by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | May 22, 2025 | BLOG
Language proficiency plays a critical role in road safety for commercial truck drivers. From reading traffic signs to communicating with law enforcement and shippers, ensuring that drivers can effectively understand and use English or French is essential for maintaining safety on Canada’s highways.
Current Language Standards for Truck Drivers
Canada does not have a national language proficiency requirement for commercial drivers, but licensing exams and work permit requirements vary by province. Some key benchmarks include:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB): Many immigration programs require commercial drivers to meet a minimum CLB 4 or 5, ensuring basic communication skills.
- Multilingual Licensing Exams: Some provinces offer knowledge tests in multiple languages, allowing non-English/French speakers to obtain a commercial license.
- Provincial Differences: Quebec mandates French proficiency, while provinces like Ontario and British Columbia allow exams in several languages but still emphasize English road signs and communication.
The Argument for Standardizing Language Requirements
Advocates for stricter language rules argue that all commercial driver knowledge tests should be in English or French to verify proficiency before drivers operate on public roads. Benefits of this approach include:
- Improved Road Safety: Drivers must read signs, understand warnings, and follow complex regulations.
- Clear Communication: In case of breakdowns, accidents, or law enforcement interactions, language barriers can slow response times and create risks.
- Industry Standards Alignment: Many Canadian trucking employers already require English proficiency for hiring, so enforcing this nationally would create consistency.
Ensuring Secure Language Testing
To implement standardized CLB 6 proficiency testing and prevent cheating, Canada could adopt security measures used in other industries:
- Biometric Verification: Require facial recognition or fingerprint scanning to confirm the test-taker’s identity.
- AI-Powered Proctoring: Use automated monitoring systems to detect suspicious behavior during online testing.
- Randomized Question Banks: Rotate large pools of test questions to prevent memorization and answer sharing.
- Secure Testing Centers: Conduct exams at designated locations with trained proctors overseeing candidates.
- Multi-Step Authentication: Ensure test-takers verify their identity using government-issued IDs before accessing exams.
A Call to Action: Strengthening Language Standards for Truck Drivers
As Canada continues to refine road safety and commercial driver training, it’s time to prioritize standardized language proficiency. A minimum CLB 6 benchmark and secure testing methods could enhance safety, ensuring all commercial drivers can effectively communicate, read road signs, and follow industry regulations.
Would you support a national CLB 6 language requirement for truck drivers? Let’s start the conversation and advocate for safer roadways.
by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | Oct 8, 2024 | Career Board
Company Overview
Founded in 2018, Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S) is dedicated to becoming North
Americas leading and most trusted environmental management company. Growing through
acquisition and organic growth, E360S provides environmental and waste management
solutions to municipalities and commercial customers.
Job Description
A great opportunity exists for an experienced DZ TRUCK DRIVER to support our team and
ensure our fleet service standards are met. Working in a team environment all job duties
support the collection and recycling of batteries, and hazardous waste, preparing/packaging of
material for shipment, and loading/ unloading materials.
Position Responsibilities
Operate one or more vehicle types with both automatic and standard transmissions and
collect solid waste, yard waste and/or recyclables on a collection route. Route may vary
daily based on service needs
Complete pre-trip and post-trip safety lane inspections and reports, daily truck report,
route sheets and other documentation requested by the supervisor daily
Communicate vehicle mechanical problems to mechanic and supervisor immediately.
Operate truck and equipment using prescribed techniques to eliminate driver-induced
mechanical failures.
Follow safety standards, equipment checks and precautions in performance of all duties.
Comply with all national, provincial, local and rules on safety and vehicle operation.
Maintain a clean vehicle by cleaning cab interior and exterior of vehicle.
Attend daily safety meetings as per site requirements.
Qualifications and Experience
Valid class DZ drivers’ license (required)
2+ years of commercial driving experience
Clear driver’s abstract
Experience working in safety regulated environments
Ensure safety is a priority
Excellent interpersonal, service skills and ability to develop effective working
relationships
Strong commitment to excellence, accuracy, and attention to detail
Exceptional time-management skills
Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to a wide variety of tasks and functions
Ability to wear protective equipment (metatarsal work boots, ear/eye protection, hard hat,
safety vest/gloves)
Prioritizations skills with the ability to adapt to change
Ability to work in demanding environments (noise, dust, contamination)
Ability to lift 50 kg
What We Offer
Competitive hourly wages with premiums
Company sponsored benefits
Paid training
RRSP/DPSP Contributions
Candidates can email recruitment@e360s.ca and put the name of the job and location in the subject line
by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | Jul 30, 2024 | Announcement
About Geri Cox: For over 50 years, Geri Cox has been a driving force in the transportation industry. As the founder of Polaris Transportation Group in 1994, Geri’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory and success. Her commitment to excellence continues as she actively contributes to the Polaris Executive Leadership Team, identifying opportunities to enhance strategic initiatives for the company’s overall growth.
Geri fosters an environment for women to advance and grow within Polaris and beyond. Her dedication and contributions serve as an inspiration to all, particularly women looking to make their mark in this traditionally male-dominated field. Her leadership and mentorship have paved the way for many women at Polaris and within the transportation industry.
Award Purpose: The Geri Cox Allyship Excellence Award honors male allies who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the inclusion of women in trucking through intentional, positive, and conscious actions within their sphere of influence. This award recognizes those whose actions have significantly contributed to the betterment of Canada’s trucking industry.
- Commitment to Inclusion: Demonstrates a consistent, dedication to promoting the inclusion of women in the trucking industry.
- Intentional Actions: Engages in positive and conscious actions to support women’s advancement within the industry.
- Industry Impact: Contributes significantly to the growth and improvement of Canada’s trucking industry through these inclusive practices.
How to apply – Deadline to Apply Aug 23rd, 2024
- In 500 words or more tell us why you’re nominating this individual
- Send 2 letters of support with your nomination
- Include a photo of your nominee
- Include nominee’s contact information
- Send email to inquiries@wtfc.ca
- Please include the best way to contact you should we have any questions
- Award will be presented at our Bridging the Barriers Conference
Why This Award Matters: Geri Cox has made an impact by breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity within a traditionally male-dominated field. This award celebrates male allies who embody these values, ensuring that the trucking industry continues to evolve into a more inclusive and equitable space for all.
By recognizing and honoring these individuals, we aim to inspire more positive changes and support the ongoing efforts to make the trucking industry a place where everyone can thrive.
Why Polaris is Sponsoring the Geri Cox Allyship Excellence Award
Polaris is proud to sponsor the Geri Cox Allyship Excellence Award as a testament to our commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion within the trucking industry. Named in honoring of our founder, Geri Cox, this award celebrates male allies who have made significant strides in supporting and uplifting women in this traditionally male-dominated field.
Our Commitment to Gender Equality: At Polaris, we believe in giving women a chance to excel in trucking. By sponsoring this award, we aim to highlight and reward the efforts of those who actively work towards creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive. We recognize that diversity brings strength and innovation, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture that values and promotes equal opportunities for all.
Celebrating Positive Change: The Geri Cox Allyship Excellence Award honors individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to supporting women’s inclusion in trucking. These allies play a crucial role in driving positive change, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that women have the same opportunities to succeed as their male counterparts.
Building a Better Future: By celebrating the achievements of male allies, we hope to inspire more individuals to take intentional, positive actions that support gender equality. Our sponsorship of this award reflects our ongoing dedication to making the trucking industry a more welcoming and equitable space for everyone.
Through this award, Polaris continues to champion the values that Geri Cox instilled in our company from the very beginning. We are committed to building a future where the contributions of women in trucking are recognized, valued, and celebrated
by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | Mar 19, 2024 | BLOG
The Canadian trucking industry currently shows over 20,000 vacant driver positions, according to a recent report from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). And 34,300 truck drivers were expected to leave the industry in 2024, according to Trucking HR Canada’s Labour Market Snapshot: November 2022. As the trucking industry struggles with how to solve the increasing driver shortage, many companies are taking a different approach to recruiting.
The demographic pool is widening as organizations focus efforts on hiring veterans and recruiting young talent out of school, but there is one key demographic the industry is ignoring. According to data from Omnitracs, women account for only nine percent of drivers. The opportunities are endless when it comes to recruiting women truck drivers, but it doesn’t stop at just filling the driver’s seat. When you do the analysis, women are a proven asset to organizations, as female drivers have lower turnover rates, fewer accidents and more miles logged.
Reasons why Trucking Companies Should Focus on Women Drivers
Women are a huge part of the economy
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women now represent 46.6% of the total workforce, yet they are still underrepresented in trucking jobs.
Women have shown they make safer truckers than men
Hiring women drivers could actually increase your safety record. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, women are safer drivers. They’re less likely to be distracted by their phones or other devices and are more attentive to safety.
Many women lost jobs during the pandemic
The pandemic hit everyone hard, but women were hit even harder. That’s because women tend to work in industries that were disproportionately impacted by business closures. Think residential and home nursing care, childcare, food service, and the hospitality industry.
It shatters the stigma
The only way stereotypes can change is by major players in the trucking industry leading the way. Some of the most frequently cited reasons for not having more women in trucking are that driving a big rig for hundreds of miles at a time isn’t family-friendly, and the industry is male-oriented and unwelcoming to women.
Sources:
https://www.newcanadianmedia.ca/canadas-trucking-industry-needs-thousands-of-drivers/
https://kjtransmedia.com/4-reasons-to-focus-on-women-drivers/
https://www.transforce.com/carriers/carrier-resources/benefits-of-hiring-female-truck-drivers
https://wt.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&category=member-spotlight&id=80:why-women-are-the-right-answer-to-the-trucking-industry-s-driver-shortage
Opinion Piece by :
Mariah Tacanga
mariah@bigrigwraps.ca
by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | Apr 20, 2023 | Corporate Partners
Dr. Bert Skincare
