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.
First and foremost I once again want to Thank You (Shelley Uvanile-Hesch), The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, your member’s and CHET!!!!
I am Absolutely having the time of my life!!!!
I have Never Loved a Job Like I Love My Trucking Career!!! Everyday I Look forward to and can’t wait to get to work!! I can’t believe I get paid to do something I Love So Much! Being in My Truck Out on the Road Truly is My Happy place, and I’m always smiling from ear to ear!!! I am very lucky as I got a job rather quickly after I completed school and passing my road test on the first shot with only 2 demerits which is something I am very proud of myself for accomplishing! I am currently working for Contrans Tank Division Hauling Chocolate!!! When I first heard they wanted me to haul tanker I wasn’t too excited about that as I wanted to haul flatbed, but I gave it a shot and I Love It, I can’t imagine hauling any other type of trailer! My dispatcher keeps me very busy; I work a lot of hours and endless days but it doesn’t bother me at all, I Love Being Out There! I’ve learned a lot of things along the way as this job never stops teaching me something new everyday and I’ve met so many other drivers, all of which are very helpful and so welcoming to me into the trucking world!!
I can’t express how Thankful I Am To You All for Awarding me the Scholarship last year, for believing in me and having faith that I would take this gift and run with it, which I certainly have! Because of your belief in my abilities I am fulfilling my dreams, and if it wasn’t for your generous gift I wouldn’t be living my dream… I’d still be living with a dream trying to figure out how to make it happen and that means so much to me! So Thank You!
I’ve included a couple of pictures of some of my proud backing moments, a parallel park I have to do at one of my customers as it’s the only way to offload for them and a couple of me with my truck!!! Dana Allard
Message from Ryan Dierick – General Manager, Contrans Tank Group
Contrans Tank Group is proud to partner with the Women’s Trucking Federation on success stories like Dana Allard. Being a specialized tanker hauler, we see many drivers, especially new drivers, who are nervous about pulling a tanker because of the product handling that goes with the job. Dana’s success with Contrans Tank Group goes to show that with the proper training the tanker industry can be a great and rewarding job for all drivers. I personally cannot say enough good things about Dana and her work ethic at Contrans Tank Group, she is always pleasant with everyone she meets in her new career and a great addition to our company. I encourage others to follow in her footsteps and explore the rewarding and enjoyable jobs that the trucking industry can provide.
Message from Shelley Uvanile-Hesch CEO of the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada
We would like to thank Philip Fletcher Commercial Heavy Equipment Training Ltd (CHET) and Musket Transport Ltd for donating this full scholarship to our scholarship program. We are proud to partner with Contrans Tank Group and thank you for your ongoing support of WTFC! It’s been a pleasure getting to know Dana and watch her grow in to her new career. Stay safe out there Dana!!
Looking to start your career as a Professional Driver reach out to CHET at http://www.chet.ca/
Are you a Professional Driver looking for a great company culture to work with? Reach out to Contrans Tank Group https://www.contranstankgroup.ca/
We’re a leader in transportation and innovation. We’re not the biggest but we have incredibly high standards and are committed to being an exceptional company to work for and to do business with.
Our group of companies includes transportation in Canada and the USA, global logistics, warehousing & distribution and technology development.
We’re a progressive, equal opportunity employer that welcomes career-minded people looking to advance in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. If you’re a dynamic professional who can deliver great results, we have a career for you!
We’re a team in the truest sense. We’re committed to each other and have an unshakable commitment to delivering for our customers. We work hard to be collaborative, high-energy and positive. We live our values, encouraging and rewarding innovation and great results.
Our success is built through an uncompromising focus on four key pillars. They’re our guideposts for everything we do, including who we hire and promote, how we treat each other and how we make decisions.
OUR PRIORITY IS SAFETY
Safety is the non-negotiable foundation to everything we do. It is a sign of respect for ourselves and all the communities we serve.
WE HAVE EACH OTHERS’ BACKS
Trust is at our core. Respect for diversity, in all its forms, is table stakes. We do what we say we’ll do when we say we’ll do it. When we fall short, we take accountability. When a teammate stumbles, we extend a helping hand. We know we’re in a fortunate position and so we give back to the communities where our businesses operate and our employees live.
RAISE THE BAR
“Good” is not good enough. No matter what role we play, we raise the bar on ourselves and each other every day. We set and hit challenging goals. We’re disciplined, action oriented, accountable and constantly look for ways to improve how we operate – especially if it involves technology. We’re into learning. We’re humble enough to admit what we don’t know and we care enough to teach others what we do.
IT’S ABOUT OUR CUSTOMER
We go the extra mile to be the standout partner to our customers. Our reputation and success come from caring as much about their businesses as they do. Through our relationships, innovations and commitment to doing what’s right, we make a genuine difference to their operations.
WE’RE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
Our differences make us stronger. Ensuring everyone can bring their whole, true selves to work and feel heard and valued is critical to our success as a team and as a company.
It is the policy of Polaris Transportation Group to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. Polaris welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Position Summary… This position is responsible for testing all applicants on their driving skills through a road test to ensure they have the skillset to operate our assets. They are also responsible for training all commercial vehicle drivers who operate Fleet equipment and necessary follow up and retraining. The incumbent must have a thorough understanding of Federal, Provincial and local safety laws to ensure the company complies with all current safety regulations.
What you’ll do…
Assist Safety and Compliance departments in educating drivers to current S.O.P.
Complete full cycle training from driver selection, regular in cab follow ups and retraining.
Facilitate in class training session ensuring our drivers are informed of all required training modules but also update on changing industry requirements.
Store / vendor site inspections/ assessments for Stores / Vendors and D.C yards to assist in problem solving for daily fleet operations long term and short term
Maintains employment related programs and procedures, including health &safety and housekeeping programs, in order to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation and company policy.
Champion a safety culture through regular driver communications and responsible for creating solid relationships with our driver base so they feel comfortable asking for support.
Responsible for training drivers on route specific lanes to ensure they have the necessary skills to complete the job safely (An example would be training drivers to deliver on harsh climates or through the mountains).
Accountable for completing the necessary training records to be compliant.
Aider l’équipe de santé et de sécurité et l’équipe de conformité à former les chauffeurs sur les procédures normales d’exploitation en vigueur.
Assurer le déroulement du cycle complet de formation, notamment la sélection des chauffeurs, les évaluations de suivi dans la cabine et la reprise de la formation.
Animer les séances de formation en classe visant à renseigner nos chauffeurs sur tous les modules de formation requis et à les tenir au fait des changements apportés aux exigences relatives au secteur de l’industrie.
Effectuer des inspections et des évaluations des succursales et des emplacements des fournisseurs et des cours des centres de distribution en vue de contribuer à la résolution des problèmes relatifs à l’exploitation quotidienne de la flotte à court et à long terme.
Tenir à jour les programmes et les marches à suivre liés à l’emploi, dont les programmes de santé et sécurité, d’entretien et culturels afin d’assurer le respect des lois et des directives de l’entreprise.
Promouvoir la culture de sécurité au moyen de communications périodiques avec les chauffeurs et veiller à établir des relations de travail solides avec nos chauffeurs de façon à ce qu’ils se sentent à l’aise de demander de l’assistance.
Donner la formation des chauffeurs sur des voies précises pour s’assurer qu’ils possèdent les aptitudes nécessaires pour effectuer le travail de façon sécuritaire (par exemple, vérifier l’aptitude des chauffeurs à conduire dans des conditions météorologiques difficiles ou dans des régions montagneuses).
Remplir les dossiers de formation requis de façon conforme.
Minimum Qualifications…
Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications. __
Polaris Transport Group driver Diana Halaj was interviewed by Susan Hay at Global News! They are proud to have Diana represent women in the trucking industry and their company!
Diana Halaj has been driving for Polaris since 2015 and drives between Toronto and Massachusetts. Diana began her journey towards a driving career when she was only 16 years old. She drove farm equipment around her family’s property and very quickly learned how to maneuver trailers with ease and precision. Diana later obtained her Class A licence and graduated at the top of her class at Humber College. She was 1 out of 2 females that graduated. Diana says “It wasn’t exactly common for women to want to become a truck driver. I am so glad I did, because I love driving and I want women to know this is a great career!”
Diana has more than 20 years’ experience and very impressive qualifications! She can drive just about anything from forklifts to school buses and is certified to handle hazardous goods, petroleum and working at heights. Diana enjoys working for Polaris because she has her own truck, is truly appreciated and likes her service lane. Diana was a great addition to our driving team and is very inspiring to other women looking to get into the industry!
