Hundreds of trucking professionals gathered at the 2nd annual OTA Council Summit this week and came away a little smarter on freight policy, trucking HR and labour topics as well as all the top-of-mind cross-border issues.
It was standing room only for several of the concurrent council sessions. The Compliance and Freight Policy Council, for example, had a jam-packed agenda, kicking off with presentation from James Girman – Pion, Nerone, Girman, Winslow & Smith P.C. on The Anatomy of a US Truck Accident-From Catastrophic Loss through Trial.
Next was a deep dive into the world of real time data. Experts walked participants through the myriad of data available from vehicles and technology.
Enforcement Trends in Michigan and Ontario were addressed with detailed discussions from law enforcement officials on both sides of the border.
And what would a compliance session be without a detailed ELD discussion! Reps from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Ministry of Transportation and a trio of ELD suppliers discussed some of the more technical and operational policy aspects of the ELD rule in Canada and the United States, including details on: roadside inspection protocols, out-of-service orders, facility audits, device certification, protocols for carrier testing ELDs, exemptions from ELD requirements, yard miles, and personal conveyance.
Meanwhile, the popular People, Planning and Development Council kicked off a always lively conversation on Marijuana Legalization. This session discussed discuss the implications of legalization for employers. Participants received practical advice on how to make sure their drug and alcohol policies are ready for legalization.
Next, Gerry Culina, from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) shared how workplace inspections, hazard identification and controls can enhance a workplace prevention program. Participants also reviewed what elements and tasks make up a workplace inspection, as well as the practical steps needed to ensure that hazard identification and control are being managed in the workplace.
Les Liversidge LLB of L.A. Liversidge, Barrister & Solicitor delivered a charged-up, eye-opening presentation on the always-evolving rate framework, premium rates, and new stress policy among other important issues. He was followed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) which provided carriers with an update on new and pending legislation that will impact their business.
With all the challenges surrounding cross-border travel these days, the cross-border council sessions were not to be missed. CBSA’s Johny Prasad provided an overview on developing initiatives within Canada to streamline trade and modernize the cross-border process for highway carriers. Although still a few years away, feedback from OTA members on CBSA’s plans was integral to this session.
Much to the interest of carriers in the room, Prasad continued with an update on ACI AMPS compliance and the implementation of truck turnaround plan as an alternative to carriers receiving major ACI penalties. He also updated members on the cause of recent CBSA EDI/portal outages and an action plan to work with industry and correct issues moving forward.
Participants were later treated to a panel of individuals representing the various bridge authorities in Ontario who spoke about new technologies and programs being deployed at these bridges to improve or ease the movement of commercial traffic during periods of construction, infrastructure projects that may impact traffic at these bridges, and updates to any other major programs being rolled out that may impact the movement of commercial traffic.
The session ended with a Q/A with the attendees and OTA staff.
OTA is extremely happy with the overwhelming positive feedback from the event.
The association would also like to thank the following Summit sponsors for their valued support:
Breakfast/Lunch Sponsors:
- David Carruth, ONE for Freight
Exhibitors/Breakfast-Lunch Sponsors:
- T-Fleet Services
- TruckRight
- Birdseye Solutions
- InLight LED Solutions Inc.
- DriverCheck
Exhibitors:
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
- Continental Automotive