Steering Change

In this episode, we talk winter driving! Although it may still be early fall, the bitter cold, icy conditions, and snow are headed our way once again, and we will need to adjust our driving habits accordingly.AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with a familiar voice you may recognize from the beginning of each episode, AMTA’s Rob Destree, Senior Instructor, Driver Development, to dive deeper into the approaching winter driving season.Watch our videos in partnership with Volker Stevin on sharing the road with snowplows: Part One and Part TwoWatch our episode with Warren Stasiuk from Volker Stevin on snow plow safety: https://www.steeringchange.ca/episodes/episode-31 Resources for road conditions across Western CanadaAlberta: 511 - 511.alberta.caBritish Columbia: Drive BC - www.drivebc.caSaskatchewan: Highway Hotline - hotline.gov.sk.caManitoba: 511 - www.manitoba511.caAccording to statistics from the Highway Maintenance Safety Committee, between 2020 and 2021, there were 14 rear-end, 11 side-swipe, and five left-hand wing plow incidents in Alberta.Be prepared. Be patient. And be safe out there! Winter is coming.Are you interested in learning more about AMTA’s Truck Driving Simulator Training? Visit our website: amta.ca/simulator-training. Are you interested in learning more about industry…literally? Consider training with AMTA. We offer hundreds of courses and resources on our website (https://amta.ca/courses/) that will set you up for success, including our Certified Transportation Safety Coordinator program (https://amta.ca/ctsc-program/).It’s BACK! AMTA’s Drawdown Dinner returns October 16 at the River Cree Entertainment Centre. Tickets are available on our website: https://amta.ca/event/2025-amta-drawdown-dinner/. Join us on Wednesday, October 22, at the Sherwood Park Safety Summit for a full day of content, including a keynote presentation and sessions with information and tangible takeaways relevant to commercial transportation. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Tickets start at only $30, and booths start at only $149. Both are on sale now! https://amta.ca/event/amta-safety-summit-sherwood-park/Important!! AMTA has launched a new events platform directly on our website. To register for AMTA events, you must have an AMTA Portal account. Please create an account or log in before registering. We understand setting up a new account may be a small inconvenience, but this change is part of our efforts to provide a more streamlined, secure, and cohesive online experience for our members. If you have any questions, or need assistance, please reach out to us at marcom@amta.ca.Do you have an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

In this episode, we explore retention in commercial transportation in Alberta, with a focus on drivers, but also on all aspects of what makes a carrier, supplier, and more, tick in this industry.AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with Leah Mawer, Vice President of Human Resources, Caron Transportation Systems, in our first segment, and then is joined by Alero Okujagu, Senior Program Manager, and Tanara Ferguson, Senior Project Manager, at Trucking HR Canada (THRC) for our second segment.Learn more about Caron Transportation Systems on their website: https://www.carontransport.ca/ Interested in learning more about THRC?If you have a question, reach out to THRC: theteam@truckinghr.comRead the Labour Market Information (LMI) Reports: https://truckinghr.com/labour-market-information/ Learn more about the Top Fleet Employer (TFE) Program: https://truckinghr.com/top-fleet-employers/ Top Fleet Employers Awards Gala: https://truckinghr.com/event/2025-top-fleet-employers-gala/ Learn more about Women in Trucking: https://truckinghr.com/women-in-trucking/ HR Resource Library: https://truckinghr.com/hr-training-resources/ We are currently in the middle of our Driver Appreciation Days. Over the course of the week, members, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters express their appreciation – on behalf of all Albertans – to professional commercial drivers within the province. Volunteers are stationed at eight Commercial Vehicle Inspection Stations across Alberta and distribute gift bags to the drivers. If you are interested in getting involved and donating swag for next year (2026), please email events@amta.ca.Is there a driver in your fleet with an exemplary record? Do they go above and beyond not only for industry but for the motoring public? Nominate them for AMTA’s Driver of the Month: https://amta.ca/driver-of-the-month/ It’s BACK! AMTA’s Drawdown Dinner returns October 16 at the River Cree Entertainment Centre. Tickets are available on our website: https://amta.ca/event/2025-amta-drawdown-dinner/. Join us on Wednesday, October 22, at the Sherwood Park Safety Summit for a full day of content, including a keynote presentation and sessions with information and tangible takeaways relevant to commercial transportation. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Tickets start at only $30, and booths start at only $149. Both are on sale now! https://amta.ca/event/amta-safety-summit-sherwood-park/Important!! AMTA has launched a new events platform directly on our website. To register for AMTA events, you must have an AMTA Portal account. Please create an account or log in before registering. We understand setting up a new account may be a small inconvenience, but this change is part of our efforts to provide a more streamlined, secure, and cohesive online experience for our members. If you have any questions, or need assistance, please reach out to us at marcom@amta.ca.Do you have an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca. If you would like to sign up for our bi-weekly eNews and stay on top of all things AMTA, register here: https://www.amta.ca/#enews.  Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with Geoff Wiebe, National Account Manager at Kal Tire, AMTA's Doug Walton is live on location at Answer Trailer Rentals and Sales with Shawn Rushton, Fleet and Repair Manager, and we wrap our three segments with Evan Schielke, Regional Sales Manager at STEMCO. In our conversation, we're talking wheels, or wheel-offs to be precise, in one of our biggest episodes yet! We discuss tire safety,  common factors for tire blow-outs on the highway, industry policies and procedures done to prevent wheel-offs and over-torquing, safety around wheels and installation, as well as new technologies enhancing safety for wheels on the road.A special thank you to the team at Kal Tire for supplying the video footage, Answer Trailer for allowing us to come on-site for a demonstration, and to STEMCO for providing pictures and video footage of the wheel-end safety products discussed in this episode. See this footage by watching this episode on our YouTube channel.Learn more about Kal Tire on their website: https://commercial.kaltire.com/en/ or contact Geoff at geoff_wiebe@kaltire.com.Learn more about Answer Trailer Rentals and Sales on their website: https://www.atrl.ca/, or contact Shawn at info@atrl.ca.Learn more about STEMCO and their products, including the Auto-Torq Axel Fastener, on their website: https://www.stemco.com/, or contact Evan Schielke at evan.schielke@stemco.com.Watch the full installation video of the Auto-Torq Axel Fastener, included in this episode, on the STEMCO website: https://www.stemco.com/resource/auto-torq-video/ Read more about the PACE award won by STEMCO for their wheel end products: https://www.stemco.com/article/stemco-wins-automotive-news-pace-award-for-streamlining-wheel-end-installation/ STEMCO is running a program that includes a Safety Pledge, one more step to keep our roads safer. Those who review and sign our safety pledge will receive a free STEMCO hat. Take the pledge here: https://www.stemco.com/mtrs/ It’s BACK! AMTA’s Drawdown Dinner returns October 16 at the River Cree Entertainment Centre. Tickets are available on our website: https://amta.ca/event/2025-amta-drawdown-dinner/. Do you have an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca. If you would like to sign up for our bi-weekly eNews and stay on top of all things AMTA, register here: https://www.amta.ca/#enews.  Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA’s Kelsey Hipkin is taking us to the future for the third and final episode of our special three-part series - Trucking: Past, Present, and Future.In our last episode, we looked at what is going on in Alberta in the present and what impacts are being made to commercial transportation. In today’s episode, we are looking forward, literally, to the future of commercial transportation. Kelsey sits down with Jared Sayers, President and CEO of Azolla Hydrogen Ltd., and Terri Johnson, Manager, Industry Advancement with AMTA, to discuss alternative fuels, autonomous vehicles, vehicle improvements, safety improvements, and more, and how this impacts the future of commercial transportation in our province and beyond. Learn more about Azolla Hydrogen by visiting their website: https://www.azollahydrogen.com/, or by contacting Jared directly at jsayers@azollahydrogen.com. If you have any questions for Terri or Terri’s team, please reach out directly at Terri.Johnson@amta.ca. Listen to our most recent Steering Change episode with Terri Johnson and our panel about  ‘Carrier Successes in New Technology’ here: https://www.steeringchange.ca/episodes/episode-38. Listen to the Steering Change episode with Terri Johnson and Erin Horb, discussing a few of the many exciting projects our Industry Advancement team is working on: https://www.steeringchange.ca/episodes/episode-18. And read more about the projects AMTA’s Industry Advancement team is working on by visiting our website: https://amta.ca/innovation-projects/. Interested in learning more about Hydrogen Commercial Vehicle Demonstrations and vehicle trials, or exploring collaboration projects? Please connect with our Industry Advancement team by contacting Terri.Johnson@amta.ca. Interested in reading Dave Elniski’s book, mentioned at the beginning of this episode, “Pro-Tech & Pro-Active: Understanding and Leveraging the World of Safety Technology to Move Beyond Compliance-Focused Safety Management”? Read it freely here: https://amta.ca/amta-announces-book-release-pro-tech-pro-active/ It’s BACK! AMTA’s Drawdown Dinner returns October 16 at the River Cree Entertainment Centre. Tickets are available on our website: https://amta.ca/event/2025-amta-drawdown-dinner/. Do you have an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca. If you would like to sign up for our bi-weekly eNews and stay on top of all things AMTA, register here: https://www.amta.ca/#enews.  Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA’s Kelsey Hipkin welcomes us back for the second episode of our special three-part series - Trucking: Past, Present, and Future.In our last episode, we took you back to when trucking emerged in Alberta, and you heard from some of the voices of the province’s commercial transportation past. In this episode, we look at what is going on in Alberta today that impacts commercial transportation. You'll hear from Alexandra Bennet, Director, Strategic Initiatives, Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC), with an update on the Class 1 Learning Pathway program, and we'll check in with AMTA’s Dave Elniski, Industry Advisor, Safety & Compliance, who has recently published a book on safety technology and compliance-focused safety management.Learn more about the Alberta Carrier Excellent Safety (ACES) Program here: https://amta.ca/aces-program-highlights-alberta-carrier-on-road-safety-performance/.Listen to the Steering Change episode on the launch of the Class 1 Learning Pathway here: https://www.steeringchange.ca/episodes/episode-35.Learn more about the Class 1 Learning Pathway program and how it works on the Alberta Government website: https://www.alberta.ca/class-1-learning-pathway. Here you can watch the ‘Day in the Life’ video series, as mentioned in this episode (scroll to the bottom of the webpage).For details on Alberta Driving Schools, please contact memberservices@amta.ca. If you are interested in learning more about the Employment Pathway Grant, visit the Alberta Government website: https://www.alberta.ca/employment-pathway-grant. If you would like to learn more about what AMTA President, Robert Harper, calls the scourge of Industry, Driver Inc., watch our three-part video series on unscrupulous carriers on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmicsdS-lHRq-4QW_m2sfu1rhylz87mbg.If you are interested in learning more or have any questions for Dave Elniski, please reach out to them at dave.elniski@amta.ca.Interested in reading Dave Elniski’s book “Pro-Tech & Pro-Active: Understanding and Leveraging the World of Safety Technology to Move Beyond Compliance-Focused Safety Management”? Read it freely here: https://amta.ca/amta-announces-book-release-pro-tech-pro-active/ Dave also mentions his other work, 'Psychosocial Hazard Control in Alberta's Trucking Industry'. Read that here.If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca. If you would like to sign up for our bi-weekly eNews and stay on top of all things AMTA, register here: https://www.amta.ca/#enews.  Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA’s Kelsey Hipkin kicks off the first episode of our special three-part series - Trucking: Past, Present, and Future.To know Alberta’s trucking past is to know the individuals who built the foundation of what commercial transportation represents today. In this episode, we take a trip down commercial transportation memory lane in Alberta – and we’re doing that with some actual voices of Alberta’s Commercial Transportation past, including those who continue to support and advance industry after years in the field.   *All photos and recordings used in this episode are from the AMTA archives.If you would like to delve even deeper into the voices of the past, we encourage you to read "Big Wheels Across the Prairie: A History of Trucking in Alberta" by Paul M. Rubak, a former recipient of the AMTA Historical Award.Volunteer registration is now open and filling fast for AMTA’s Driver Appreciation Days, taking place Sept. 8-17. The only locations yet to fill all volunteer slots are Dunmore, Whitecourt, and Hinton. Learn more and register now: https://www.amta.ca/events/amta-driver-appreciation-days-2025.Curious about the various AMTA memberships or how you can get involved? Reach out to membership@amta.ca for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca. If you would like to sign up for our bi-weekly eNews and stay on top of all things AMTA, register here: https://www.amta.ca/#enews.  Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with Andrew Barnes, Sr. Advisor, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, AMTA.In our conversation, we discuss the biggest commercial transportation issues we’re seeing when it comes to interprovincial trade barriers, takeaways from this year’s Canadian Council of Motor Transportation Administrators conference, collaboration with other provinces, and what it will take to move forward on infrastructure disparities, and more!If you would like to contact Andy to learn more about what is discussed in this episode or to discuss any issues you are having, please reach out to him at andrew.barnes@amta.ca. The voices of our Carrier Members are critical to informing us of issues that need to change in our industry. As Andy mentions, our Member Services team at AMTA is ready to be a resource for you and your company and help in any way we can. Please contact us at memberservices@amta.ca, or visit amta.ca for more information and resources.Visit the Government of British Columbia website to view the Road Transport Manual: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/vehicle-safety-enforcement/information-education/commercial-transport-procedures If you would like to sign up for our bi-weekly eNews and stay on top of all things AMTA, register here: https://www.amta.ca/#enews.  AMTA’s Draw Down Dinner is returning. We look forward to seeing you on October 16 at the River Cree Resort and Casino for networking, dinner, entertainment, and prizes. Registration opens in mid-July, so keep an eye on amta.ca and our social media.Keep an eye out for details coming soon for AMTA’s Driver Appreciation Days taking place September 8-17, 2025. Learn more: https://www.amta.ca/events/amta-driver-appreciation-days-2025 Coming up next on Steering Change, we will be presenting a three-part series - Trucking: Past, Present, and Future. Join us as we hear from the voices of Alberta’s Commercial Transportation past, what AMTA and industry are up to today, and what industry can expect when it comes to the future of transportation in Alberta, and beyond. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

**Trigger warning: this episode contains a special segment that discusses human trafficking, sexual assault, and bodily harm.AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with returning Steering Change guest, Deborah Nilsen, Industry Specialist, Workers’ Compensation Board - Alberta (WCB).We have noticed that at each event, specifically our Safety Summits, where Deb and/or her colleagues present, there are many questions as a follow-up. So we posed the question on our AMTA socials and myAMTA and asked you, our Members, our listeners, and the general public, for questions for WCB-Alberta. And you delivered. In our conversation, we review the questions posed by our audience, including examples of modified duties and what an employer can provide for their workers, strategies for a company to cut down on their WCB premiums, what employers can do if they disagree with the outcome of a claim, and more.As well, in this episode, we have a special segment with Heather Fry, Director of Industry Training, TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking). We discuss TAT’s Harriet Tubman Award and stories of past recipients and nominees, as well as the free training offered by TAT. *Trigger warning of human trafficking, sexual assault, and bodily harm.If you would like to learn more about the WCB, please visit their website: www.wcb.ab.caTo contact the WCB:If your main operations are North of Hwy 11 in Red Deer, your contact is:Deborah Nilsen780-498-7647Deborah.nilsen@wcb.ab.caIf your main operations are South of Hwy 11 in Red Deer, your contact is:Leigh-Ann Moroz 403-517-6124Leigh-ann.moroz@wcb.ab.caIf your main operations are outside of the province and you have an Alberta WCB account, please contact either one. Resources mentioned in this video:Seminars and Workshops: https://www.wcb.ab.ca/resources/for-employers/seminars-and-workshops/.Workshops: https://www.wcb.ab.ca/millard-treatment-centre/workshops/Information for Employers: https://www.wcb.ab.ca/claims/review-and-appeals/for-employers/Training on the Job program: https://www.wcb.ab.ca/return-to-work/training-on-the-job.htmlClaim Cost Transfer form: https://www.wcb.ab.ca/assets/pdfs/employers/A638.pdfThe Advisor Office for Alberta Workers’ Compensation: https://advisoroffice.alberta.ca/View the myWCB portal: https://my.wcb.ab.ca/ess/signin.Check out the WCB Employer App: https://wcb.ab.ca/resources/for-employers/online-services.html.WCB Resource: Modified Work Generator for TruckingWCB Resource: 99 Things to Do When There’s Nothing To Do.WCB Resource: Modified Duty Task List.Optional worker modified duties, view AMTA’s Education and Training courses: https://www.amta.ca/courses.View AMTA’s Micro Learn library for psychosocial hazards (PSH), musculoskeletal injuries (MSI), and slips, trips, and falls (STF): https://www.amta.ca/micro-learn.Learn more about TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking) and take the free training: https://tatnonprofit.org/.Nominate a hero for the Harriet Tubman award (the deadline is the end of July and is North America-wide): https://tatnonprofit.org/awards/#tat-hta.National Human Trafficking Hotline: 833-900-1010If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.AMTA’s Edmonton Golf Tournament, happening next week on June 26, 2025, at the Links at Spruce Grove, is sold out. Hopefully, we will be able to catch you on the course next year.Keep an eye out for details coming soon for AMTA’s Driver Appreciation Days taking place September 8-17, 2025. Learn more: https://www.amta.ca/events/amta-driver-appreciation-days-2025 AMTA’s latest campaign, Spring into Safety, looks at the transition from winter to spring and how that can affect how we drive, prepare to drive, and how we interact with other road users. Be sure to check out our June 6 Steering Change episode, where we explored that further, discussing the impact of wildlife strikes, sharing the road with motorcycles, and spring clean-up. Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with Sgt. Scott Kallweit of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services within the Alberta Sheriffs, Sgt. Kerry Bates of the Edmonton Police Service, and AMTA’s Josh Hannaberry.AMTA’s latest campaign, Spring into Safety, looks at the transition from winter to spring and how that can affect how we drive, prepare to drive, and how we interact with other road users. In this episode, we explore this further, discussing the impacts of wildlife strikes, sharing the road with motorcycles, and spring cleanup.If you would like to learn more about each organization and its initiatives, visit their websites below:Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services within the Alberta Sheriffs: https://www.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife-area-office-contacts Edmonton Police Service: https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/ If you would like to learn more about the Animal-Vehicle Collision Safety Program, as discussed by Sgt. Kallweit on this episode, visit the Alberta Government website: https://www.alberta.ca/animal-vehicle-collision-safety-program And if you have any further inquiries, please contact memberservices@amta.ca for more information.If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.AMTA’s DrawDown Dinner is returning. We look forward to seeing you on October 16 at the River Cree Resort and Casino for networking, dinner, entertainment, and prizes. Registration opens in July, so keep an eye on amta.ca and our social media.Have you ever wondered what exactly is involved with an AMTA Membership? Reach out to us at membership@amta.ca with any questions you may have surrounding Supplier, Associate Carrier, Full Carrier, and AMTA Elite Memberships .Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with Abraham Masri, Manager of Energy Transition and Sustainability at Trimac; Dave Schmidt, Western Canada RMX, Fleet and Training Manager at Lafarge Canada Inc.; Jacob Adams, Director of Sustainability and Risk and Manager of Optimization at Arrow Transportation Systems; and Terri Johnson, Manager of Industry Advancement at AMTA.In this episode, we continue the conversation from our Carrier Successes in New Technology session at AMTA’s 87th Annual Conference last month. We discuss how these companies are the trailblazers redefining carrier success in cutting-edge technology, how emerging technologies can shape your business, and what the future holds for our industry.If you would like to learn more about each company and their initiatives, visit their websites below or contact them directly:Abraham Masri, amasri@trimac.com, Trima Dave Schmidt, Lafarge Canada Inc.Jacob Adams, Arrow Transportation SystemsTerri Johnson, terri.johnson@amta.ca, AMTAIf you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.AMTA's Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC), which returns May 31, 2025, celebrates 75 years of Driver Excellence!Commercial drivers ensure goods and services in Alberta get to where they need to go, and this event serves to highlight the skillsets required behind the wheel. Drivers participate in one of five categories: Straight Truck, Pup Trailer Day Cab, Day Cab, Bunk Truck, and B-Train.Driver and Volunteer registration closes TODAY, May 23. Register now before it’s too late. Learn more about PTDC on our website, or contact events@amta.ca.Dust off your clubs! AMTA's Annual Golf Tournaments are back this June! Join us at the Blue Devil Golf course in Calgary on Tuesday, June 17, and at the Links at Spruce Grove on Thursday, June 26. Whether a returning golfer or new to this event, we look forward to seeing you on the course! Register yourself or your team now on our website for Calgary or Edmonton. (Only a few spots remaining!!) For sponsorship opportunities or questions, please email events@amta.ca.AMTA’s latest campaign, Spring into Safety, looks at the transition from winter to spring and how that can affect how we drive, prepare to drive, and how we interact with other road users. Stay tuned for our June 6 episode, where we explore that further, discussing impacts of wildlife strikes, sharing the road with motorcycles, and spring cleanup.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with our Member Solutions Team: Doug Walton, Sr. Advisor, Kristin Picken, Advisor (South), and Chad Albert, Advisor (North).In this episode, we discuss the improvements that we have made to our membership benefits to reflect the growing value that AMTA delivers for Carriers and Suppliers in Alberta. These improvements, announced April 1, include changes to the full Carrier Member pricing and a tiered Supplier Membership opportunity. Our Member Solutions team deep dives into the changes to Carrier fees, the response from our members and Carriers so far and the importance of engagement and dialogue, the new opportunities for Suppliers with AMTA Elite, and how these benefits could impact incoming AMTA members.If you would like to contact our Member Services team (including the lovely Helen Taylor, as mentioned in this episode), please contact memberservices@amta.ca, or contact our Member Solutions team directly:Doug Walton, Sr. Advisor: doug.walton@amta.caKristin Picken, Advisor (Southern Alberta): kristin.picken@amta.caChad Albert, Advisor (Northern Alberta): chad.albert@amta.caIf you have any questions about the new member value initiative, please reach out to us membership@amta.ca or visit amta.ca/become-a-member for more details.Have you joined myAMTA?With the launch of the myAMTA Carrier Member Network, we have been thrilled with the number of Carrier Members that have joined us already on the platform!This platform is designed specifically for AMTA Carrier Members and AMTA Elite Supplier Members, offering a powerful space to connect, learn, and stay updated on everything industry-related. Request access to this Network directly at my.amta.ca.Please note: This network is exclusively for AMTA Carrier Members and AMTA Elite. If you are interested in joining our thriving community, you can apply today at amta.ca/become-a-member or email membership@amta.ca with any questions.AMTA's Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC), which returns May 31, 2025, celebrates 75 years of Driver Excellence!Commercial drivers ensure goods and services in Alberta get to where they need to go, and this event serves to highlight the skillsets required behind the wheel. Drivers participate in one of five categories: Straight Truck, Pup Trailer Day Cab, Day Cab, Bunk Truck, and B-Train.Driver and Volunteer registration is open now! (Registration closes May 23)! Join Christina Sadlowski and our many other amazing volunteers who have already signed up and register soon, registration for both Drivers and Volunteers goes quickly. Learn more about PTDC on our website, or contact events@amta.ca.Dust off your clubs! AMTA's Annual Golf Tournaments are back this June! Join us at the Blue Devil Golf course in Calgary on Tuesday, June 17, and at the Links at Spruce Grove on Thursday, June 26. Whether a returning golfer or new to this event, we look forward to seeing you on the course! Register yourself or your team now on our website for Calgary or Edmonton. (Spots fill up fast!) For sponsorship opportunities or questions, please email events@amta.ca.Commercial drivers play a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in maintaining safety on Alberta’s roads. Each day, they navigate challenging conditions, weather, and traffic to deliver goods safely, while also taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of everyone around them. AMTA is introducing an "Angels of the Highway" program designed to celebrate and acknowledge these selfless efforts. This initiative will not only recognize the commitment truck drivers make to road safety but also empower them with the tools and resources to continue their vital work while staying healthy, safe, and supported on the road. Nominate your driver today! If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen, we encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with Josh Hannaberry, AMTA’s Senior Advisor, Strategic Partnerships, and Christina Sadlowski, CTSP Advisor for Fleet Safety with Strike Group.In this episode, we dive into Christina and Josh’s journey towards getting their Certified Transportation Safety Professional (CTSP) designations, their motivations to pursue the designation, their experience with the process, and how the program encourages collaboration among peers working toward certification.We also discuss how the CTSP and CTSC designations highlight the diversity in commercial vehicle operations - beyond the typical tractor-trailer setups - and the unique safety needs that come with it. Plus, from an insurance and compliance angle, we dive into how the designation supports safety through both the National Safety Code (NSC) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) frameworks.Visit AMTA’s website if you would like to learn more about the Certified Transportation Safety Professional (CTSP) program: https://www.amta.ca/ctsp, or the Certified Transportation Safety Coordinator (CTSC) program: https://www.amta.ca/ctsc. With the launch of our new member value initiative, AMTA has made the CTSC and CTSP designations more attainable. This includes adjustments to full carrier fees and tiered supplier memberships, including bundled education packages with CTSC and CTSP.If you have any questions, please reach out to us membership@amta.ca or visit amta.ca/become-a-member for more details.Thank you to everyone who attended AMTA’s 87th Annual Conference at the River Cree Resort and Casino from April 8-10, 2025, in Enoch. We know many meaningful connections were made, and we always value the support in advancing commercial transportation in Alberta.Safety is at the forefront of commercial transportation in Alberta. Join us on May 8, 2025, at the Lethbridge Safety Summit for a full day of content, including a keynote presentation and sessions with information and tangible takeaways relevant to commercial transportation. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Get your tickets now, only $30!AMTA's Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC), which returns May 31, 2025, celebrates 75 years of Driver Excellence!Commercial drivers ensure goods and services in Alberta get to where they need to go, and this event serves to highlight the skillsets required behind the wheel. Drivers participate in one of five categories: Straight Truck, Pup Trailer Day Cab, Day Cab, Bunk Truck, and B-Train.Driver and Volunteer registration is open now! (registration closes May 23)! Join Christina Sadlowski and our many other amazing volunteers who have already signed up and register soon, registration for both Drivers and Volunteers goes quickly. Learn more about PTDC on our website, or contact events@amta.ca.Commercial drivers play a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in maintaining safety on Alberta’s roads. Each day, they navigate challenging conditions, weather, and traffic to deliver goods safely, while also taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of everyone around them. AMTA is introducing an "Angels of the Highway" program designed to celebrate and acknowledge these selfless efforts. This initiative will not only recognize the commitment truck drivers make to road safety but also empower them with the tools and resources to continue their vital work while staying healthy, safe, and supported on the road. Nominate your driver today! In this episode, Christina mentioned AMTA’s Driver Appreciation Days. Volunteer registration for this event, held in September each year, will open soon. In the meantime, our hunt has begun for great swag to fill the gift bags for the commercial drivers.With your help, we can show drivers just how appreciated they are. If you are interested in learning more and adding an item in these bags, or are interested in other sponsorship opportunities, please contact events@amta.ca.If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen, we encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin, Manager of Communications, and Erica Cormack, Manager of Education, chat with Catherine Williams, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Traffic Safety Services with Alberta’s Transportation & Economic Corridors (TEC).In our conversation, we discuss an overview of the Class 1 Learning Pathway, which the Alberta Government officially launched as of April 1, 2025. Catherine gives us more details on why this change is being implemented, what this new pathway process will look like for prospective drivers, how this affects the goal of commercial driving being recognized as a trade, what the transition period between the current MELT program and Learning Pathways will be, and more!To learn more about the Learning Pathways program, visit the website: https://www.alberta.ca/class-1-learning-pathway On this website, you can also watch the ‘Day in the Life’ videos that Catherine mentions in our conversation.Read the News Release on the Learning Pathway for Class 1 Drivers on the Alberta Government website.In addition, learn more about Transportation and Economic Corridors and their other programs and initiatives on their website.Safety is at the forefront of commercial transportation in Alberta. Join us on May 8, 2025, at the Lethbridge Safety Summit for a full day of content, including a keynote presentation and sessions with information and tangible takeaways relevant to commercial transportation. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Get your tickets now, only $30!AMTA's Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC), which returns May 31, 2025, celebrates 75 years of Driver Excellence!Commercial drivers ensure goods and services in Alberta get to where they need to go, and this event serves to highlight the skillsets required behind the wheel. Drivers participate in one of five categories: Straight Truck, Pup Trailer Day Cab, Day Cab, Bunk Truck, and B-Train.Driver and Volunteer registration is open now! (registration closes May 23)! Please note registration for both Drivers and Volunteers goes quickly. Learn more about PTDC on our website, or contact events@amta.ca.Commercial drivers play a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in maintaining safety on Alberta’s roads. Each day, they navigate challenging conditions, weather, and traffic to deliver goods safely, while also taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of everyone around them. AMTA is introducing an "Angels of the Highway" program designed to celebrate and acknowledge these selfless efforts. This initiative will not only recognize the commitment truck drivers make to road safety but also empower them with the tools and resources to continue their vital work while staying healthy, safe, and supported on the road. Nominate your driver today! If you have any questions on our new Member Value Launch that dropped April 1, please reach out to us membership@amta.ca or visit amta.ca for more details.If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen, we encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin, Manager of Communications, and Doug Walton, Senior Advisor, Member Solutions, chat with Constable James Kendrick of the Edmonton Police Service.In our conversation, we discuss something that has become an epidemic, and is affecting the safety of Alberta’s highways and beyond … distracted driving. Constable Kendrick provides examples of distracted driving that he and other officers with EPS have seen on the local roadways, some misconceptions that people have with using smartphones or ELDs and operating vehicles, and the penalties that drivers face when caught driving distracted. When the risk is your own and others’ lives on the road, it is not worth it. Just don’t do it.Since January, AMTA has been behind the wheel of a Distracted Driving campaign. We’re inviting you to take a stand against distracted driving by joining us in taking the pledge to make our highways safer. It’s time for us to come together and protect what matters most – our loved ones, our communities, and our beautiful province. We can make every drive safer by not reading between the lines!By taking the pledge against distracted driving, you’re joining our community that’s committed to safety and positive change. Submit your video or words today and make sure you share with your friends, what are you waiting for? It’s a simple step that could save a life tomorrow.Take the PledgeTickets for AMTA’s Annual Conference, April 8-10, 2025, River Cree Resort and Casino, Edmonton, are available on our website, and tickets are going fast! The deadline to register for the Annual Conference or Awards Celebration is 4pm on April 1, 2025.Please note, our Tradeshow is officially sold out. Some sponsorship opportunities remain, please contact laurie@amta.ca to learn more.AMTA's Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC), which returns May 31, 2025, celebrates 75 years of Driver Excellence!Commercial drivers ensure goods and services in Alberta get to where they need to go, and this event serves to highlight the skillsets required behind the wheel. Drivers participate in one of five categories: Straight Truck, Pup Trailer Day Cab, Day Cab, Bunk Truck, and B-Train.Driver and Volunteer registration is open now! (registration closes May 23)! Please note registration for both Drivers and Volunteers goes quickly. Learn more about PTDC on our website, or contact events@amta.ca.Commercial drivers play a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in maintaining safety on Alberta’s roads. Each day, they navigate challenging conditions, weather, and traffic to deliver goods safely, while also taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of everyone around them. AMTA is introducing an "Angels of the Highway" program designed to celebrate and acknowledge these selfless efforts. This initiative will not only recognize the commitment truck drivers make to road safety but also empower them with the tools and resources to continue their vital work while staying healthy, safe, and supported on the road. Nominate your driver today! If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.  Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-associationThank you for taking the time to listen, we encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin and long-time planner of the PTDC, Michelle Spacil, chat with Members of our Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC) Committee: Matt Geib, PTDC Marshall, Don Achtemichuk, PTDC Co-Marshall, and Don MacDonald, PTDC Track Master.In our conversation, we highlight AMTA's Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC) which returns May 31, 2025, celebrating 75 years of Driver Excellence! We discuss how this event works, the specifics of the course and what it takes to navigate it, our collaboration with the Alberta Sheriffs, the importance of having an event that celebrates commercial drivers, and more.Commercial drivers ensure goods and services in Alberta get to where they need to go, and this event serves to highlight the skillsets required behind the wheel. Drivers participate in one of four categories: Straight Truck, Tandem Single-Axle Pup, Tandem Bunk, and B-Train.Driver and Volunteer registration opens Monday, March 17 (registration closes May 23)! Please note registration for both Drivers and Volunteers goes quickly. Learn more about PTDC on our website.Tickets for AMTA’s Annual Conference, April 8-10, 2025, River Cree Resort and Casino, Edmonton, are available on our website, and tickets are going fast! The deadline to register for the Annual Conference or Awards Celebration is 4pm on April 1, 2025.Please note, our Tradeshow is officially sold out. Some sponsorship opportunities remain, please contact laurie@amta.ca to learn more.Commercial drivers play a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in maintaining safety on Alberta’s roads. Each day, they navigate challenging conditions, weather, and traffic to deliver goods safely, while also taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of everyone around them. AMTA is introducing an "Angels of the Highway" program designed to celebrate and acknowledge these selfless efforts. This initiative will not only recognize the commitment truck drivers make to road safety but also empower them with the tools and resources to continue their vital work while staying healthy, safe, and supported on the road. Nominate your driver today! If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen, we encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin, Dave Elniski, and Andy Barnes chat with Steve Keppler, Co-Director of Scopelitis Transportation Consulting.In our conversation, we discuss voluntary safety programs like Beyond Compliance and how facilitating best practices, safety management systems, training and coaching services, and new technologies can help carriers of all sizes to reduce collisions, empower drivers, and improve safety within your company.If you would like to learn more about Scopelitis Transportation Consulting, please contact Steve at skeppler@scopelitisconsulting.com or visit the website: https://scopelitisconsulting.com/. If you are interested in speaking with Andy Barnes, expert on all things Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, please contact him at andrew.barnes@amta.ca.If you are interested in speaking with Dave Elniski, expert on all things Safety and Compliance, (or to ask him more about their fascinating research and white paper) please contact them at dave.elniski@amta.ca. If you would like to hear Dave and Steve talk more about ‘Technology & Safety in Transportation’ live on stage at AMTA’s AMTA’s Annual Conference, join us on April 8-10, 2025, at the River Cree Resort and Casino, Edmonton. Tickets are still available on our website. The deadline to register for the Annual Conference or Awards Celebration is April 1, 2025.Distracted driving is a growing threat on Alberta’s roads, contributing to thousands of convictions and countless preventable collisions each year. At AMTA, we’re taking action to make a difference—starting with you. Through education, awareness, and a shared commitment, we can reduce distracted driving incidents and create safer roadways for everyone. Take the AMTA Distracted Driving Pledge on our website and show your dedication to driving focused. Together, we can change habits, save lives, and set a new standard for safety on the road.If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-associationThank you for taking the time to listen, we encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin and Rob Destree chat with Warren Stasiuk, Safety Manager at Volker Stevin Highways Ltd.In our conversation, we discuss snowplow logistics in Alberta, roadside safety for snowplow drivers and the motoring public, tips and tricks for approaching snowplows on the road, and ways to stay safe on the highways in winter storm conditions.If you would like to learn more about Volker Stevin or snowplow safety, please contact Warren on their website at: https://www.volkerstevin.ca/contact/Visit https://511.alberta.ca/map#:Alerts and select “Snowplows / Maintenance Vehicles” from the filter options on the right of the map to view a live map of snowplows on the highways in AlbertaA law was put into place in September of 2023 to protect roadside workers on Alberta’s highways. When driving in the closest lane to any stopped roadside vehicle with flashing lights activated, drivers must move to the far lane or slow down to 60 km/hr. Read the law here: https://www.alberta.ca/roadside-worker-safety. Learn more about the safety rules and possible fines for passing snowplows on the roads: https://www.alberta.ca/driving-safely-around-snowplows.Watch our snowplow safety videos here: Part One and Part TwoTickets for AMTA’s Annual Conference, April 8-10, 2025, River Cree Resort and Casino, Edmonton, are available on our website, and are already 50% sold out! The deadline to register for the Annual Conference or Awards Celebration is April 1, 2025.Distracted driving is a growing threat on Alberta’s roads, contributing to thousands of convictions and countless preventable collisions each year. At AMTA, we’re taking action to make a difference—starting with you. Through education, awareness, and a shared commitment, we can reduce distracted driving incidents and create safer roadways for everyone. Take the AMTA Distracted Driving Pledge on our website and show your dedication to driving focused. Together, we can change habits, save lives, and set a new standard for safety on the road.Commercial drivers play a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in maintaining safety on Alberta’s roads. Each day, they navigate challenging conditions, weather, and traffic to deliver goods safely, while also taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of everyone around them. AMTA is introducing an "Angels of the Highway" program designed to celebrate and acknowledge these selfless efforts. This initiative will not only recognize the commitment truck drivers make to road safety but also empower them with the tools and resources to continue their vital work while staying healthy, safe, and supported on the road. Nominate your driver today! If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.  Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen, we encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin and Michelle Spacil chat with Arlene Ledi-Thom, President and Board of Directors and Chair of the Society, with the Health and Safety Conference Society of Alberta (HSCSA).In our conversation, we discuss the Health and Safety Conference and how AMTA came to be involved, the importance of all the health and safety-related industries coming together to collaborate, and what we can expect from this year’s conference.If you would like to learn more about the Alberta Health and Safety Conference, please contact Arlene at info@hsconference.ca or visit the website: https://hsconference.ca/ Register here to attend the upcoming 22nd Alberta Health and Safety Conference on April 2 & 3, 2025, at the Westin Calgary Airport, and check out the exhibitor, attendee, and sponsorship information.Tickets for AMTA’s Annual Conference, April 8-10, 2025, River Cree Resort and Casino, Edmonton, are available now on our website. The deadline to register for the Annual Conference or Awards Celebration is April 1, 2025.AMTA Award nominations are now open! - Including our Safety Person of the Year Award.Every year, AMTA celebrates the brightest and best of industry who make outstanding contributions to the commercial transportation industry and the Association through these awards. Our winners will be announced at our 2025 Awards Celebration Dinner during our Annual Conference in April. Submit your nominations here. Nominations must be submitted by NOON, Friday, February 14, 2025Distracted driving is a growing threat on Alberta’s roads, contributing to thousands of convictions and countless preventable collisions each year. At AMTA, we’re taking action to make a difference—starting with you. Through education, awareness, and a shared commitment, we can reduce distracted driving incidents and create safer roadways for everyone. Take the AMTA Distracted Driving Pledge on our website and show your dedication to driving focused. Together, we can change habits, save lives, and set a new standard for safety on the road. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca X: AMTA_ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen, we encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin and Rob Destree chat with two of our past Safety Person of the Year Award recipients, Christine Groulx, Health and Safety Manager of 4Seasons Transportation (2022), and Dale Howard, Regional Safety Manager for Canada with Flying J Canada Transport (2024), for one of our favourite topics as an association: safety.In our conversation, we discuss the significance of safety in day-to-day operations, the value of supportive workplace culture and training, the importance of driver recruitment and retention, the use of emerging safety technology including cameras, and more.If you would like to learn more about safety at 4Seasons, please contact Christine at ChristineG@4seasonstransport.com or visit their website: https://www.4seasonstransport.com/.If you would like to learn more about safety at Pilot Flying J Canada, please contact Dale at dale.howard@pilottravelcenters.com or visit their website: https://pilotflyingj.com/. Nominate your outstanding driver or AMTA’s Driver of the Month program on our website. Winners receive recognition, a certificate, and more. All of our monthly winners then have an opportunity to win our annual Driver of the Year Award.Tickets for AMTA’s Annual Conference, April 8-10, 2025, River Cree Resort and Casino, Edmonton, are available now on our website. The deadline to register for the Annual Conference or Awards Celebration is April 1, 2025.AMTA Award nominations are now open! - Including our Safety Person of the Year Award.Every year, AMTA celebrates the brightest and best of industry who make outstanding contributions to the commercial transportation industry and the Association through these awards. Our winners will be announced at our 2025 Awards Celebration Dinner during our Annual Conference in April. Submit your nominations here. Nominations must be submitted by NOON, Friday, February 14, 2025Join our growing community on the myAMTA Carrier Member Network.This exclusive platform is designed specifically for AMTA Carrier Members, offering a powerful space to connect, learn, and stay updated on everything industry-related.Request access to this Network directly at my.amta.ca.Please note: This network is exclusively for AMTA Carrier Members. If you’re not yet a Full Carrier Member, you can apply today at amta.ca/become-a-member and join our thriving community.In 2025, AMTA will be presenting three day-long Safety Summits across AlbertaThe Cochrane Safety Summit will take place on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Join us for a full day of content including a keynote presentation, and sessions with WCB, Trucking HR Canada and more. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Learn more and register to attend or for a booth on our website.To get involved in other AMTA events, including virtual and in-person Regional Meetings, visit our website to view our events calendar, or support AMTA in other ways and view our 2025 Sponsorship Guide. If you have any questions or concerns about health and safety or other topics related to commercial driving and driver safety, or general membership questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team, including both Helen and Cliff as mentioned in this episode, at memberservices@amta.ca.Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at: Web: amta.ca X: AMTA_ca Instagram: amta_ca/  Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociationLinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association Thank you for taking the time to listen, we encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin and Dave Elniski chat with Brenda Suggett, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals (CARSP), for our first episode of 2025, or Season 2 of Steering Change, if you will.In our conversation, we focus on all aspects of road safety and ways Carriers and Drivers can apply research to their operations to improve their safety on the highways.If you would like to learn more about CARSP, please contact Brenda at info@carsp.ca, or visit their website to access the newsletter, resources, and webinars: https://carsp.ca/en/.Below are links to the studies and research mentioned in this episode:Truck Driver TrainingDistracted Driving & Workplace Safety Policies: A Business Case for EmployersAre Truck Driver Training requirements meeting the Safety Needs of the Transportation Industry?Improving truck driver and vulnerable road user interactions through driver training: A subject matter expert interview studyTruck Driver Health and WellnessOccupational health and safety risks in Canadian long-haul truck driversPrevalence and Risk Factors for Depression among Long-Haul Truck Drivers in Western CanadaEvaluation of Best Practice Programs to Improve the Health and Wellness of Truck Drivers in BCMusculoskeletal disorders among Canadian truck drivers: Results from an intercept studyLong haul Truck Driver CarriersOccupational health and safety risks in Canadian long-haul truck driversMusculoskeletal disorders among Canadian truck drivers: Results from an intercept studyPrevalence and Risk Factors for Depression among Long-Haul Truck Drivers in Western CanadaBus Carriers