CTA highlights role truckers play in agri industry

OTTAWA — Canadian truckers play a crucial part in the competitiveness of a viable agri-food industry.

That’s the message the Canadian Trucking Alliance delivered to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food.

"This isn’t a committee we usually appear at, but appreciate the opportunity to highlight the relationship between a strong competitive agricultural sector in Canada and efficient, cost-effective transportation," said CTA Vice-President Ron Lennox.

In his remarks, Lennox pointed out that the trucking sector is characterized by fierce competition, particularly in these challenging economic times.

While shippers and ultimately consumers are the primary beneficiaries of this competition, it was noted that there remain barriers to the efficient and cost effective movement of goods, including border crossing fees, costs related to security programs, and increasingly complex shipper requirements that can erode competitiveness of any sector, including agriculture.

"At the same time, it isn’t all negative," added Mr. Lennox, "There are some positives on the horizon, including electronic manifests to streamline border crossings, and improved technologies that increase fuel efficiency. If governments, the trucking industry and the shipper community continue to work together, we can help regain Canada’s competitive edge."

To read the full text of CTA’s submission click here.