As the shortage of truck drivers in Ontario continues to be a major challenge for the concrete industry, finding and keeping qualified drivers has never been more crucial. In response, there has been a recent shift in the traditionally male-dominated industry as various groups are working to strengthen the trucking industry’s diversity practices and increase gender parity. Recognizing that women only represent about 3% of the trucking workforce in Canada has prompted government and corporate funding, additional educational and training resources and the emergence of new associations that encourage the employment of women in trucking, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry. The ready-mixed concrete industry in Ontario has over 3,500 trucks on the road. The truck operators or Concrete Delivery Professionals (CDPs), are responsible for safely and efficiently delivering quality concrete to countless projects throughout the province and are an essential part of the team. Concrete Ontario represents over 90 ready-mixed concrete companies in Ontario and hosts a variety of events, such as our annual Truck Rodeo, which showcases and celebrates the skills of our member’s CDPs. This past summer, at our 2019 Truck Rodeo, we were excited to have three female contestants out of our twenty-four participants, and are proud to announce our first female winner, Colleen Lizotte. Colleen took some time to share how her search for a second career brought her to the trucking industry and allowed her to find her “happy place”, behind the wheel of a Miller-EC King Concrete truck (part of Colas – Miller). Daughter to a dad that had driven both long haul and short haul in the concrete industry, Colleen grew up familiar with the trucking industry. As a mom to a soon-to-be 13 year old daughter, her commitment to herself and her family drove her to finding a rewarding career, which allows her to be a key contributor to the safest, most resilient buildings and infrastructure across the province – those built with concrete. Throughout her five years as a CDP she has enjoyed delivering concrete to various jobsites and helping develop her greater Collingwood community. Her success can be attributed to her contagious positive energy, confidence in her skills, as well as knowing she is contributing to sustainable and resilient communities through her work.
So what is it that makes this a daily happy place for Mom ?
Colleen, what do you enjoy most about your career as a Concrete Delivery Professional CDP)?
I love the variety of challenges. Every day is a different experience. There are not many places you can work where you get something new and interesting every day. I love being part of a team. I feel very supported by my team members, and by the crews I coordinate with on-site when delivering. This is my second career. I was working a minimum wage job and had a wake-up call in my personal life that said to me, there is better out there for me than this. I decided to look into trucking and a trusted friend helped me learn how to get the proper license, and I went out and started applying. It has been positive change ever since.
What do you find the most challenging, day to-day, as a CDP?
Most challenging. Hmmm. It has to be managing the self-pressure to be safe and to perform extra well. It’s not just my job to deliver, it’s my job to deliver safely. It’s your truck – you know it and you don’t want to sit at home if you damage your truck, and you definitely do not want to be responsible for an accident or injury. There can be pressure when you arrive on site, so you need to constantly tell yourself “Focus, Go Slow”, and then have the confidence to drive that way, no matter what is going on around you. I hold myself to a really high standard on that.
Growing up you were exposed to both long haul and short haul. Why choose short haul for your profession?
For me – the choice to drive in concrete just made sense. I’m a mom to a great 13-year old daughter. Driving concrete means, I’m home every night. This industry gave me the perfect mom solution. Make a great wage doing an interesting job during the day and “Be Mom” every evening. It’s such a win-win. I wish more women were aware.
What advice would you give to new women considering entering the industry?
Wow – that’s a great question. Let me think. There are a few things: The first one is that it’s normal to be nervous to start. These trucks are heavy. They don’t turn the greatest, but you develop the skills, an art to deal with that. At first, the hills around the Blue Mountains were pretty scary. You get quickly used to constantly thinking about how to be safe on the road. Making good gear choices becomes second nature. Side note: Be kind to trucks out there. They are watching out for you. Give them room and watch out for them. You have to have confidence in yourself. Your team will support you in learning and growing and you need to trust yourself and accept “I know what I’m doing” and go out and do it. When you start out – I think the best thing is honesty. I’d go on job sites and tell the crews “I’ve only been doing this for so long – work with me here”. And they did. And they’ll help you along the way. Now 5 years later, delivering to those same crews, we joke around about it being my “1st day”. Some women think they couldn’t do this career physically or that they couldn’t learn about concrete. I’m here to tell you – it’s really not that physically demanding. And other drivers and employees here taught me about concrete, slumping, etc. Trust that your team will teach you what you need to learn. They’ll be invested in your success. Lastly, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy it. This industry is made up of great people who love to build and create great things. That is something amazing to feel good about at work.
And the Concrete Rodeo – What was that like? And what’s up next?
It really was a great day. You’re surrounded by others passionate about professional concrete delivery. There were also two other women drivers, which was great to see. Some of the drivers I knew were teasing me at the start of the day “You’re going to win this year” and I couldn’t resist responding “I’m going to try and prove you right!”. Driving the course, I nicked the edge of one of the barrels and I thought “there goes my first place”, but I guess others had more nicks. It was really special to win. It was an honor to get a letter in the mail from our company CEO congratulating me. But the best honor was that day, and is every day, how proud my daughter is of her mom and what I do for my chosen career.
First Female winner at Ontario Concrete Rodeo!
We are all very proud of Colleen , and all the women working as CDPs across Ontario. They are part of the solution to the many challenges and opportunities within our industry, and we appreciate the support of anyone who is positive and supportive of women in the transportation industry. Join us as we come together, problem solve, share ideas and help promote our industry to future generations as a viable career option. To learn more about building a career as a Concrete Delivery Professional (CDP), visit: www.rmcao.org/careers/
Consider the advantages of an exciting new career: Home Every Night. Ready-mix concrete has a shelf-life of approximately 2 hours, meaning it must be delivered locally. For the most part CDPs can expect to be home every night, allowing for a great work-life balance! Great Pay & Benefits. Full-time day shift schedules, health insurance plans, paid vacations, safety bonuses, and retirement plans are some of the benefits offered in the industry. As higher levels of seniority are achieved, the greater the rewards available are. Pride in Project Completion. CDPs help to build cities and communities. You can feel a sense of accomplishment as projects are completed. Being a part of a project from beginning to end is a memorable experience – be one of the few who are proud to say, “I helped build that.” More than A Driver. As a CDP, you are a critical part of a concrete operations team. In addition to being a driver, a CDP quickly evolves into a product expert. Concrete is a unique and versatile product, working with a variety of mixes daily gives CDPs a vast amount of technical expertise. Onsite experience is invaluable for a company and CDPs are at the forefront of ensuring product quality.
It is important to promote the success and accomplishments of our team and our industry’s continual growth. We look forward to you joining the Ontario Concrete Industry!
To support truck drivers who are working hard to deliver food, equipment and other essential supplies to Ontario families during the COVID-19 outbreak,Ontario is providing more safe places to stop and rest across the province. These rest areas, along withtruck-friendly restaurants,can now be easily found on Ontario 511’sinteractive mapandtext reports.
We encourage you to share the information and resources below with your members.
More truck parking and rest areas:
The Ministry of Transportation has expanded the truck rest area network by:
Providing truck parking at 32 Truck Inspection Stations, and 14 truck lay-bys with portable washrooms available at most stations.
In partnership with Metrolinx and the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) we have opened one GO station parking lot, five Park ‘n Ride lots and one commuter car pool lot in the GTHA. All sites are equipped with toilets and hand washing stations.
Keeping all 23 ONroute travel plazas open for take-out, and drive-through services, including washrooms with enhanced cleaning.
Find rest area information with new Ontario 511 features:
We are making it easier for truck drivers to find traveller information with improvements to Ontario 511:
The new Ontario 511 “Trucker Mode” makes it easier for truck drivers to access rest area information.
We now provideTruck Rest Areasas a layer on the interactive map and text report that includes locations and details about rest areas.
We now list privately ownedTruck Friendly Stops, including available washrooms, take-out, vegetarian options and more, courtesy of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA).
Online Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) renewals now available
We have also launched thenewonline CVOR renewal service, as part of our commitment to provide simpler, faster and better services. You can now renew 24/7, 365 days a year in 3 easy steps in 15 minutes or less.
Traveling outside Ontario:
To assist truck drivers traveling outside provincial jurisdictions, the ministry recommends having access to yourproof of validity extension letter, either electronically or by carrying a hard copy with your government issued document(s).
Ontario will continue to monitor emerging developments and will provide updates as they become available.
At this time, we would like to thank drivers and carriers for their continued efforts to help keep Ontarians safe and healthy.
Questions related to this email may be directed to the Ministry of Transportation by contacting511Feedback@ontario.ca.
Please visit Ontario’swebsiteto learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians and stop the spread of COVID-19 and what you should do if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
I wanted to touch base with you now that I am almost 3 full weeks into my training. I am having an amazing time! Everyone at CHET is so awesome and helpful! I am Loving soaking up all of their knowledge!!!!
Last Friday Richard took me out on the road for My first time ever driving and it was the most amazing experience! There I was, finally doing what I am here to learn how to do and not only did I drive Bobtail for my first time I also pulled a trailer loaded with 20,000 lbs of tires! That’s a day I will never forget…it was Pretty Awesome!!!! I haven’t stopped smiling since then!!!! And I’ve driven every chance I get since!
I completed and passed the “Z” endorsement course this past weekend as well which I was super excited about! Everything is coming along so quickly!!!!
Phillip Fletcher and Dana Allard
Thank You again to The Woman’s Trucking Federation of Canada and CHET for this opportunity, I promise to make you all proud of Me. Have a wonderful day! Stay Healthy and Safe!
‘Twas the run before Christmas,
in the cab of my truck,
A hundred miles from home,
I’m in need of some luck.
The kids hung their stockings, but are feeling quite sad,
They must go to bed now, and they
wonder, “Where’s Mom?”
With a kiss and a hug, all will be right, But alone in
the kitchen, Dad grows more uptight.
Earlier that day, the children
were grinning, As they
speckled the tree,
with bright balls and trimming.
Then sipping hot chocolate, and playing Christmas songs,
And talking about Mommy,
who’s been gone too long.
And now I can see him, his brow creased with fret, As the children start dreaming, there’s no presents yet. Curled on the couch, running a hand through his hair, In the glow of the tree lights, hoping I’ll be there.
Then I imagine the morning, with my love at my side, In tumbling our children. I must finish this ride.Howling winds, blowing snow, and ahead all is white, Doubts creeping in. Will I make it tonight? Beside me in the cab, with the wind unforgiving, Pretty packages sit waiting, for sweet Christmas giving. I’ve a truckload of wishes, and I must deliver, But the storm keeps on roaring, as my old engine shivers.It’s hardy and stubborn, and it’s taken me miles, And I’ll need it tonight, to see my kids’ smiles. Rolling over the drifts, rubber gripping the snow, My big rig keeps moving, but ever so slow. I’m gripping the wheel, and grinding her gears, And that fierce wind’s just whistling, and I can’t hardly steer. And great gusts are blowing me, to the side of the road, And I’m fighting my fear, as I steady my load.What was that I noticed, with a glance to the sky, Could the weather be clearing, did a star catch my eye? And then, in a heartbeat, not a moment too soon, The night sky emerges, twinkling stars and bright moon. With clear road ahead, I quickly arrive, The children peek from the window, as I pull in the drive. I pat the door of my rig, as my feet touch the ground, For on this special night, it brought me home safe and sound.With a heart full of joy, and a smile on my face, I open our door, to a loving embrace.The gifts round the tree, make a beautiful sight, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to write to you. It’s not that I’m not thinking of you, but I’ve been busy. As we enter a New Year, it seems like a good time to get back in touch.
It may seem that I sit up here in the cab of my truck, looking out over the roof of your car, not paying any attention. The truth is I am always watching out for you. I’ve learned to see a slight movement of your head that tells me you are thinking of making a lane change. If we are approaching a freeway interchange or off ramp, I try to anticipate your next action. I know when you are on the phone, eating, changing the station on your radio, talking to your passengers, or shouting at your children in the back seat. I can usually tell when you are tired or impaired. I know when you’ve only got one hand on the steering wheel while the other is holding your cell phone as you tap out a text message (and of all the activities that get your attention, that one frightens me the most). I am keeping my eyes on you, all of you, all the time. I have no desire to cause injury to another human being and am well trained in doing whatever I can to prevent a collision, but I am only half of the equation.
Now I’d like to tell you some things about myself, so we can get better acquainted.
When my full sized semi is loaded, it weighs at least 80,000 pounds. If my truck were to land on you, it would be like dropping forty or fifty cars on your head. Since it takes four times the distance to stop my truck than it does your car, you can understand why I don’t like it when you cut in front of me. I am much bigger than you. I really need you to remember that when we are on the road together.
My truck is almost seventy feet long. I can’t make any sharp turns, and I need extra space to go around a corner. Left turns are much easier and I try to plan my city driving with those, but it isn’t always possible. I know you get impatient when I sit at a green traffic light, but I may be waiting to have enough room to make my turn without taking out a pole or running over another car. I always try to avoid starting a maneuver that I cannot safely finish, such as getting through an intersection before the light changes to red. I wish it was easier, believe me, but there is nothing I can do to change the way it must be done.
I have as many as fifteen gears in my truck, and it takes me awhile to go through them. I do wish my truck accelerated as fast as your car does so I could get on a freeway at 60mph instead of 45mph. I sometimes get very tired of having to go slowly up mountains and around curves. I would love to drive faster and I wish there weren’t slower posted limits for trucks in many states. But that’s how it is, and I have good reasons for wanting to obey the rules of gravity and the Law. Please be patient. I’m peddling as fast as I can!
The entire right side of my truck is a blind spot. A lot of the left side is too. And when you tailgate me, I can’t see you. As bad as all that is for me, it’s worse for you. Please don’t pass me on the right unless you are very sure I know you are there; I usually drive in the far right hand lane and I may move in that direction when you are next to me. It also makes me nervous to have you close behind me because I know you can’t see what’s going on in front of me. If something happens that causes me to slow down, you may run into the bumper that hangs off the back. It is called a D.O.T. Bumper, and it is a very solid object. It was designed to prevent cars from sliding under trucks in rear-end collisions, because those drivers were being decapitated. That bumper does NOT give way. Trust me.
I try to pass you carefully and with plenty of clearance. It is perfectly okay for you to flash your headlights to let me know I have room to move back over. I may not always acknowledge it but I do appreciate it, especially at night, in bad weather, and in heavy traffic; sometimes that flash is all I can see. Please only pass me when you know you have plenty of room. We both have to slow down for road construction zones. We both have to merge when lanes end. We both have to give emergency vehicles space. We both should be cautious of stalled motorists on the roadside. Because I’m bigger and wider and heavier, I must be more careful than you. Please give me room to make those changes. Don’t make me choose between your car and the guard rail or the construction worker or the highway patrol officer or the man changing the tire on his motor home.
I spend much of my work day driving in unknown areas. I may have no idea where my customer is, much less which street I need to turn on to get there. If I make a mistake, I might find myself trapped on a cul-de-sac in a residential area where I’m not supposed to take a truck in the first place. At the least, it will be a difficult situation to resolve; at worst I could cause damage to a building or a person as I try to get out. I prefer to drive slowly and get it right the first time. I know YOU know where I need to be but I can’t ask directions, and you honking your horn or gesturing isn’t making it any clearer. I’m not trying to be stupid or in your way. I’m trying to be careful.
I admit I’m not always driving at my best either. I may be tired, hungry, sick, or just wanting to get to my next stop so I can go home to my family. I may be thinking of my kids, worrying about my finances, mourning a loss, regretting the chili I had for lunch, or wondering which off ramp I need to take to get to my destination. I try to pay attention, to not get impatient, to be courteous to others, but sometimes being Human gets in the way. Please try be as aware of me as I am of you.
It will make both our travels easier and safer if you also pay attention to what I am doing. If I slow down, it may be because I can see something up ahead from my higher viewpoint. If our paths are about to cross as you merge onto a freeway, please either decrease or increase your speed so I don’t have to do it. You can slow and accelerate your car much faster than I can my truck. That also applies if I pull out to pass a slower vehicle in my lane; it will slow you down a bit if you let me in your lane, but it can grind my progress to a halt if you don’t. If I am merging left for what appears to be no reason, I may be trying to avoid a traffic jam or emergency vehicle or road construction. If you follow me it will go much smoother; if you try to out-distance me, we will still meet up farther down the road and you will save nothing. Please pay attention to those signs that are directed at truck drivers. Be aware of a reduced truck speed limits, an approaching weigh station, and travel lane restrictions. I must make those adjustments every day. I don’t make the laws, but I am expected to obey them. I’m always trying to be cooperative, and appreciate the same effort from you.
As a truck driver, I make deliveries to your grocery store, restaurant, mall, hospital, car dealership, and every other place you visit in the course of your day. Sometimes I am there when you are trying to conduct your business, and I may be in your way. I apologize. I do not set the times for my arrival, my customer does. Just as you expect good service, so do they from me. You cannot walk into any establishment and find an item used for business that did not spend at least part of its journey on a truck. Please let me do my job so you can do yours.
Truck drivers are vital to the economy of this nation. Without us, all commerce would come to a skidding halt within a week, probably much less than that. We aren’t being boastful because we know it’s the truth. We are proud of the role we have in making our country strong and giving our fellow citizens a good life. Please help us do our best for you.
And speaking of life, please remember I have one too. I spend a lot of time in truck stops because there is plenty of room for me to park. The truck stop offers showers and food and sometimes a few diversions, but after a while I get tired of the same old, same old. It’s a nice change to go to Walmart. Many Walmarts offer truck parking, but it isn’t always easy to thread my way through the lot. Sometimes I want to shop at a mall, or eat at a different restaurant, or go to a movie. I may get in your way, and I’m sorry. I just want a different view, a change of pace. Please take an extra moment of your day to make me feel welcome. I won’t stay too long and I may never be back.
We are out here together, you and I. We can make this work.
Phillip Fletcher and Dana Allard
