By Marcel E. Pouliot, Private Motor Truck Council of Canada Western Canada Business Manager

“Great organizations distinguish between what should never change and what should be open for change.” — Jim C. Collins (Author of Good to Great)

The trucking industry continues to operate in a period of sustained uncertainty which is characterized by regulatory evolution, economic volatility, technological disruption, and shifting customers and supply chain expectations. In such an environment, operational success depends on two complementary disciplines: the discipline to remain anchored in strong, clearly defined core values and the ability to adapt quickly.

This balance is central to the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada’s (PMTC) mandate and to the value we deliver to our members.

During times of disruption and geopolitical challenges, organizations need more than information. They need reliable sources, practical insight, and trusted networks where ideas can be tested, challenges debated, and operational solutions refined. PMTC provides that forum. Through evidence-based advocacy, member-driven committees, and direct engagement with regulators and industry partners across Canada, we help members stay focused, compliant, and competitive without compromising their fundamental business principles.

From an operational standpoint, access to timely intelligence and peer benchmarking is critical. PMTC’s seminars, webinars, and technical resources are designed to translate policy, regulatory change, and emerging technologies into actionable guidance for fleets of all sizes. I encourage members to regularly visit the PMTC website for updates on our educational programming, including our Annual Conference in June 2026 in Niagara Falls and our Western Canada Conference in October 2026, hosted this year in Saskatoon. These events are structured to deliver practical takeaways, operational clarity, and meaningful peer-to-peer engagement.

PMTC’s footprint in Western Canada continues to expand, supported by growing member engagement across both national and regional committees. We are actively advancing key priority files, including our participation on Alberta’s TEC Commercial Transportation Strategic Committee, where we contribute to work streams focused on workforce development and training, carrier qualifications and oversight, optimization through connected technologies, and insurance frameworks.

Equally important, PMTC serves as a direct conduit between industry and regulators. We regularly provide member-informed feedback on critical policy and operational issues such as weights and dimensions, highway speed limits, and driver experience records, ensuring that regulatory decisions reflect real-world fleet operations.

Beyond formal committee work, PMTC represents member interests through active participation in a range of strategic initiatives, including the Western Canada Hydrogen Corridors Initiative, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) events, the Manitoba Motor Carrier Consultative Committee Winter Meeting, and other regulatory and infrastructure forums that directly influence fleet efficiency, cost structures, safety outcomes, and long-term capital planning.

Western Canadian perspectives are essential to shaping policy that is not only forward-looking, but also practical, implemental, and grounded in operational reality.

Despite ongoing global and domestic uncertainty, the broader economy continues to depend on a resilient, efficient trucking sector. The supply chain does not function without trucking, and trucking does not function without sound policy, skilled operators, and informed leadership. PMTC remains committed to ensuring that the industry’s voice is heard and that operational realities are clearly understood by decision-makers.

If you are considering PMTC membership or if you would like to better understand how PMTC can support your organization’s operational, regulatory, or strategic priorities; I encourage you to reach out. Strong and resilient associations are built through active engagement, and PMTC is playing a key role in shaping the Canadian Trucking Industry future.