It is often easy to take for granted that the things we want, or need, are always going to be readily available when we want them. For most people in North America, this has been the reality for the majority of their lives. More recently, we have seen what happens when supply chains get disrupted due to weather, strikes, pandemics, tariffs or a host of other reasons. Sometimes items we take for granted are not available or the price of them goes up dramatically.
Yet despite some of the supply challenges we have seen recently, one of the most consistent parts of the supply chain has been trucks. In fact, in Manitoba, more than 90% of the goods that you have delivered depend on trucks and the professionals who drive them. It is overwhelmingly the preferred mode of transport in Canada.
This month, from September 7-13, is National Trucking Week. It is a week to both offer thanks to all those who are in the trucking industry, which includes warehousing and other related activities, and to recognize the impact that it has on our day to day lives. From an economic perspective, the trucking industry is a key contributor to the Manitoba economy. This includes Steinbach and the southeast which for many years has been home to some of Manitoba’s largest trucking companies.
In fact, with more than 40,000 Manitobans having jobs in the trucking and warehousing industry in Manitoba it is one of the largest employers in the province contributing about $4.5 billion to the provincial economy. Trucking has changed a great deal over the past number of years. Today, many drivers are owner operators essentially running their own business. The regulations and requirements around the industry have also increased along with a need to ensure that drivers are well trained to national standards.
With all the changes that have happened in the industry, there are still some things that remain the same. Delays in the trucking industry have always come at a cost and the need to keep goods moving is critical. There continues to be calls for more investment at our shared border with the United States so that trucks are not hung-up with unnecessary border delays. Despite current trade disputes with our U.S. neighbour, truck traffic with the U.S. will remain a critical part of our nation’s trade.
We also need to continue to invest in infrastructure to keep drivers and those they share the road with safe. While this of course includes improving the condition of our roads, particularly the national corridors, it also means making sure that there are adequate and well-maintained rest areas to help drivers who call the road home for many days of the year.
As Canadians mark National Trucking Week, take time to thank those in your life who are in the industry or if you are one of the more than 40,000 people who are keeping our store shelves filled with the things we depend upon, thank you! If it is in your home, it probably came by truck and by the people who keep the industry moving. And we are grateful to them this National Trucking Week and throughout the year.
