The Alberta government has just concluded an unprecedented six-month crackdown targeting what they call unsafe practices and bad actors within the commercial transportation industry. In a recent Canadian Underwriter article, Alberta’s Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen emphasizes that investigations and audits zeroed in on the fundamental causes of commercial trucking risks, namely non-compliant, fraudulent, or illegal trainers, inspectors, and haulers.
Many would argue that it’s a much-needed overhaul. Just this week near Drayton Valley a 67-year-old passenger in a mini-van was killed in a collision with a semi-truck at an intersection. In April a semi-truck driver was charged with failing to remain at the scene of a fatal accident after a crash on Stoney Trail. A year ago an Alberta semi-truck driver was fined for a collision that blocked a B.C. highway for hours.
And, of course, nobody can forget the horrible 2018 Humbolt Broncos tragedy that killed 16 people and injured 13 more when a semi-truck from a Calgary company blew through a stop sign and collided with the hockey players’ bus. Both the driver and the company owner faced serious charges, to which each pleaded guilty. After completing his sentence, the driver faces deportation.
The provincial action resulted in the closure of five driver-training schools and the removal of 13 commercial operators from service. This highly aggressive enforcement is part of a dual strategy to enhance road safety while also improving the reputation of trucking as an industry and professional career path at the same time. The province also issued 39 disciplinary letters to driver-training schools, levied over $100,000 in administrative penalties, and revoked 12 instructor licenses.
Investigations unfortunately uncovered rampant avoidance tactics. Thirteen commercial trucking companies were removed from service in Alberta for reasons including poor on-road performance and failure to meet mandatory safety standards. Seven of those were identified as “chameleon carriers,” which is when companies simply change their names and relocate, over and over, when facing consequences.
This leaves law enforcement and insurance companies at a loss unless they are tipped off where the culprits are.
Another problematic practice is described as “Driver Inc.,” where companies improperly hire contract drivers, who are sometimes temporary foreign workers, without taking responsibility for their qualifications or support. A check stop in July found that 20% of the 195 drivers stopped were suspected of being misclassified, often resulting in drivers who “lack proper training and oversight and are vulnerable to exploitation,” according to an Oct. 3 government news release.
The Alberta government promises more compliance efforts to maintain pressure on these types of situations. The ultimate goal, Dreeshen noted, is safer roads for all. Tangible results are expected for a drop in accidents caused by obvious truck driver negligence, such as bridge strikes, which happen often when the truck is taller than the bridge’s clearance.
These efforts are a part of a significant push to elevate trucking to a Red Seal trade, which are governed by regulations under provincial and territorial apprenticeship acts.
While provincial data shows total traffic fatalities and major injuries in Alberta have increased recently, industry data is showing a dramatic drop in annual collision totals involving heavy trucks. From 2016 to 2019 there were 1,400 heavy truck collisions per year, while there have been 700 recorded more recently.
Enhancing standards and rebuilding trust
Dresheen says that the government’s forceful measures are intended to rebuild trust within the industry, with the hope that semi drivers will be looked upon as the very best drivers on the road.
Central to moving Canadian trucking towards a Red Seal trade designation is the Alberta-born Learning Pathway system introduced last spring. It was developed after the province determined that the existing national standard, Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) for Class 1 drivers, was not achieving its desired effect, such as lowering insurance claims.
Class 1 drivers are able to operate just about any type of vehicle other than a motorcycle, which requires a Class 6 licence. On top of being a commercial truck driver, a Class 1 licence offers the most career options, including haulers, bus drivers, delivery drivers and more.
Alberta’s Learning Pathway program was developed in consultation with industry experts and provides significantly more assistance for training and experience building. It mandates up to 133 hours of instruction, including air-brake training, offering more hands-on skills and safety education as compared to MELT’s 113 hours.
The route to the Red Seal
Earlier this year, Alberta was grappling with a driver shortage estimated at 4,260 vacancies, making the push for higher standards particularly critical given the current demand.
Red Seal trades involve an apprenticeship program and require the participation of five provinces to be enacted. Certification is earned through a combination of training and hands-on experience, which in turn demonstrates a tradesperson’s qualification across multiple Canadian jurisdictions.
Commercial insurance coverage from Lane’s
Do you have a trucking or delivery service requiring drivers to have a Class 1 licence? We at Lane’s Insurance are here to help and have a number of expert commercial insurance brokers on staff with a ton of experience in the commercial trucking business and beyond. In addition to commercial auto insurance, Lane’s also offers policies for commercial property insurance, commercial surety bonds, contract surety bonds, and contractors insurance. Contact us at our Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, and Alberta offices today.
