About the OTA
Our mission is to unite, advance, and accelerate the development of the Ontario trucking industry and our members. Learn more about The OTA’s history, mission, and the driving force behind advocacy in the province’s fast-paced trucking industry.
We Are the United Voices
of Ontario’s Trucking Industry
Our Mission
From public policy to best practices, we aim to educate and enhance the Ontario trucking industry and our members.
Our Vision
To shape the future of the Ontario trucking industry and contribute to its success.
Our Purpose
To unite, advocate for, and accelerate the growth of the trucking industry in Ontario.
Membership Value
In uniting the voices of our trucking industry, we build stronger partnerships with our communities, networks, and policy makers.
Our Members
The members of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) form the backbone of Ontario’s supply chain. The OTA is unique as the only Ontario association representing the full spectrum of the trucking industry. We proudly advocate for private carriers, for-hire carriers, intermodal companies, suppliers, and other integral members of the sector.
Shaping Our Industry
Our association champions continuous learning and compliance. We provide members with a wealth of resources, including insightful literature, educational programs, and specialized training courses, empowering you to navigate the dynamic landscape of your field.
OTA Staff
Meet the dedicated team of professionals powering the Ontario Trucking Association’s operations and initiatives, driving excellence and support for the trucking industry.
OTA History
- 1898
- 1926
- 1927
- 1936
- 1943
- 1950
- 1962
- 1974
- 1977
- 1982
- 1987
- 1989
- 1993
- 1995
- 1996
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2007
- 2008
- 2010
- 2011
- 2014
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1898
1898 – Robert Simpson Co. rolls out the first electric powered truck on Ontario’s roads.
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1926
1926 – The Automotive Transportation Association, the predecessor of OTA, is formed. It represented less than 200 commercial vehicles.
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1927
1927 – Leonard S. Meiler is the first holder of an Ontario commercial driver’s licence. ATA celebrates first major policy, victory, defeating railway-led proposal to limit trucks’ operating range.
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1936
1936 – Association launches first safe driving campaign.
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1943
1943 – J.O. “Mr. Trucking” Goodman named GM. He grew association to 2,000 members when he left it as OTA in 1978.
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1950
1950 – Industry momentum builds and trucks fill the void during major rail strike.
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1962
1962 – Trans-Canada Hwy officially opens, giving truckers single coast-to-coast route.
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1974
1974 – Ontario truckers win the right to haul 7 days a week.
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1977
1977 – Association plays key role in developing Ontario;s Class A commercial licence standards.
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1982
1982 – With OTA input, a North American common inspection standard is introduced.
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1987
1987 – Barriers crumble: Two years after national de-regulation, Ontario follows suit.
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1989
1989 – NAFTA: North America is open for business.
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1993
1993 – After intense lobbying, Ontario moves up to 53-ft trailers.
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1995
1995 – Inaugural OTA Road Knights team is chosen.
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1996
1996 – Trucking safety comes under the microscope. OTA helps develop new brake safety standards.
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1999
1999 – National Trucking Week is born.
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2000
2000 – OTA creates Truck World.
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2001
2001 – In the wake of 9-11, OTA grapples with first wave of new border crossing rules.
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2007
2007 – New hours-of-services rules introduced in Canada and U.S.
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2008
2008 – Ont and PQ first jurisdictions in North America to mandate speed limiters on trucks.
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2010
2010 – New engine emission rules eliminate particulates and NOx.
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2011
2011 – Ontario program expands to allow LCVs on road.
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2014
2014 – Thanks to OTA efforts, Ontario agrees to begin work on Mandatory Entry Level Training.
OTA Partners
Our strategic collaborations with trusted industry allies and partners, fostering innovation and progress across Canada.
Learn more about the issues affecting our industry
Deepen your understanding of the challenges and concerns impacting Ontario’s trucking sector, featuring in-depth analyses and updates.
