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.
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/
Truck drivers are not unique to working alone. However, in most industries work alone in the same environment. Drivers work alone in multiple environments and face tough challenges keeping themselves safe. There are several areas of risk, including driving. For now, I will focus on when the truck is stopped. Over the road Safety starts with a good pre-trip. This is not news to any professional truck driver. However, breaking down increases your exposure to the unknown. It’s important to ensure your vehicle is in top shape to keep you rolling.
Should you find yourself on the side of the road, here are a few Safety Tips. Keep your Side boxes locked. Don’t leave the side door release latch accessible. If you are approached by a person, who you did not call for help, do not exit the vehicle. Lock your doors. For Back up, turn your phone on to record the conversation. If the vehicle stops ahead, take a photo of the person, vehicle and license plate. Close your bunk curtains as they approach. This will provide the illusion there is another person with you. Do not disclose what is wrong with the vehicle or any load information. Tell them help is arriving imminently. Carry a basic tool kit, waterproof flashlight Carry two days of food and water Keep a travel toilet in the truck for places where you feel unsafe to leave the truck. Keep your curtains closed to give the illusion of a co-driver Keep your cell phone fully charged and within reach in the bunk. Never walk between trailers. Take the long way around. Carry flip flops, always wear them in the showers If you are concerned about security while sleeping, tie the driver and passenger door together with a ratchet strap.
In the Yard – Truck Stops, Rest Areas, Customers First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. That may sound simple, but for a truck driver, it’s not. There are a lot of blind spots where risks can lurk. Here are a few questions to help evaluate your risk: What are my surroundings? Is the yard secured, or is there a guard? Is the ground level? Is there a tripping risk? Are there people in the yard? Are they employees? Know your work alone policy. Send a note to dispatch when you arrive at the facility. And when you leave. Call the customer ahead of time, ask if it is safe to park onsite. Is there security, driver facilities?
What can Companies do to keep their drivers safe? Well-lit yards. Provide facilities that lock – ie bathroom, showers Work alone policy. Use a check in AP or company communication device. Have a road buddy to keep in touch with – check in regularly. Keep notes on customer facilities. Rate their driver safety for reference. Use an Emergency response phone APP for drivers. Provide PPE for the job.
Deborah Gee
Deborah Gee is a CITT (CCLP) and RPR certified professional. Experienced class 1 driver with LTL, FTL and Heavy Haul. Deborah is currently a regional recruiter for Trimac Transportation in Calgary, Alberta. Deborah has been involved with WTFC since it’s inception and is on the board of directors. You can reach her at dgee@trimac.com
