Despite some anti-trade rhetoric in the U.S., the relationship between the Canadian and the U.S. trucking industries is poised to get even stronger, says the newly-appointed National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) president Adam Keane.
“With the globalization of vehicle platforms, there is a need to better align North American regulations so that we have a strong voice as it relates to OEMs and regulatory issues that come from outside of North America,” Keane told Truck West.
The NTEA head office is located in Farmington Hills, Mich., and it has government relations departments at satellite locations in Washington and Ottawa, with the Canadian branch opening in 2014.
Both the Washington and Ottawa offices are tasked with protecting and advancing NTEA member interests by actively working with the Canadian and US governments.
Keane said the NTEA is currently working with Transport Canada on the Canadian version of rear backup camera regulations as well as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on its proposal for Phase 2 of the greenhouse gas regulations for trucks.
Keane said he hopes Ottawa and Washington will continue will offer opportunities for trucking in both countries.
“Our experience so far in working with both the new Canadian and American administrations is that they have been open to listening to our interests and concerns,” Keane said. “We have found a mutual interest in working together to harmonize regulations.”