Canada’s trucking industry is facing growing financial turbulence due to inadequate training, according to a new report from the Insurance Bureua of Canada (IBC).
In partnership with MNP, a professional accountancy firm, IBC delved into the factors influencing insurance costs for commercial truck operators. The findings show that drivers lacking sufficient training are not only more prone to accidents but are also more likely to incur higher costs in claims.
Celyeste Power, President and CEO of IBC, stressed the need for collaboration between her industry and trucking companies to better tackle deficiencies in training standards.
“We encourage governments across the country to use this report as a call to action to update and improve training and enforcement standards,” says Power.
The investigation includes recommendations for truck driver training programs that focus on providing real-world experience for new drivers. It points out the correlation between driver experience and collision rates, with drivers having less than three years of experience being at a higher risk of accidents.
One glaring issue highlighted in the report is the inadequate implementation of Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT). MNP’s evaluation emphasizes the necessity for personalized onboarding and mentorship for new drivers.
Geoff Wood, Senior Vice-President of Policy at the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), acknowledges the collaborative efforts with IBC and their value to addressing the policy issues impacting trucking operations, safety, and training.
The report suggests the broad implementation of telematics for providing feedback to commercial truck drivers. It also recommends a graduated licensing system. By implementing these recommendations and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, the trucking industry can navigate the financial challenges posed by inadequate training while ensuring the safety of Canada’s roads and highways.
Carriers with their own driving schools and comprehensive finishing programs are uniquely positioned to address these issues. By graduating their own classes of skilled and capable drivers, these carriers are not only ensuring a steady supply of trained talent but also enhancing safety records and bolstering driver retention rates.
Challenger Motor Freight in Cambridge, ON operates the highest rated training academy in Canada. It includes a meticulous finishing program to onboard new and inexperienced drivers into its fleet.
“They are assimilating into our culture at the academy, immersing themselves in a live trucking yard, and mastering our operational methods,” explains Steve Newton, the director of safety and driver development at Challenger.
Faced with a shortage of drivers, the company committed to building a training program to mitigate the risks associated with hiring inexperienced individuals.
These finishing programs provide invaluable real-world experiences, insights from seasoned driver-trainers, and crucial hands-on knowledge. Mentorship plays a pivotal role, with trainees gradually assuming full driving responsibilities under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Challenger’s finishing program spans several weeks, encompassing rigorous training in yard operations, city driving, and highway navigation. Emphasizing skill development over fixed timelines, the program ensures that drivers are thoroughly prepared for the challenges of the road.
This kind of investment in training is deemed indispensable by the IBC, with safety and accident prevention being paramount concerns.
Carriers recognize that to stay competitive, the benefits of prioritizing driver training clearly justify the expense. By nurturing a skilled workforce through demanding rigorous training standards, these companies not only ensure operational efficiency but also uphold safety standards, thus ensuring the financial stability of their own operations and the industry as a whole.
