The Canada Trucking Operators Association (CTOA) is warning that growing driver shortages in the longhaul trucking sector could begin affecting supply chain reliability if workforce pressures persist.
And it says increased racial tension in the industry and what it believes to be targeted enforcement against South Asian carriers could cause more drivers to leave the industry.
The association said member carriers and brokers are reporting driver capacity shortfalls of up to 15%, as fleets struggle to recruit and retain qualified drivers.
CTOA also said workforce retention is being further strained by reports from racialized and newcomer drivers who have experienced racism, online hostility, and concerns about uneven application of enforcement and compliance measures.
New Canadians make up a significant portion of Canada’s trucking workforce, the association noted, and negative industry sentiment or perceived unfair treatment risks discouraging new entrants while accelerating driver attrition.
“If we keep losing drivers, the impact will be felt everywhere,” said Tej Dulat of CTOA in a news release. “Food and essential goods do not move without a stable workforce. When capacity tightens, costs rise and Canadians pay the price.”
The association is calling on federal and provincial governments to work with industry to address workforce shortages, investigate reports of discrimination, and ensure enforcement and compliance processes are applied consistently and fairly.
CTOA added continued labor shortages could strain the movement of essential goods, reduce service reliability, and ultimately increase costs for businesses and consumers.
Credit: Source link
