Western Canada’s Trucking Newspaper Since 1989
November 2019
Delivering daily news at trucknews.com
Volume 30, Issue 10
Page 12
Page 16
Page 35
Truck convoy
Fixing NAFTA
Young leaders
Drivers hit streets of Vancouver for logging industry.
ATA president calls for NAFTA updates during MCE 2019.
Western Canadian interest in PMTC’s Young Leaders Group.
Reach us at our Western Canada news bureau Contact Derek Clouthier Derek@Newcom.ca or call 403-969-1506
MELTing things down
RETAIL ING IS ADVERT 7-33 PAGES 2
Humboldt families criticize Alberta’s review and alleged easing of driver training standards By Derek Clouthier
‘Shift into Winter’ Winter driving conditions already a reality in parts of Western Canada By Derek Clouthier RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA Drivers will again be “shifting into winter” in B.C. and across Canada in the coming weeks, and for the 11th year, WorkSafeBC wants to remind truckers to be prepared before hitting the road. Trina Pollard, manager of industry and labor services – transportation and occupational road safety for WorkSafeBC, outlined for Truck News-West three key steps drivers in B.C. and across the country should be doing before driving on winter roads, with preparation being a point of emphasis. “Heavy trucks are required to carry chains on designated highways in B.C. between Oct. 1 and April 30,” explained Pollard, saying heavy trucks are defined as those 11,794 kg and over. “Commercial vehicle drivers must know when they are required to install chains or other approved traction devices, how to properly install these devices, and where the chain-up/pull-out locations and fuel stops are on their routes.” Fines for not carrying chains or using them when required by law increase Oct. 1 in B.C. Drivers will face a $196 fine for not carrying chains during mandatory times, and a $598 fine will be imposed for not installing chains during required chain ups. Baselevel fines during previous winters were $121 for not carrying chains or failing to install them when they were required. Pollard also said drivers should be proactive when it
comes to checking road and weather conditions along their planned route, advising drivers to check www. drivebc.ca prior to departure. “If possible, drivers should monitor road and weather conditions and delay travel until conditions improve,” she said. Finally, it’s important for truckers to drive according to conditions, and slow down when necessary. WorkSafeBC’s Shift into Winter campaign is a joint provincial effort led by the Winter Driving Safety Alliance, which is made up of approximately 20 organizations all committed to improving safe winter driving behaviors and practices in B.C. “The Shift into Winter campaign is designed to raise awareness of the changing weather and driving conditions across the province and how motorists and employers need to be prepared,” said Pollard, adding that for those who drive for work, the months of November, December, and January are the most dangerous. “From 2014 to 2018, almost a third of all work-related crashes resulting in injury and time-loss claims occur during these three months.” WorkSafeBC aims to provide education, resources, consultation, and enforcement to help keep drivers safe on provincial roads. “Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees who drive for work,” said Pollard, “regardless of whether they drive a company-owned or personal vehicle.” The Shift into Winter campaign provides various Continued on page 8
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Winter weather has hit several areas of Western Canada already this year, and with that requires a shift in mindset when it comes to driving behavior.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA A recent report in the Globe and Mail indicates that Alberta has eased its safety rules when it comes to mandatory entry level training (MELT) for some farming and bus driving professions. But as Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) president Chris Nash explained to Truck News-West, no driver has been told they are exempt from re-testing under MELT. “(The government) has not said to any driver they do not have to do the test,” said Nash. “There are no exemptions, not right now.” The issue revolves around a possible exemption for drivers being deemed “transition drivers,” as well as those in the farming and busing sectors called “extension drivers” from having to retake the MELT knowledge and road tests.