Driver shortage creating challenges for Atlantic Canada’s trucking industry
Posted May 2, 2022 10:07:45 AM.
There is a shortage of truck drivers in Atlantic Canada and that's creating a challenge for the already struggling industry.
Jean-Marc Picard, executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, says the worker shortage is not a new problem but it's one that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It's very extremely difficult to recruit people,” Picard said.
He tells CityNews Halifax the average trucking company has around 10 per cent of fleets parked with no one to drive.
“They still have customer demands to meet and they still have to pay for the trucks they have that are parked,” Picard explained. “It's extremely challenging right now.”
Picard says compounding the problem is soaring fuel costs. In the Halifax area, diesel prices are up to 253.4 after yet another interrupter was invoked on Saturday morning by the Utility and Review Board.
The industry is hopeful relief will be on the way in the coming months, but Picard says he's not optimistic.
