In this episode of 10 Minute Takes from the FTR Conference, FTR Chairman Eric Starks sat down with James Menzie, Editor of TruckNews.com, to discuss key issues shaping Canadian trucking and cross-border freight.
English proficiency enforcement: A recent survey showed that 9% of fleets have already had drivers placed out of service due to English language requirements, while 20% have had drivers tested at roadside. Carriers are responding with apps, training, and coaching to prepare drivers for these high-pressure situations.
Shifts in cross-border freight flows: Data from July revealed a surprising imbalance—Canadian loads heading to the U.S. rose 61%, while U.S.-to-Canada freight dropped 36%. This creates significant challenges for Canadian carriers who depend on balanced northbound and southbound traffic to remain profitable.
Ongoing uncertainty in equipment and tariffs: Fleets continue investing in equipment, but tariffs remain a major concern. Menzie appreciated how FTR provided much-needed numbers on the potential impact of tariffs on truck and trailer costs, giving fleets at least some level of certainty for planning.
Despite the uncertainty, Menzie emphasized the importance of conversations like these in helping fleets navigate the shifting freight landscape. He praised FTR’s ability to make complex economic issues understandable and actionable for industry leaders.
👉 Watch the full conversation to hear more from James and Eric on cross-border freight, enforcement challenges, and what’s next for Canadian carriers.
Thanks for watching! We’ve really enjoyed these conversations with industry leaders and attendees throughout the conference. To catch all of the 10 Minute Takes podcasts from the event, visit www.ftrintel.com/connection.