President’s Report Summary for May

We are in an economic unknown with the current freight recession, the tariffs taking their toll, and a change in political climate regarding foreign student visas.

This is making enrollments and grad placements a very precarious position for our schools.  The end does not seem to be in sight, and how long this will prevail is unknown.

During this time it has been voted to bring in two programs that will help in cutting required costs by adopting a joint insurance program (to get relief from the regular fleet prices) and to start a Discount Diesel program for our schools and carriers.

You will be seeing the invitation to provide data and costings for our representative to take to the actuaries.   This is an effort on the part of our school members, but the rewards are to achieve our OWN insurance program, rating us for just the required amounts of premium that is justified.   We have had NO personal injury lawsuits in the entire time of the TTSAO, nor do we incorporate the risk associated with this.   Let’s get the data in and reap the rewards of a united, and justified insurance cost.

Following up hard on this program, we have the Discount Diesel program that we have partnered with Nomad to deliver.   This can bring in a savings of 9 to 15 cents a litre on your normal diesel price!!   We have an exclusive to this, as do our carriers, and this can reap real time savings every time you fuel your equipment. We will be bringing on the members piece meal as it requires setting up the software to track, support and report usage and payments.

Currently we have been undergoing investigations into our own members to maintain the level of mandatory training required by MELT.   There was an undercover investigation of a school and following that was surveillance and oversight.   Don’t be hesitant to report non-compliant behaviour when you become aware of it.  We follow up.

Speaking of schools, there are two current applications for membership to become a part of TTSAO, and we will follow up with Pre-Qualification audits, using our new audit standards.

MTO has invited us to participate in MTO’s Commercial Driver Review Team.  This is an undertaking by the Ministry to evaluate possible changes and reactions to legislation.   Examples are:  the G license waiting period, ELT training requirements, standardized curriculum, and Alberta’s new phased in approach.

MTO has received our White Paper summary, and while the political side has yet to meet with us, the people who do the planning are working on getting more input from us.  This is a very good admission to hearing from those who are on the front lines.

During the past month, the TTSAO has had interviews with podcasts to sound out our voice on Entry Level Training, continuing training for experienced drivers and where we are with the state of the industry.   At last count, there are still around 266 training schools for ELT, and more than 100 in the Region of Peel.    KPI’s are still at the reckoning of the individual school for reporting and are subject to verification.

We must all stand together to get the needed results for maintaining our strength in this current market upheaval, and to present the best training campuses in Ontario, if not the country!