The Highway Traffic Act authorizes the province and municipalities to restrict truck weights during spring thaw to protect roads and highways:
Spring weight restrictions may be applied to schedule 1 King’s Highways at any time during March and April, to schedule 2 King’s Highways during March through May, and to schedule 3 King’s Highways during March through June depending on local conditions and weather. A list of highways that may be affected is included in this [MTO memo]. Up-to-date information about actual weight restrictions can be viewed at: https://511on.ca/list/seasonalloads and drivers /carriers who use the listed highways are encouraged to carefully monitor this website. The 511 interactive map also provides up-to-date visual information – choose map menu item “Truck and Bus info”, then check “Seasonal Loads”.
Municipalities may also pass by-laws and set dates when spring weight restrictions apply to specified roads under their jurisdiction. Watch for on-road signage.
During Reduced Load Periods, weights are generally limited to 5,000 kg per axle, although certain exemptions apply as set out in Highway Traffic Act, Section 122: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h08#BK217
Unless otherwise specified on the permit, ‘annual’ and ‘project’ overweight permits are not valid during March and April in southern Ontario, and during March, April and May in northern Ontario.
Drivers they’ve heard from the carriers and now they need to hear from YOU !!! The Canadian and US governments have both recently announced that essential travelers, including truck drivers, must be fully vaccinated to enter their countries via the land border. For those entering Canada, the policy is set take effect on January 15th, and for those entering the US, it will kick in on January 22nd.
Announcement Dec 7th from the Canadian Government: Government of Canada will require employees in all federally regulated workplaces to be vaccinated against COVID-19 “The new regulations would ensure that employees in all other federally regulated industries, such as road transportation, telecommunications, and banking, are also vaccinated.”
We are concerned about the impact on the supply chain with these mandates.We are looking to inform government with hard data and need your help to do so.
Please take a moment and complete this survey by end of day on Wednesday December 15th 2021.
Watt & Stewart Commodities Inc. located at 4134 3rd Streat East, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0 is looking for five (5) Long Haul Truck Drivers (NOC: 7511) Employer: Watt & Stewart Commodities Inc. Work location: 4134 3rd Streat East, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0 & Various routes in Canada and USA Vacancies: 15Vacancies Salary:$34.00–$35.00/ Hour for 40–70Hours / Week(calculated based on mileage and type ofrig) Benefits:Health Benefits: Health CarePlan and Dental Plan;Financial Benefits:Mileage paid, Safety Bonus, High Mileage Bonus,Retention Bonus and Referral Bonus;Subject to wage increaseandincentives Terms of employment: Permanent, Full time, On Call Start date: As soon as possible Employment conditions:Day, evening,night,weekend,on call. Languages: English Education:No degree, certificate or diploma. Experience:Experience an asset Personal Suitability:reliability, organized Credentials: Driver’s license (Class 1 or A); Air brake endorsement (Z) Transportation/Travel Information: Willing to travel cross–border, Willing to travel for extended periods, Valid driver’s license Security and Safety: Valid passport, Medical exam, Driving record check (abstract), Drug test, Criminal record check, Basic security clearance Own Tools/ Equipment: Steel–toed safety boots
Specific Skills: Hauling general commodities using flatbed trailers throughout Canada and the United States; Hauling Lumber, pipe and wide loads;Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods and materials; Tarping and ensuring safety and security ofcargo; Receive and relay information to central dispatch; Perform break adjustments; Perform emergency roadside repairs; Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption; Perform pre–trip, en route and post–trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicle;Oversee condition of vehicle and inspect tires, lights, brakes, cold storage and other equipment;Load and unload goods; Perform preventive maintenance. Additional Skills:Mountain driving expertise;Professionalism incustomer service;Communication Systems Experience:OperateGPS(GlobalPositioningSystem)andothernavigationequipment;Documentation Knowledge:Trans–border documentation, Driver logbook, Bill of lading, Trip reports, Maintenance and repair reports,Accident or incident reports, Inspection report (pre–trip, en–route, post–trip). Type of Trucking and Equipment: Tractor–trailer, Flatbed Weight Handling: Up to 13.5 kg (30 lbs) Transportation/Travel Experience: International, National, Long–Haul Work Location Information:Willing to relocate Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities:Physically demanding,Attention to detail, Repetitive tasks,Sitting for extended periodsof time Underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply: Persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada
How to apply By email: cplace@wattstewart.com By fax: 403-625-4185 By mail: 4134 3rd Street East Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0
Some trucking companies are regulated by the federal government. Others by provincial legislation. And while many of the basic workplace rules are similar, there are some significant differences you should be aware of, particularly when it comes to severance, benefits, statutory holidays, and other employment entitlements.
In most cases, a workplace will be governed by provincial legislation as only about 6% of employees in Canada are federally regulated. However, when it comes to trucking, that percentage goes up.
So how do you know?
Well, one rule of thumb is whether the road transportation services you provide, including trucks and buses, cross provincial, or international borders. If so- you are likely federally regulated, and that means there can be a difference in the workplace and employments laws that regulate your company compared to your provincial counterparts.
In general, the following industries and workplaces are federally regulated:
Air transport
Broadcasting
Chartered banks
Federal Crown corporations
Federal government employees
Feed and feed mills
Grain elevators
Interprovincial pipelines
Interprovincial trucking
Rail and water transport
Work directly for or on behalf of First Nations
Federally regulated employees are governed by the Canada Labour Code, while provincially regulated employees are governed by the Employment Standards legislation in the province in which they are employed. If in doubt, seek legal counsel.
This is a timely discussion to have, as the federal government recently passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday called the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”.
If you are a federally regulated business- you must honour this statutory holiday by closing and paying general stat pay, or staying open and paying overtime wages, where applicable. If you are provincially regulated, then you are not required to observe this stat at this time.
Unionized employers are advised to consult legal counsel to determine the applicability of this stat as it relates to their collective agreement.
