By Glory Przekop

Local AMTA representative happy with potential changes commercial trucking industry

Jul 11, 2018 | 10:58 AM

The local representative for the Alberta Motor Transport Association is happy the government is going bring in mandatory training for new commercial truck drivers.

Northwest Regional Director Gary Heaven says it is the right move

“I think, impact wise, it will be good because there will be more qualified, more training to understand the challenges to be a commercial driver.”

He adds “there is no real requirement once you have your class 1 and training from your company that you can pull a Super B and the next day you go out on the road.”

The province will also do away with a grace period that allows commercial carriers to operate while still working to get their safety fitness certificates.

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“The Alberta Motor Transport Association puts safety above all when it comes to the transportation industry. We believe minimum standard training is required for both new and existing commercial drivers and carriers to operate on Alberta’s roadways. We look forward to working with government to develop standard training in the transportation industry,” says Chris Nash, president, Alberta Motor Transport Association.

The changes will be coming in January after consultations with Albertans and industry officials to ensure the changes don’t needlessly restrict business.

Through public consultations, the government is also looking for feedback on mandatory entry-level training for commercial drivers, pre-entry requirements for new commercial carriers as well as modifying the road test model for all driver’s licence classes.