NEWS RELEASE – August 29, 2022 POLARIS RECEIVES 15TH CONSECUTIVE SHIPPER’S CHOICE AWARD
Polaris is celebrating another year of winning Inside Logistics’ Shipper’s Choice Award in the LTL Carrier category!
This is our 15th Shipper’s Choice Award in a row, now earning us the Carrier of Choice title for 11 years.
We are especially grateful for this recognition as it comes directly from our customers who voted in this year’s survey. With your positive feedback, we received high rankings across all 8 LTL performance categories including On-Time Performance, Information Technology, Competitive Pricing, Customer Service among others.
This title reflects our team’s endless dedication to deliver industry-leading LTL solutions across North America. We understand today’s supply chain challenges and are continuously investing in our people, fleet and in-house technological developments to enhance your shipping experience. We’ll keep elevating our standards to provide you with the most streamlined transportation and logistics services possible.
Polaris President and CEO, Dave Cox, extends his appreciation to the people involved in this achievement, “Thank you to our employees whose incredible work ethic inspires us to keep raising the bar! We share this award with all of you and look forward to another year of collaboration and innovation. I’d also like to thank our valued customers for placing your votes! It’s our honour to be your chosen North American LTL carrier.”
Badger Daylighting, and its parent company Badger Infrastructure Solutions Ltd. (TSX:BDGI), is North America’s largest provider of non-destructive excavating services and a leader in the hydro-excavation industry! Badger manufactures and designs our truck-mounted hydrovac units, giving us the opportunity to incorporate feedback from our hydrovac operators into existing and future design and manufacturing processes. We are always seeking dedicated and talented people to join out team! Visit www.careers.badgerinc.com for details.
We are seeking experienced Hydrovac Operators to operate our custom and purpose built commercial Hydrovac trucks! Staring wages are $30 and up per hour, based on experience with opportunities for pay increases and career advancement.
Full availability and understanding to work variable hours averaging between 30-70 hours weekly depending on slow and peak seasons. Weekends and extended hours as needed. Required travel up to 25% based on job assignment need. Attend safety meetings and ensures all tasks are always completed in a safe and professional manner. Safely operate the on-board hydro-vacuum system outside the truck and perform other duties such as clean-up, mobilization, and general maintenance of the equipment to ensure the unit operates at max capacity. Responsible for the successful completion of hydro excavation projects including utility line exposure, debris removal, trenching, and digging, using a high-pressure wand to loosen the soil and a vacuum system to remove the debris or build-up. Communicate effectively, professionally and demonstrate a strong customer service focus in all interactions. Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues and as the need arises perform minor repairs to equipment. Use Badger provided technology (iPad) for field ticketing, time, and attendance. Properly document all Badger, Federal, Provincial, and Customer paperwork as required by law and/or established policy in a clear and legible manner.
Experience, Qualifications & Education
Previous hydrovac, trucking, vacuum truck or other related industrial experience preferred. Must have a minimum Class 1, 3 or DZ license (A-D license in Ontario) with airbrake endorsement, and an acceptable driving record. Experience driving a manual transmission (10-18 speed) preferred. Safety certifications preferred (e.g. First Aid/CPR, C.S.T.S, H2S Alive, Fall Protection, Confined Space, OSSA and Ground Disturbance). Experience in a labour-intensive position and working outside in all types of weather conditions. Capable of working variable shifts with extended hours. Ability to work independently in a team and safety focused environment. Mechanical inclination is an asset. Candidates will be required to successfully complete pre-employment screening, which includes driver’s abstract review and drug and alcohol test.
Why Apply at Badger?
Competitive weekly pay and overtime opportunities. Generous paid vacation time. RRSP employer match. Health care benefits. Employees can receive up to a $4000 bonus by referring a friend to join the company (location dependent). Safety is a top priority at Badger. All operators receive extensive computer based and on the job training during the first 3 months of employment. Thank you for your interest in this position. Badger Daylighting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Skills Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting careers in the skilled trades and technologies to
Ontario youth through a variety of programs and competitions across the province.
We are looking to add a new member to our team in brand new position! We are adding a DZ driver and Trades and Tech
Truck Coordinator to our staff. Our employees enjoy a casual work environment, flexible schedules, and have a real
opportunity to make a difference! Skills Ontario also offers a pension and competitive benefits. The successful candidate
will be based in the Kitchener/Waterloo area.
Skills Ontario is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our organization and is an equal opportunity
employer. Representation throughout all programs is essential to Skills Ontario. Accommodations are available on request for
candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
DZ Driver – Skilled Trades and Tech Driver and Program Facilitator
(35-40 HOURS/WEEK)
STARTING AT $30.00-$35.00/HOUR (depending on experience)
Pension and benefits effective after completion of probationary period
The successful candidate will drive the mobile classroom across the province as it travels from school to school reaching
communities from Windsor to Cornwall to Thunder Bay. However, while possessing a DZ driver’s license is an essential
qualification, this is not purely a driving position. The driver will also help with set up of the vehicle and delivering the
program.
The Trades and Tech Mobile Classroom is a custom 2022 Freightliner M2-106, equipped with hydraulic slide outs, giving us
approximately 470 square feet of experiential learning space. This “classroom” is loaded with skilled trades equipment and
trainers for use by students in elementary and high school.
Skills Ontario is looking for a candidate who is willing to not just drive but also engage with students and be a part of our
team, working to ignite a passion for the Skilled Tech and Trades sectors in youth across the province.
The incumbent will be responsible for set up and take down of the mobile classroom (including operation of generators,
slide outs, set up of stairs and wheelchair lift), fueling and cleaning the truck, as well as maintaining ELD logbook records
and vehicle maintenance records.
Breakdown of duties:
• Driving – 25% of time
• Working at home or on site at a school/event delivering Skills Ontario programming – 75% of time
Successful candidates will:
• Have a DZ license
• Have a clean driving record
• At least 2 years driving experience
• Be passionate about or have experience in the Skilled Tech and Trades sectors
• Be able to help set up of equipment
• Experience working with youth would be an asset
• Fluency in French will be considered an asset
• Be willing to be away from home
How to apply:
Applicants should send one document which includes a resume and cover letter in PDF format outlining how they meet the specific
requirements of the position to Emily Collard ecollard@skillsontario.com no later than May 20th, 2022. Interviews are expected to
take place virtually during the month of May 2022.
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
At Skills Ontario, we are committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all youth. As such, the selected candidate will be
required to submit references and a vulnerable sector–criminal records check.
Proof of COVID vaccination will be required upon hiring.
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.
Polaris provides our employees with benefits and great work perks! We offer health benefits (dental & medical), paid vacation, EAP program, career development, tuition reimbursements, fun social events, great work perk programs, holiday gifts and company swag.
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.
The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) has worked in collaboration with Transport Canada, (TC) the CCMTA as well as the Provinces & Territories (PT’s) for more than 10 years, to shape an electronic logging device mandate that will improve health and safety for the general public, as well as improve compliance with the regulations, and thus level the playing field and improve conditions for the entire Canadian Trucking Industry. Working together, we learned from the mistakes made in the US, and introduced an independent 3rd party certification process, to ensure ELD’s that are approved, go through a rigorous process to ensure they are compliant with the regulations.
In March of 2021 CCMTA, TC and the Provinces and Territories all agreed to delay full enforcement of the Federal ELD regulation until June 12th of 2022. This change had to be made, in part, as there were no certified devices that existed at the time. While we all hoped the delay in full enforcement would allow enough time for a fulsome list of devices to be approved, as well as solve other compliance and enforcement related issues, the fact is we still have many items to address. For these reasons, the PMTC was pleased to hear of a further delay in enforcement until January 1, 2023. We believe this was a prudent and responsible decision to allow enough time for issues to be rectified and provide a smoother roll out of full enforcement.
Saturation of approved devices
As of writing this on March 15th, we have 25 certified ELD’s on the marketplace, from 14 different suppliers. While still more will be needed to provide a good saturation and options for carriers to select from, we believe the extra time provided allows ELD providers with enough time to get their devices submitted for approval in advance of the new date and allow carriers to select from a fulsome list and transition to ensure compliance by January of 2023. The PMTC would not be in favour of any further delays in enforcement as a result of a lack of devices. We believe, with this most recent delay in full enforcement, enough time has now been provided for suppliers & industry.
Items that need addressed prior to January 1, 2023
As we understand it currently, a total of 8 Provinces and Territories have regulations in place or will have them in place in time to enforce the federal regulation on January 1st of 2023. As National uniformity in enforcement is important, we believe the remaining jurisdictions need to take the steps necessary to ensure they can enforce the mandate by January 1st as well. While we believe uniformity is important, regardless of the readiness of the remaining jurisdictions, we believe we must move forward with enforcement for those that are ready by January of 2023 with no further delays.
To ensure a driver’s Records of Duty Status (RODS) is securely transmitted over the air from the truck to law enforcement, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) infrastructure is required. We have learned that TC just recently selected a vendor to develop and implement a system that allows an encrypted ELD Output File transferred securely from truck to the officer, as required by the Technical Standards (TS), to decrypt the message and allow the content to be viewed. The vendor now must ensure the system is in place in a timely fashion to ensure the system is functional & understood well in advance of the new full enforcement date.
We have heard from concerned parties that analyzing RODS at roadside to verify HOS compliance is going to be very challenging. The ELD Output File is required to provide a driver’s RODS in two standard file formats, PDF and CSV. Currently Canada does not have a method like the United States’ ERODS system for translating the CSV file to a format usable by enforcement. Therefore, to verify 15 days of RODS, enforcement is currently limited to reviewing the PDF, which can be 50 pages or more in length. In addition, certain ELD event codes such as Event Record of Origin and Event Record Status, are not explained in words, but remain in code format otherwise found only in the TS. This means enforcement officers need to understand the meaning of codes wherever such code appears in the PDF. There is a significant concern if RODS verification is too time consuming and difficult to understand, enforcement may simply look at the graph grid on the display and make assumptions regarding a driver’s HOS compliance without looking at event details. We need to ensure these issues are rectified, and significant enforcement training of the items in the TS displayed on the device and in the PDF occurs well in advance of full enforcement taking hold. The main purpose of mandating the use of ELDs is to ensure easier and more accurate verification of HOS compliance leading to a reduction in the instances of operating a commercial motor vehicle while fatigued. We need to ensure the proper tools are in place to ensure this is what occurs.
We need to ensure ELD violations are applied onto a carrier’s Provincial safety rating no matter which jurisdiction they are based out of or charged in. As we understand it, currently no such system is in place with ELD violations to ensure this occurs.
Ontario has a robust exemption for Drive-away tow away operators, which are also exempt in the US Federal regulations. Quebec is also indicating they may exempt this. PMTC has learned through discussions with regulators and drive-away tow away operators that it appears the remaining provinces and territories will not exempt this, which will lead to massive confusion and harm to this industry. Can Transport Canada adopt this exemption in the federal regulations, or address it in another manner to ensure we have uniformity across jurisdictions?
The PMTC and its members are appreciative of the common-sense approach to this delay in full enforcement. We know significant pressure existed to move forward with the June 12th enforcement date, however we are in full support of the delay and believe it was the only decision that could be made to ensure a smooth rollout. At the same time, we need to ensure this extra time is not wasted, and work needs to begin immediately to remedy the issues raised above to ensure we have everything in place required to ensure we are prepared for full enforcement well in advance of what we hope is the final delay in enforcement that will be required.
Mike Millian President Private Motor Truck Council of Canada
Established in 1977, the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) is the only Canadian association dedicated to the interests of private fleet operators. The PMTC provides forums for fleet operators and industry stakeholders to exchange views and resolve issues together, and is at the forefront in representing your views to government, protecting your rights, and promoting your interests. Want to learn more about the PMTC , visit their website https://www.pmtc.ca/
