
Presidents Report – February 2026
We are well into 2026 and there is hope for our economy to start to correct, but who knows when. Enrollments are well off the pace we have become accustomed to, and the results at DriveTest bear that out. The recent numbers given to us at our last meeting with SERCO illustrate the drop off…

TTSAO 2026 Annual Conference
Driving Standards. Building Leaders. Coming Soon – Important Info about the 2026 Conference Ontario’s truck training industry is evolving.Regulations are tightening. Expectations are rising. Carriers are demanding more. The TTSAO 2026 Annual Conference will bring together school owners, safety leaders, carriers, insurers and regulators to shape what comes next. 📍 Location & Dates — To…

TTSAO Members Dress for Success!
Wear a TTSAO long sleeve crested shirt when delivering training in the classroom or in the yard. High quality 1/4 button, black shirt, with the handsome logo emblazoned on the left chest makes for a stunning presentation. Now just $35 with free shipping! Mention your size and we will get it on out to you.

TTSAO Member Benefits – Don’t Miss Out
Update your safety gear for the Spring! Use your member discount rate at Marks Commercial for anything from cones, markers, safety vests and outerwear (with your logo) and SAVE! Our friendly discount offers the best product selection at the best possible price. Membership cards available for your shop employees or your instructors to $ave 10%…

Training Tip #45
Minute by Minute Lessons for OTR The new mandate to provide a minute-by-minute lesson plan for those periods of training in the truck present a whole new level of difficulty. While specific training routes may be set up and plotted, an instructional commentary may accompany that route if EVERYTHING goes well. But what if anything…

Training Tip #44
Encountering Black Ice At this time of year, it’s likely that you’ll encounter black ice along your route while traveling. How does Black Ice form, anyway? This is caused by the normal melt and re-freezing of snow or ice after an accumulation. So, a snowfall will be cleared off the road, and then there will…

Training Tip #43
Safe Habits in Winter Driving Winter has arrived! Some of us will love this time of year, but, for the rest of us this increasesour chances of winter driving problems. We all dread the ice, sleet and snow that masses on ourroadways, yet we still have to drive. Let’s take winter driving seriously and use…

TTSAO Commitment to High Training Standards
TTSAO Strengthens Commitment to High Training Standards Across Ontario The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) continues to reinforce its commitment to excellence by conducting active audits of member schools across the province. As the demand for safe, well-trained commercial drivers grows, TTSAO is ensuring that every graduate entering Ontario’s roads meets the highest…

Ontario Moves Toward Truck Driver Instructor Certification — TTSAO Aligns with Province-Led Initiative
Ontario is taking an important step forward in strengthening road safety and elevating commercial driver training standards. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU), and key industry stakeholders—including the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO)—are actively collaborating on the development of a provincial Truck Driver Instructor Certification framework. This…

Training Tip #42
While training new drivers over the road, keep this in mind for demonstrating professional practices and safe technique. When your student is approaching an intersection or commercial driveway, and the unit is not in the curb lane, teach your student(s) to wait until after the intersection or commercial driveway to switch to the curb lane.…

Presidents Report – October 2025
Advocacy: ELT is being discussed regularly with MTO for changes, With Ken and I sitting on the stakeholder committee. The committee is agreed on a 12 month period for G2 + G before testing for an A road test. Any ideas you have for improving please forward them to me: philip@ttsao.com Waiting on the Auditor…

TTSAO Training Tip #41
Testing Tire Tread Depth As instructors we need to make sure that we cover all safe practices with our students during driving lessons over the road. Take the situation of the student learning to check proper tread depth on the steer and drive tires. There is no viable reason to not check these regularly as…

Presidents Report – September 2025
Advocacy: ELT is being discussed regularly with MTO for changes, and updates. So far, It appears to be ready sometime next year TTSAO hired a person to go Undercover at a school to verify complaints of improper Backing Training. No student would go on record. Minister Sarkaria’s office does not return calls or arrangements for…

You Get What You Pay For: Choosing the Right Ontario Truck Training Program
Selecting a commercial driving school is more than a budget decision it’s an investment in your safety record,employability, and career trajectory. Cheaper programs often cut corners, leaving you without the skills orcredentials that carriers demand. Why Investing in Quality Pays OffEnrolling in a comprehensive, accredited program ensures you: Build solid, real-world driving skills Meet or…

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…

TTSAO Introduces New Fuel Discount Program
The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) is excited to announce a new Fuel Discount Program in partnership with NOMAD—a cost-saving initiative designed specifically for our member schools. Program Highlights: Exclusive Diesel Discounts: Save 9–15 cents per litre on diesel fuel through participating ESSO and Pipeline stations—both cardlock and pump locations. Proven Industry Partner:…

President’s Report Summary for April
The Annual Conference, titled “Back To Basics,” was held at Lionhead Golf and Country Club. The highlight of the event was a panel discussion on amending the Entry Level Training program, which elicited significant interest and inquiries from the attendees. The conference also addressed forthcoming changes, including the institution of Instructor Certification and the arrangement…

TTSAO Launches Exclusive Insurance Program for Member Schools
The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) is proud to introduce a new insurance solution designed specifically for our member schools. This program offers a much-needed alternative to costly fleet rates and restrictive captive programs — rewarding the safety and professionalism our members are known for. Why This Matters Our schools operate with alert,…

Lunch Sponsor
Announcing TTSAO Associate Member Drivewise / Knowledge Surge as a returning sponsor at the 2025 TTSAO Annual Conference! Sponsorships going quickly, don’t miss out. More information about becoming a sponsor at 2025 TTSAO Annual Conference – TTSAO #ttsao #truckdrivertraining #truckingindustry

Breakfast Sponsor
Announcing The Trucking Network as a returning sponsor at the 2025 TTSAO Annual Conference! Sponsorships going quickly, don’t miss out. More information about becoming a sponsor at 2025 TTSAO Annual Conference – TTSAO #ttsao #truckdrivertraining #truckingindustry
TTSAO 2025 Conference Sponsor
Kick off Cocktails Sponsor Join us at the highly anticipated networking event, a highlight of the upcoming TTSAO Annual Conference, now proudly sponsored by Crossroads Truck & Career Academy in Ottawa. This exclusive gathering is your chance to connect with the brightest minds and key players in the trucking and transport training industry. Hosted by…

Ontario pushes reset button on MELT for new truck drivers
Don’t miss this great article by Leo Barros at trucknews.com. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has hit the reset button on mandatory entry-level training (MELT) for commercial truck driver Class A licences. The MTO has ordered driver certification program organizations and registered career college course providers to clarify how they create and incorporate standardized…

President’s Report for December 2024
As I am sure you are all noticing by now, we have the opportunity to promote our businesses and the association through a magazine enterprise, headed by Matrix Publications. Matrix is a specialist in focussing on associations and stringently finding advertising to complement the stories and issues laid out in the magazine. We are not…

TTSAO Annual Conference Sponsorships Now Available!
The 2025 TTSAO Annual Conference Sponsorships are now available to purchase. We sold out quickly last year so don’t wait! Fill in the form on our conference page. TTSAO #TRUCKDRIVERTRAINING #BACKTOBASICS

Save the Dates!
SAVE THE DATES! “Back to Basics” is more than just a theme for the 2025 TTSAO Annual Conference; it’s a reaffirmation of our guiding principle: TTSAO—Stronger Together. As a united voice, the TTSAO and its members are dedicated to making Ontario’s roads safer by delivering the highest quality truck driver training through our member schools…

TTSAO Training Tip – Top tips to help you mentally prepare for your driving test
Taking your driving test is undoubtedly daunting, but to help you mentally prepare, here are some top tips. Be patient with yourself: As with learning all new skills, it takes time to get comfortable with driving. Alongside active listening and researching best practices, be sure to stay patient with yourself. Deep breathing and mindfulness can help…

President’s Report for October 2024
Our long-awaited Instructor’s Certification Program launched this month. Together with the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) we have embarked on the mission of upskilling and creating consistency among our TTSAO instructors in Ontario. This is a step towards separating our Association’s members from the other schools who do not profess to deliver the most…

A TTSAO Member School – Taranis Training Ltd.
Taranis Training Ltd. was established in 2011 by Taranis Contracting Group to address skills gaps in the industry. Operating out of Thunder Bay and serving Northern Ontario, Taranis Training delivers the highest professional standards of training to equipment operators and truck drivers. We are proud to recruit and train the best operators to work in…

CBC Marketplace Covers Fake Trucking Schools
Road Warrior News Our friends at Road Warrior News have written an excellent article on the CBC Marketplace expose of an issue that has been well known to the TTSAO and many others in our industry. See the article here CBC Marketplace Watch the video and share it with as many people as you can.…

Humber Commercial Trucking Program to Close
Pressure on Trucking Schools Takes its Toll Humber college has decided to shut down its trucking program as pressure continues to mount on trucking schools because pf the fly by night schools who push out unqualified graduates and offer cheap low hour programs. This growing problem is why the TTSAO continues to lead the call…

Federal Transportation Minister to step down.
Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez announced his resignation from cabinet on Thursday and said he will sit as an Independent until the launch of the Quebec Liberal Party leadership race next year. Louis Blouin, Holly Cabrera · CBC News · Posted: Sep 19, 2024 9:33 AM EDT | Last Updated: September 20 See the whole article at cbc.ca by clicking the link below. Pablo…

TTSAO Training Tip – Driving after dark
This week’s Training Tip is provided by Julie Daniels, Motor Insurance Expert As a truck driver, driving at night is an essential part of the job; however, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get complacent. Driving after dark means reduced visibility and fatigue for both yourself and the drivers around you, increasing the likelihood of…

President’s Report for September 2024
Your Association was heavily involved with working alongside other stakeholders who need to be involved with Entry Level Drivers. This stakeholder group was aligned with 12 members in our industry, including IBC, OTA, CTOA, OSL, WTFC, TFSH, CTSA, SOSA and some training operators. The Ministry of Transportation was alerted to this group coming together…

DriverCheck Clinic in Ayr, Ontario is Now OPEN!
We’re excited to share that the brand-new DriverCheck Clinic in Ayr, Ontario, is officially OPEN! This new location is more than just an expansion of their national clinic network; it’s a return to DriverCheck’s roots. Ayr is where DriverCheck’s journey began almost 30 years ago when the founders, Dr. Chris & Mary Jean Page, started…

Part 3 – TTSAO Call for Instructor Certification Training – Barriers, Unrealistic Expectations and the Way Forward!
Is the Carrier the Barrier? In the complex and cost-sensitive world of trucking, profit margins are continually squeezed by factors such as inflation, rising interest rates, escalating diesel costs, fluctuating freight demands, and decreasing haulage rates. Amidst these financial pressures, trucking companies face the crucial challenge of driver retention, which plays a pivotal role in…

Gurdev Singh Grewal
Gurdev Singh Grewal The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) mourns the passing of Gurdev Grewal, the visionary architect behind the SOSA Air Brakes program. As a dedicated Volunteer President, CEO, and RAO of SOSA, Gurdev played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s mission to enhance road safety through education and training. His…

Stakeholder Group on Entry Level Truck Driver Training ( E.L.T. Stakeholder Group)
The TTSAO led committee is represented by all facets of the industry and will be providing insights and recommendations for regulatory change to MTO. The group is comprised of the following industry experts Cecilia Omole – Insurance Bureau of Canada Geoff Wood – Ontario Trucking Association Shelley Walker – Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada Jim…

A TTSAO Member School – Northern Academy of Transportation Training
Overview: NATT specializes in Transportation, Industrial and Safety training. Visit our online Training academy, course catalogue for all your training requirements. If we don’t have a course that you are looking for let us know and we will find it and implement it into our curriculum. NATT has been in business for 25 years. We…

President’s Report for August 2024
We have worked on a number of projects this month, many of them internal for the betterment of the Association’s members and the rest for the strengthening of our own processes. This has opened our eyes to the systems we have used for years and how that can be bettered for practical positioning within our…

Part 2 – TTSAO Call for Instructor Certification Training – A Confusing Landscape
The problem is not a secret to anyone anywhere in the industry! – all stakeholders are aware of the issues Truck driver safety is a significant issue that has garnered extensive attention across various stakeholders in the transportation industry. This problem, pervasive and widely recognized, surfaces through continuous reporting and discourse, underscoring the urgency and…

Ontario’s speed limit increases to 110 km
July 12, the Ontario government implemented a new speed limit of 110 km/h on several sections of provincial highways. The changes will be implemented on the following highways: Hwy. 401, Tilbury, extending the existing 110 km/h zone further east by 7 km Hwy. 401 from Hwy 35/115 to Cobourg (approximately 35 km) Hwy. 401 from…

President’s Report for June 2024
Following up on our Conference, the committee will be meeting this month to determine a date and location for next year’s conference. Many on the committee feel we have outgrown Lionhead, and that is a shame as we have had many good programs with their help. The biggest topic of discussion, and application of effort,…

Part 1 – The Problem Highlighted
From | CTV News Tractor-trailer falls from ramp, crashes onto Highway 401 Text for This Block This is part 1 of a 3 part series on the critical need and solution the TTSAO Instructor Certification Training Program provides Ontario Truck Driver Training provides. The Problem Highlighted There is a growing buzz in the Canadian Trucking…

TTSAO Training Tip – Deceleration Lane
By Chris Harris, Safety Dawg Inc. This is one thing that really bothers me when I’m out on a road test: The tractor-trailer driver is operating on a highway that has a speed limit of 80km or more. They are correctly using the right-hand lane. The truck driver is travelling at approximately the posted speed…

A TTSAO Member School – Ontario Truck Training Academy
Overview: Ontario Truck Training Academy (OTTA) is a premier provider of commercial driver training with locations in Oshawa, Mississauga, Peterborough, and Kingston. With over 20 years of experience, OTTA ensures top-notch education through certified courses and expert instructors. They offer a variety of programs including AZ, AR, BZ, CZ, DZ, and Z training, along with…

NEW SCHOOL MEMBER – Elite Truck Driver Academy
Please join us in welcoming Elite Truck Driver Academy.: our newest TTSAO Accredited Member School. ELITE Truck Driving Academy ensures that after graduation our students are ready to be reliable, safe, and skilled truck drivers. ELITE Truck Driving Academy is an accredited educational institution that has trained thousands of students to not only pass their…

TTSAO endorses CDL PowerSuite™
CDL Training. TTSAO Accredited TTSAO endorses CDL Powersuite!. All Your CDL Training Needs in One Place. Developed by real CDL instructors, CDL PowerSuite™ is the training platform for any CDL school, private, or in-house trainer. We meticulously designed it to handle CDL training from enrollment to graduation, encompassing everything trainers and instructors need to be…

Tenstreet TTSAO Instructor of the Year Award for 2024
Tenstreet TTSAO Instructor of the Year Award for 2024 We are thrilled to announce that Roland “Rolly” Winnan has been awarded the prestigious TTSAO 2024 Truck Driver Instructor of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Tenstreet. With 35 years of experience in the trucking industry, Rolly has spent the past year making an indelible mark…

TTSAO Training Tip – Rollover
A report of a driver’s death, caused by a rollover, brings forward the importance to understand what is required to avoid this problem. Rollovers have become the number one mistake that will take a driver’s life! This is a totally preventable situation. Knowledgeable drivers will never allow a mistake to occur when they know the…

A TTSAO Member School – Northstar Truck Driving School
At Northstar Truck Driving School Ltd., we are committed to providing the highest quality of training and education to all individuals wishing to pursue a career in the transportation industry. All our courses meet and/or exceed the Government training standards for Tractor-Trailer (AZ) Driver programs including the MELT standards which will further enhance our graduate’s…

TTSAO Training Tip – Fundamentals
While teaching your student/driver, you’ll need to show them how to correctly use brake lights and turn signals: the two of the most common methods of communicating what we are doing with our vehicles. The most direct way to instill the practice of proper communication, which we will call the “C” word, is to inform your student/driver when they…

President’s Report for April 2024
Following up on our Conference, the committee will be meeting this month to determine a date and location for next year’s conference. Many on the committee feel we have outgrown Lionhead, and that is a shame as we have had many good programs with their help. The biggest topic of discussion, and application of effort,…

A Disturbing Trend in Truck Driver Training
In an informative article from Rita Smith of Road Warrior News, Smith discusses the top 7 ways to tell a Trucker paid for a “bad” school See the full article here

TTSAO Training Tip – Driver Fatigue
This week’s Tip of the Week takes a different direction. When training, we need to speak to our students or drivers about fatigue. Fatigue has the negative effect of draining a person’s ability to be attentive, alert and responsive to road conditions. Many experienced drivers will tell you that they only need five to six hours of sleep while in the…

TTSAO Training Tip – Driver Distractibility
This Training Tip of the Week will take us down a different road, where we’ll talk about Driver Distractibility! This is an article on a small item that affects more drivers than you would think. The best method is to educate your students about different types of distractions (and how to avoid them). Have you ever driven your car with a…

TTSAO Training Tip – Be Prepared to Stop Safely in the City
We are training our students and drivers to be prepared to stop safely in the city when the traffic light turns red. All of us know that the cautionary yellow means STOP, if you can do so safely. It does not mean speed up to get through the intersection before the light turns red, nor does it mean…

Alarm Bells Over Truck Driving Training
A new report suggests there’s an “urgent” need to improve training for truck drivers, and that new drivers who have not received adequate training are making Canada’s roads less safe. Listen the the whole Matt Galloway podcast here

IBC report highlights lack of Trucking school oversight – (roadwarriornews.com)
IBC report a huge contribution to improving Truck driver training, TTSAO says See the full article at Road Warrior News here

Congrats to Darcy Knowles the CTA 2023 National Driver of the Year
Darcy Knowles of Alchemist Specialty Carriers based in Langley, B.C., has been named 2023 National Driver of the Year by the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and Volvo Trucks Canada. See the article at trucknews.com

TTSAO Training Tip – Perform a walk around / safety check every time you stop.
This weeks training tip is provided to us by Roland Winnan, the TTSAO 2023 Instructor of the year! Here is Roland’s Safety Tip of the Week! You are a transport truck driver. It is your responsibility to be safe on the road. Your safe driving directly impacts other motorists around you. Here is an essential…

President’s Report for March 2024
We have wrapped up the 2024 Conference, Taking a Quantum Leap Forward, and it was a resounding success. We sold out our sponsorships and our attendance this year, and had a fantastic group of presenters and speakers that made our day interesting and informative. A number of new sponsors came forward, and as a result…

TTSAO Training Tip – Proper Procedures for Joining and Exiting a Major Highway
This is a challenge for any new driver and can present a problem for experienced drivers if they are not careful. On RampsTo join onto a major highway, you have to take a ramp on to the lane beside the main lanes of the highway. This lane is called the Acceleration Lane, which makes sense…

Instructor Certification Through TTSAO
New Horizons in Truck Driver Training: TTSAO Partners with CVTA In an exciting development for the trucking industry in Ontario, Canada, the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) has announced a landmark partnership with the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA). This collaboration signifies a monumental step towards enhancing the quality of training provided to…

ExceleRATE reducing attrition, increasing safety stats
(February 27, 2024) — In only nine months since Impirica teamed up with TTSAO to launch ExceleRATE driver risk evaluation across Ontario, schools and clients are seeing significant measurable results. Impirica’s CEO Peter-John Barclay is taking the week ahead of the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario’s (TTSAO’s) annual conference to visit clients before his…

Autographed print surprise donation to TTSAO auction
(February 26, 2024) — In a surprise donation, the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario has received a numbered print (395 of 1,000) of an original painting of the National Hockey League’s “500 Goal Scorers” as an auction item at its February 29th conference. The print has been authenticated by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). “It will be…

Press Release – Trucker Assault Prevention Video Launch
Quantum Leap Forward VIDEO Media Release v5 February 20, 2024 Trucker assault prevention video to be launched At TTSAO conference February 29 Female Truck drivers and their male counterparts who identify as visible minorities are the most likely truckers to face assaults on the job, according to a recent report. Because they aren’t the only…

TTSAO, WTFC and Cupid’s Sting Partner Up for Important Video!
The TTSAO has partnered with the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada and Cupid’s Sting to create a crucially important video for Truck Drivers. This video teaches strategies that will help keep truck drivers safer by learning to recognize situations that would put them in harms way. Such an important and relevant topic in our industry.…

B.C. asks feds to reduce safety gaps following overpass crashes
The article from Truck News, written by Leo Barros and dated January 9, 2024, discusses British Columbia’s request to the federal government for measures to reduce safety gaps in the trucking industry. This request follows several incidents of commercial vehicles striking overpasses in the province. It highlights the specific case of Chohan Freight Forwarders, whose…

TTSAO Training Tip – Fundamentals = Left-Hand Turn
This week’s Training Tip looks at practicing the “fundamentals.” Sports teams work on fundamentals every practice so that it becomes ingrained in the unconscious and cemented into muscle memory. How’s that for a sports analogy when dealing with driving Big Rigs? Today, we will look at the fundamental for making a left-hand turn. Going to basics,…

TTSAO Training Tip – One move = One signal
Who said you don’t need math to drive a truck?! This week’s Tip is to make a simple math equation: One move = One signal. This is an equation that anyone can understand. If you are going to make more than one lane change, or a lane change to set up a turn at an…

TTSAO in the News
In an informative article from Leo Barros of truckingnews.com, Barros discusses caution, awareness keep trucks rolling safely in the dark with TTSAO President Phil Fletcher. See the full article here

Training Tip of the Week – Predictive Behaviour
This week is a little more advanced in taking your student or driver to the next level. We are talking about Predictive Behaviour.When driving Over the Road it will become apparent that the other drivers around you will do sudden moves that will impair your ability to maintain safety. This is a crucial fact to…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week – Mirrors
Let’s continue with some basic tips on how to improve a driver/student’s Defensive Driving. This week we’ll talk about Mirrors! Clean mirrors and proper mirror adjustment is what it takes to know what and who is around you, and what you need to look out for. Let’s start by making sure your mirrors are clean.…

President’s Report for September 2023
September kicked off a busy schedule of contacts, conferences and calls. We continued working on the Instructor Certification project. With the change in leadership at MTO, Caroline Mulroney switching posts with Prabmeet Sarkaria, we have already pressed forward. We were fortunate enough to get an early meeting with the new Minister. We found Minister Sakaria…

TTSAO Board Announcements – Oct 2023
Boysie Dindyal Carrier Group Chair We would like to introduce the new TTSAO Carrier Group Chair, Boysie Dindyal, Director of Driver Recruiting and Retention, Challenger Motor Freight Inc. Boysie, an industry leader, brings a broad base of experience and knowledge to the TTSAO Board! Jeff McKay Membership Committee We would like to introduce Jeff McKay…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week – Lane Discipline
Let’s continue with some basic tips on how to improve a driver/student’s Defensive Driving. This week we’ll talk about Lane Discipline! Why is Lane Discipline important? First, let’s identify what lane discipline actually is. As a driver it is important to know where you are expected to be, as well as knowing where all the…

A TTSAO Member School – Centurion Truck Training Academy
Centurion Truck Training Academy The founders of Centurion Truck Training Academy are equipped with 20 years of experience in North America’s multi-billion dollar transportation industry. They have been well-connected and employed in well-known recognized transportation companies. With years of experience, Centurion Truck Training Academy is looking to use innovative teaching methods to satisfy the needs…

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER – CVTA
Founded in 1996, CVTA is the largest association representing commercial truck driver training programs in the United States. CVTA advocates for policies that enhance safety, reduce barriers for those seeking entry into the transportation industry and further advance overall driver professionalism. A kindred spirit in our industry we are thrilled to welcome the CVTA as…

Toronto Star Interviews TTSAO President Phil Fletcher
Industry expert, Phil Fletcher, the president of the TTSAO was interviewed by Jeremy Nuttall, a staff reporter with the Toronto Star. The article points out that the shortage of drivers is a risk to Canada’s economy according to a report from PricewaterhouseCoopers for Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP). Read the complete article…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week – Highway Driving
Let’s continue with some basic tips on how to improve a driver/student’s Defensive Driving. Consider highway driving this week. It is apparent that many drivers are now using the middle lane in a 3-lane highway, and some are even in the ‘fast’ lane, not the curb or right-hand lane. Patience and discipline is required to…

Training Tip of the Week – Tip for making Left Hand Turns.
Let’s get back to basic tips on how to improve a driver/student’s Defensive Driving. This week we will discuss a tip for making Left Hand Turns. First, we will look at making a left hand turn on a 4 lane, urban roadway. There is no separate left-hand lane, so the turn must be made from…

NEW CARRIER MEMBER – Woodcock Transportation Group
TTSAO is pleased welcome our newest Carrier Member. The Woodcock Transportation Group is a private, family owned and operated company established in 1983 with over 40 years in the trucking industry. The company is well positioned to serve customers in Canada and the United States. They are located in the hamlet of Sebringville, Ontario –…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week – PPE and Safety Wear
We are going back to some small but important safety tips that will improve your Defensive Driving. Keep this one in mind when driving in urban settings, like Lakeshore Rd in the GTA, or any other similar busy roads. When driving your commercial vehicle others around you are not aware of your dimensions and ability…

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER – A-1 Auto Transport Inc.
Please join us in welcoming Joe Webster and his team at A-1 Auto transport Inc.: our newest TTSAO Associate Group member. A-1 Auto Transport is one of the largest USA-based worldwide auto shippers in the industry. We have offices and storage facilities located in major cities and metro areas throughout the U.S. and overseas, as…

The Importance of High-Visibility Clothing for Student Truck Drivers and Instructors
Many people think student truck drivers are always safe in their cabs; therefore, comfort is the only important aspect of their clothing. The reality is that student truck drivers and instructors often work in low light conditions and in poorly lit yards, putting their safety at risk. Wearing fluorescent or reflective clothing ensures student truck drivers and their…

The TTSAO Heavy G Program: Bridging the Gap in Driving Safety and Insurance Costs
The TTSAO is pleased to announce it’s partnership with Driver Verified on this very important program. When driver verified approached the TTSAO with the idea, we knew that it was something that was important to our members and our industry. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicles involved…

TTSAO and Mark’s Commercial – We’ve Got You Covered!
TTSAO partnership offers discounted, customized safety and work apparel for you and your team The TTSAO has partnered with Mark’s Commercial to provide TTSAO schools and carriers custom branded work and safety apparel at discounted prices. This discount program offers work wear, footwear and Fire Retardant wear from top brands, including Blundstone, CAT, Timberland and…

A TTSAO Member School – Northern Academy of Transportation Training
Northern Academy of Transportation Training In the beautiful expanse of Northern Ontario lies a cornerstone of transportation education, the Northern Academy of Transportation Training (NATT). Renowned for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on safety, NATT provides an excellent training ground for future commercial vehicle operators. As a member of the esteemed Truck Training Schools…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week #6 – PTI Exterior Trailer Check
This week’s tip is about the physical checks to the Exterior of the Trailer. Let’s start with the front of the trailer. First things first. Check the left front to see that the yellow safety sticker is up to date. You’re not going anywhere if it isn’t. Next look for the document holder to verify…

Save the Dates!
The 2024 TTSAO Conference dates have been announced! February 28 and 29 at Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre in Brampton. Tickets go on sale soon. Interested in sponsoring contact ttsao@uke.yyg.mybluehost.me for information.

President’s Report for July 2023
Steady progress on several fronts continued throughout the month. We continue to wade into the process of putting into place programs to assist the membership with more access to business and to help the overall industry for safety and training. Government Interaction at MTO/MCU Not much activity from the government over this past month. We…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week #5 – Defensive Driving – Awareness
A slight departure from the rotation here, as Russ did emphasize the need for Defensive Driving! There are many, many characteristics of a good defensive driver. Perhaps the 1 st one is the most important. Don’t take the other drivers’ abilities for granted. Prepare for them to do the unexpected. Every day that you will…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week #4 – PTI Approach
Your next inspection priority is to assess the vehicle from outside.After examining the vehicle from Approach, and conducting the Under the Hood inspection, now its time to inspect the exteriorcomponents. Let’s start with checking your lights. Place the keys in the ignition and turn half way to illuminate your lights. Put the lights on, and…

Impirica – Best in Class Truck Driver Road Training
The TTSAO continues its mandate to help bring the best trained truck drivers to the trucking industry. Today we are announcing a joint initiative that will take another step down that road. The TTSAO and Impirica are teaming up to launch ExceleRATE, the industry best in class “Road Test”. ExceleRATE is a proactive driver risk…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week #3 – PTI Exterior Check
Your first inspection priority is to assess the vehicle from outside. When walking toward your vehicle, look to see if it is balanced, or leaning to one side. If there is a noticeable lean, there maybe a problem with a broken strut, shifted load, or spring damage. Check those items. When you are close to…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week #2 – PTI Under the Hood
Your next inspection priority is to assess the vehicle from outside. After examining the vehicle from approach and conducting the ‘under the hood’ inspection, it’s time to inspect the exterior components – starting with your lights. Place the keys in the ignition and turn halfway to illuminate your lights. Put the lights on, activate the…

Truck Driver Training for Women get 1.3 Million Investment from Ontario Government.
Ontario investing $1.3 million in Truck driver training for women, other underrepresented groups On June 27th, the Ontario government announced that it is investing $1.3 million to prepare 54 women, newcomers and others from underrepresented groups for in-demand careers in the trucking industry. See the whole article by Rita Smith on roadwarrior news

President’s Report for June 2023
Government Interaction at MTO/MCU The key piece of interaction with MTO this month was to insist on presenting a solution to virtual renewals of the Z endorsement by putting in facial recognition software (available through proctoring software available at MCU) and asking for a Recap of information to finish. Both suggestions were taken into account,…

TTSAO Training Tip of the Week – #1 Pre-trip routine
TTSAO Truck Driver Training Tip #1 – Pre-trip routine Under the Hood – the most important place to start. Remove the key from the ignition, unlatch the hood and check the fluids – starting in an area that’s closest to the driver’s door, then working your way around. As soon as all fluids are checked,…

An Important Industry Event – Second Annual Symposium for City Logistics for the Urban Economy
TTSAO President, Phil Fletcher, attended the Second Annual Symposium for City Logistics for the Urban Economy at the University of Toronto this month. The City Logistics for the Urban Economy (CLUE) symposium serves as a platform for showcasing the latest research in the field of urban freight logistics. This research is crucial in addressing the…

