The Ontario Trucking Association remains tremendously gratified with the Ontario’s government’s attempts to keep the province’s trucks moving during the fight against COVID-19.
Today, the province introduced measures that would introduce flexibility into the supply chain by postponing municipal noise bylaws and other local delivery restrictions to allow for off-peak deliveries.
While the trucking industry is always prepared to move freight at any time, often local by-laws prevent this practice at night or during certain hours.
“Premier Ford and his cabinet colleagues are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against COVID-19. This is another example of how the government is working with the OTA to explore all avenues that would make it easier for the hard-working men and women in the trucking industry to deliver the much-needed goods during this crisis,” said OTA president Stephen Laskowski. “This off-peak delivery measure is a piece of the puzzle during these challenging times.
Following the crisis, the OTA looks forward to working with the province and municipalities to implement a more permanent after-hours delivery program which could help fight rush-hour congestion, reduce fuel costs and cut GHG emissions.
The OTA is encouraging shippers to work closely with carriers on off-peak deliveries where possible. While this practice could require shippers and receivers to provide staff during off-peak hours, it is also far more advantageous to all parties to do deliveries at night where social interaction is less frequent and distancing practices can be better implemented.
The measure is in place for the next 18 months or at the discretion of the Premier.