Aging drivers, the implementation of electronic logging devices and the challenges posed by climate change all pose major problems for the trucking industry, Chris Walker, president of Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines, said at the 11th Surface Transportation Summit.
As reported by Truck News:
“Climate change is affecting us because of the changing weather patterns and (as a result) the rising insurance rates.”
He called talent acquisition a “real challenge,” adding that he had no answer for the industry’s failure to attract young drivers.
But it is something the company is “really thinking about”.
Talent shortage is also the main challenge transportation and logistics company Dicom is facing, according to Lucas Murua, its senior vice-president for sales and marketing.
Murua said the shortage was not confined to drivers, and it was not easy to find even senior executives.
Alan K. Boughton, co-founder of Trailcon Leasing, said trailers are continuing to evolve, and the company is adapting new technologies.
Boughton was also concerned about the political and economic situation in the U.S.
“There will be uncertainty, going forward.”
Mark Cascagnette, president of Lee & Associates drew the attention of the delegates to the rising cost of real estate in the Greater Toronto Area.
He said Toronto had one of the lowest commercial real estate vacancy rates in North America.
He said the demand was growing and supply is low.
Cascagnette advised companies to consider early renewals, relocation and consolidation to mitigate the effects of soaring real estate prices.
Full Truck News article here.