National Trucking Week

NATIONAL TRUCKING WEEK 3 I TRUCKING DRIVING THE ECONOMY FORWARD Manitoba's truckers served as backbone of province's economy through pandemic By Todd Lewys A s most of us have found out at some point in our lives, it often takes a significant event to make us appreciate something we've been taking for granted. A prime example of that is Manitoba's trucking industry. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, most Manitobans had been taking it largely for granted. Seventeen months later, that's no longer the case. Somehow — especially during the early months of the pandemic — Manitoba-based truckers kept the supply chain moving despite having to deal with a host of challenges. That was a good thing, since 95 per cent of goods moved within Manitoba depend on trucks. Had the industry faltered during late spring and early summer of 2020, the consequences could have been dire. But the 475 for-hire trucking companies in Manitoba didn't miss a beat, says Dayna Spiring, president and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg. "They kept the shelves full, kept us safe and supplied all our needs," she says. "We've always had a focus on transport and the drivers of all the trucks because we know just how much their performance impacts our entire economy." Here's just how significantly Manitoba's trucking industry impacts the province's economy. For starters, the industry directly and indirectly employs 4.6 per cent of Manitoba's labour force. Each year, for-hire trucking companies also contribute more than $2 billion to the province's economy, both directly and indirectly. And while it isn't immediately visible to the untrained eye, about 400,000 commercial trucks cross the Manitoba-U.S. border annually, taking Manitoba-made goods south while bringing essential goods back home on a day-in, day-out basis. Granted, the volume hasn't been as great during the pandemic, but with vaccines in play, traffic is on the rise. "We're getting there," says Spiring. "Right now, we're almost back to pre-pandemic levels. That's good news and points to how quickly we're going back to where we were. It bodes well for us. There's a light at the end of the tunnel as normalcy begins to return." Suffice it to say it's important that normalcy returns as soon as possible. Why is that the return to pre-pandemic trade levels so crucial? Simple. Under normal circumstances — when trucks are flowing freely north to south and vice- versa (80 per cent of Manitoba's trade with the U.S. is shipped by truck) — exports from Manitoba generate just under $9 billion in yearly revenue. At the same time, Manitoba imports over $12 billion worth of goods from our neighbours to the south on an annual basis. That makes trucking one of the province's primary industries, especially considering that for every 10 jobs created in the trucking industry, seven jobs are created elsewhere. "Our geographic location, with its proximity to the U.S., Mexico and railways, is ideal for trucking," she adds, noting that five of Canada's top 50 carriers are based in Manitoba. "Trucking firms such as Bison Transport and Trans-X are two of the biggest employers in the province." Spiring notes that Manitoba-based trucking firms are also driving forward-thinking initiatives designed to enhance efficiency and reduce impact on the environment. "They're very innovative, developing technology for autonomous trucking, green technology to reduce emissions and road safety programs that are designed to keep the roads safe," she says. "The trucking industry makes contributions in so many different ways." Moving forward, those contributions only figure to increase. "If anything, there will be more investments by companies in training, technology and green initiatives. And, of course, they will keep the supply chain running no matter what," Spiring says. "I think we appreciate the trucking industry more than ever before, and that's as it should be." PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY Our geographic location, with its proximity to the U.S., Mexico and railways, is ideal for trucking. " – DAYNA SPIRING, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WINNIPEG

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