulates all applicants on their academic excellence in the 2023-2024 school year!
TRUE NORTH ABOVE AND BEYOND WINNERS
The True North program recognizes company drivers and staff demonstrating outstanding customer service, teamwork, and core values The program encourages managers, supervisors, and coworkers to acknowledge employees with specially designed recognition cards and certificates.
Quarterly, a team in each region (BC, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec) reviews all submissions and looks for exemplary actions our staff took. Those who have gone "Above and Beyond" will receive a $50.00 gift certificate. There are multiple awards per region each quarter.
Quarter 3 "Above and Beyond" Winners of $50.00 Gift Certificates
The committee reviewed all submissions and chose the following employees for this quarter's "Above and Beyond Award".
Joseph Brincat, Company Driver, Mississauga, Ontario
Our customer, Trulite, has long struggled with after-hours thefts and damages to trucks and Moffetts. Joe took the initiative to find a solution, coming up with an idea to secure the Moffetts and prevent unauthorized use. With the help of Chris Payne from our Moffett repair shop, Joe had the mounting securement pin drilled to attach a padlock, all at minimal cost He also identified a safe place for the padlock key and worked with the maintenance shop to implement these anti-theft measures.
Dave Byers, Company Driver, London, Ontario
Recently sidelined due to an injury and unable to drive, Dave has consistently gone above and beyond while on modified duties. London Terminal Safety Supervisor Elizabeth (Liz) Wright recognized Dave for his continued contributions to safety and compliance, benefiting his coworkers and the account
Audra Jeffs, Front Line Operations Manager, Calgary, Alberta
Audra has shown exceptional leadership and dedication over the past month, stepping up to absorb the duties of two dispatchers and one team member on medical leave. She single-handedly reorganized work planning for the Calgary terminal admin team, ensuring smooth operations through daily, weekly, and monthly follow-ups. Despite being shortstaffed, Audra kept customers happy, proactively coached and mentored her team, and managed cross-training efforts while three positions were vacant. Audra maintained a positive attitude throughout this significant transition and kept the team on track.
Inderjit Singh, Warehouse Team Lead, and Gary Brown, Warehouse Worker, CCLS, Winnipeg, Manitoba
A trailer of goods for TJX brands was dropped off after-hours at the Winnipeg CCLS warehouse The driver failed to get a door assignment and left the trailer unsecured in the lot. Inderjit, recognizing the importance of securing the load, stayed after his shift from 11 PM until 3 AM to ensure its safety. Additionally, Gary Brown arrived two hours early to relieve Inderjit, allowing him to finally go home. Thanks to their dedication, the security of a 1,500-piece load was maintained, preserving our important business relationship with TJX.
Maciej Falecki, Company Driver, Mississauga, Ontario
Since joining the Linde tanker team, Maciej has provided tremendous help and support to his peers. Maciej consistently goes above and beyond for his fellow drivers, positively impacting the entire team
Nancy Kaur, Clarios Planner and Dispatcher, Edmonton, Alberta
Nancy has been instrumental in managing drivers, equipment, and freight planning from Canby, Oregon, to customer locations across Western Canada. Recently, she successfully oversaw the transition of Clarios to the new CCLS distribution center in B.C., ensuring timely deliveries throughout the region. Thanks to Nancy's expertise and dedication, this transition was seamless
Jagjeet Maan, Company Driver, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Jagjeet demonstrated exceptional awareness and quick thinking, preventing a potential collision with a vehicle travelling on the wrong side of a four-lane highway. His immediate response likely saved lives, and we greatly appreciate his attentiveness and responsibility on the road.
Dave Rose, Safety & Compliance Manager, Calgary, Alberta
Dave recently saved the new Calgary terminal money by taking the initiative to enhance safety and compliance. He installed inside chains at all dock doors to improve worker safety and drilled in outside chains and chocks to ensure legal compliance for drivers and dock workers. Dave spent several hours shopping, planning, and installing, showing remarkable commitment. His efforts saved costs and significantly improved safety at the terminal.
Congratulations to all of the winners! As quarterly winners, they are now eligible to be selected as one of our three 2024 President's Award winners. See below!
President's Award
In January of each year, all quarterly Above and Beyond winners from the prior year are reviewed by the True North team, including the executive team Three winners are selected for the annual President's Award The winners are presented with a monetary award, a plaque, and a personalized letter from President and CEO Jeff Lindsay.
First Place: $5,000 + plaque + congratulatory letter
Second Place: $2,500 + plaque + congratulatory letter
Third Place: $1,000 + plaque + congratulatory letter
*Please note: the monetary awards are treated as a taxable benefit by the CRA and therefore are subject to income taxes
When you see a team member or coworker doing great work - let them know! Visit www.canadacartage.com/TrueNorth to complete a nomination form, or email the name of the person you are nominating and the details behind the nomination to recognition@canadacartage.com.
WELLNESS CORNER
HOLIDAY STRESS
When the "most wonderful time of the year" turns challenging, holiday stress can intensify mental health issues and overwhelm busy lives. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people report increased stress during the holidays, while only 8% feel relief
Causes of Holiday Stress and Management Tips
Work Overload: Balancing work demands with holiday plans can be challenging. Consider taking time off and discuss flexible work arrangements with your manager.
Family Conflict: Family gatherings can lead to tensions Set boundaries, communicate your needs, and focus on your values
Financial Strain: Gift-giving and holiday expenses can be overwhelming. Create a budget, prioritize meaningful experiences over material gifts, and limit exposure to advertising.
Unrealistic Expectations: Pressure to create the perfect holiday can Set realistic goals and prioritize what matters
Grief and Loss: The season can amplify feelings of loss. Feeling your emotions and seeking support from loved ones or groups
Disappointment: Life changes can lead to unmet expectations Practice gratitude and reframe negative thoughts
Loneliness: The holidays can feel isolating. Reach out to others, consider volunteering, or connect virtually.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Reduced daylight can affect mo
Seek professional help and make time for outdoor activities
Alcohol Use: Holiday expectations around drinking can be stressful. Identify your triggers and develop a plan to cope with them.
Seeking Support
If stress becomes unmanageable, seek help from a mental health professional Being proactive about your well-being is essential for navigating holiday challenges and everyday life. Our benefits provider, GreenShield, offers mental health counselling. To register, visit www.greenshieldplus.ca. If you're in a crisis or feel unsafe, or if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out to the Canada Suicide Prevention Service by texting or calling 988.
GET CONNECTED HURRICANE SCAMS
Scammers will frequently use high-profile events, such as natural disasters, to try to trick you. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the United States, scammers have wasted no time in turning this situation to their advantage They've been using AI to generate fake images that play on your emotions, to get you to donate your money to help people that have been affected by the disaster. Recently, an image of a scared little girl holding a puppy and being evacuated from the flood area has been circulating on Facebook and other social media.
However, this image is fake The scammers are trying to trick you into clicking a link to "donate" to a fake relief effort or to steal your personal information In either case, their goal is to get you to act impulsively If you donate money or enter any personal information, it will not help any victims who were impacted by the hurricane. However, it will help the scammers steal your money and your data!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a hurricane scam:
Be wary of AI-generated images Look for signs that an image might be fake, such as unusual details or inconsistencies
Make sure that the charity you're donating to is legitimate. Only donate through the official websites of well-known charitable organizations.
Don't act impulsively. Take time to research before donating or clicking on links, especially in the aftermath of a disaster.
JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Our social media platforms continue to grow and we invite you to join our communities. From breaking news, safety tips, photos, and videos, connect with us to join the conversation and get valuable, engaging content! /drivecanadacartage
@Canada-Cartage
@speedeetransportcanada
@Canada-Cartage-Logistics-Solutions
Want to be featured on our social media platforms? Do you have a photo or a story to share? Email us at thebeaver@canadacartage.com and we will reach out to you!
HOT JOBS
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.
For a listing of all open positions, visit www.drivecanadacartage.com
Warehouse Operations Shift Supervisor Calgary, Alberta
The Warehouse Operations Shift Supervisor is responsible for achieving the prescribed company objectives for safety, efficiency, quality, and inventory accuracy. Emphasis is placed on the management of Team Members and the implementation of proactive operations action plans specific to receiving, warehousing and shipping product in a manner consistent with company service and cost objective.
APPLY HERE
AZ Flatbed Driver United States
Join our team in Mississauga as a flatbed driver, transporting different types of cargo safely and efficiently on various routes and into the United States You'll be responsible for pre-trip and post-trip inspections, strapping loads in all weather conditions, and maintaining communication with customers. We are looking for individuals with two to three years AZ experience and six months of flatbed experience and must be able to travel to the United States
APPLY HERE UPCOMING WEBINAR
Watch for your invitation to two important sessions on retirement planning and the Canada Cartage Retirement Plan, hosted by Canada Life. Invitations will be sent out in November.
EMPLOYEE VOICE: WE'RE LISTENING
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.
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!
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
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.
Dispatcher Rebecca Sorto,
presented Company Driver Chris Henry with a True North certificate for demonstrating our company ’ s values. Rebecca and Chris work out of our head office in Mississauga, Ontario.
left,
Frontline Operations Manager Audra Jeffs, right, presented Company Driver Deepkamal Nandra with a True North certificate for demonstrating our company ’ s values Audra and Deepkamal work out of our terminal in Calgary, Alberta
Director of Operations Michael Rubinfeld, left, and Director of Safety Gord Karpf, right, presented Company Driver Joseph Brincat, middle, with a True North Above and Beyond award for demonstrating our company ’ s values. Michael, Gord and Joseph work out of our head office in Mississauga, Ontario.
Senior Operations Manager Mark Ferguson, right, presented Frontline Operations Manager Audra Jeffs with a True North Above and Beyond award for demonstrating our company ’ s values. Mark and Audra work out of our terminal in Calgary, Alberta.
Director of Operations Rick McIntosh, left, presented David Rose with a True North Above and Beyond award for demonstrating our company ’ s values Rick works out of our terminal in Edmonton, Alberta and David works out of our terminal in Calgary, Alberta
PHOTO GALLERY
Our London, Ontario terminal hosted training sessions for drivers who are either new or returning after a prolonged absence to our propane accounts Drivers also hit the road with a Safety Supervisor in a B-train combination to gain real-world experience and understand the differences from standard tractor-trailer operations Following this, each driver is paired with an experienced mentor for up to three weeks before a final evaluation
The Canada Cartage Final Mile team recently played a key role in supporting the PGA President’s Cup at the prestigious Royal Montreal Golf Club. We delivered, unpacked, and assisted with the installation of Technogym cardio and strength equipment in both the USA and International players’ clubhouses. Additionally, we handled the reverse logistics of the equipment after the event.
Mechanic Walter Battoia was presented with his 25-years of service certificate and watch. Walter works out of our Topac location in Bolton, Ontario
Company
Company Dispatcher Shandar Stradeski, right, presented Company Driver Andrew Russell with his 5-year service certificate. Shandar and Andrew work out of our terminal in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Director of Operations Rick McIntosh, left, Director of Operations Darin Reid, right, presented Safety & Compliance Manager David Rose with his 5-year service certificate Rick works out of our terminal in Edmonton, Alberta Darin works out of our terminal in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia David works out of our terminal in Calgary, Alberta
Business
certificate and watch
Manager Bill Wood, left, presented Company Driver Barry Cunnington with his 25-years of service
Our Head Office in Mississauga held a Thanksgiving food drive and raffle. Winners of the raffle were Gurpreet Kaur, Payroll Coordinator, Agnes Szymanski, National Manager – Occupational Health & Safety, and Beatrice Walker, Handling Clerk.
Fleet Shop Manager Shawn Widdifield, left, presented Stockroom Supervisor Derek Moran with his 25-years of service certificate and watch
Operations Supervisor Evan Johnson, right, presented Company Driver Haluk Ozkaratay with his 25-years of service certificate and ring.
Terminal Manager Sender Waldman, left, and Operations Supervisor Tammy Fowler, right, presented Company Driver Shawn Crilly, middle, with his 25-years of service certificate and ring.
Human Resources Generalist Isabella Chu, left, and Operations Manager Mike Fletcher, right, presented Company Driver Mariner Teed, middle, with his 25-years of service certificate and watch.
Senior Operations Manager Mike Sawchuk, right, presented Fleet Shop Manager Steve Breen with his 10-years of service certificate Mike and Steve work out of our terminal in Winnipeg, Manitoba
General Accountant Tara Derbyshire was presented with her 25-years of service certificate and watch. Tara works out of our Topac location in Bolton, Ontario.
Team members at our CCLS fulfillment and distribution warehouse on White Hart Lane in Mississauga, Ontario celebrated September and October staff birthdays.
Richard Irvine, Operations Supervision, London, Ontario sent in this picture of two Sparlings trucks heading out for the day under a double rainbow.
In preparation of the upcoming propane season, our London terminal held their annual tanker safety meeting.
Senior Operations Manager Lori Sharma, right, presented Company Driver Everol Daley with his 25-years of service certificate. Lori and Everol work out of our terminal in Brampton, Ontario.
Employees at our terminal in Oshawa, Ontario celebrated Halloween
Employees at our head office in Mississauga, Ontario celebrated Halloween by dressing up
Employees at our Seaway terminal in Cornwall, Ontario celebrated Halloween by dressing up
Jason Cunneyworth, Chief Operating Officer, gets into the spirit of Halloween
Employees at our CCLS Distribution Center on First Gulf Boulevard in Brampton, Ontario celebrated Halloween.
Employees at our Calgary terminal celebrated Halloween by dressing up
Employees at our Edmonton terminal celebrated Halloween by dressing up.
Employees at our terminal in Oshawa, Ontario celebrated Halloween
Employees at our head office in Mississauga, Ontario celebrated Halloween.
Employees at our British Columbia terminal celebrated Halloween by dressing up
