Tom Napier

Day 270 - Week 39 2024 . Driver Inc. is Hurting Canada's Trucking Industry – It's Time for Action ! it’s alarming to see how the Driver Inc. scheme continues to exploit drivers, erode labor standards, and cost Canadian taxpayers over $1 billion annually...(Toronto Star Artice)....2023... For over 5 years, the federal government has promised to tackle this issue, but so far, Real action is lacking.. Driver Inc. isn’t just a tax scam – it's creating an uneven playing field that undercuts compliant companies and undermines worker protections... Truck drivers deserve fair pay, access to WSIB, paid sick leave, and proper benefits. But under this illegal model, many are left without these critical protections. Meanwhile, tax dollars that should be funding our roads, healthcare, and public services are siphoned into the underground economy. It’s time for Canada to step up and **Abolish Driver Inc.** and protect the rights of our hardworking drivers. We need nationwide enforcement and stronger regulatory action, not just pilot programs. Our drivers keep our economy moving—it's time we stand up for them. #DriverInc #TruckDrivers #LaborRights #FairPay #WSIB #CanadianEconomy #TaxFraud #TruckingIndustry #CRA

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Build a culture, stay the course! ✔️ _________ #runningred #trucking #transportation #sztg #canada #usa #ltl #ftl #expedite #priority #warehouse #warehousing #partnerships #thankatrucker #culture #manac #artwork #raptors

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The Canadian trucking industry cannot meet the domestic needs to keep critical supplies and daily goods flowing if a work stoppage happens at the country’s major railroads, according to the leader of the British Columbia Trucking Association. “There is no possibility trucking can fill the gap of any labour disruption on railways,” Dave Earl, president and CEO of the BCTA, said in an email to Trucking Dive. A labor deal impasse between the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference and carriers Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City has led to a potential work stoppage that could start by Thursday. Both railroads also announced freight embargoes last week ahead of a possible shut down of their respective networks. #BritishColumbiaTruckingAssociation Teamster CN Canadian Pacific Blog – Potential Rail Strike – Supply Chain Disruption – CN and CP - https://lnkd.in/gPsPHGKA

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Can we talk about not giving advice on things you are not fully educated or knowledgeable about? I saw a question on an industry board asking if a Canadian driver can pick up at a bonded warehouse located in the US and deliver to a US warehouse. There were several people that answered correctly, essentially no (unless you have a unicorn driver with dual citizenship). And to avoid issues to just book a US driver. But there were two other people, with very lengthy responses, going on about if the product was cleared customs etc that changes the answer. The problem is this was not a customs issue, it's an immigration one. Lesson: Stay in your lane, if you are not 100% sure on a topic/situation do not give advice on it and certainly do not charge people consulting for it. #StayInYourLane

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Truth be told, brokering freight in Canada is quite an adventure, we have a lot of mountains to climb and when you add the current state of the economy, the mountains keep getting steeper but for those of you in Canada that are selling "freight services" you have find the right approach with every prospect you go after. I personally think each approach has to be a tailor fit approach as every shipper will have their own reasons or problems and it is up to us to navigate this diligently. Being open in your communication and letting the prospect guide you to where you need to go in a discovery or even further along the sales cycle, there are several ways to sell to your customers. If anyone wants a video on techniques, reach out to me on linkedin and I'll share a video where I discuss different approaches you can take. I'm not proclaiming to be an expert, I'm just willing to share my two cents and my perspective. #logistics #trucking #freightbroker #Canada

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🚛💥 Think transporting heavy loads is just another day in logistics? Think again. 💥🚛 These massive, unyielding giants don’t just get from point A to point B—they test the limits of Canada’s transportation network. 🌍💪From navigating treacherous mountain roads to ensuring each multi-ton coil stays safely secured, steel coil transportation is no game. 🎯 It's a blend of expertise, precision, and grit. At Paige Logistics, we pride ourselves on being the heavyweight champions of logistics—delivering these titans safely and efficiently across Canada's challenging terrain. 🇨🇦🏆Want to know what sets the real pros apart in heavy haul transport? 🔍 Dive into our latest piece and find out why cutting corners isn’t an option.  🚧👇 https://lnkd.in/gU7kYTzG #heavyhaul #trucking #freightforwarder #logistics

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Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, plus an additional 10% on Chinese goods as soon as he takes office. These measures could disrupt the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and lead to retaliatory tariffs on US exports such as produce and chemicals. Experts are warning that the tariffs could increase inflation and harm manufacturers who are reliant on imported components. The move could also put pressure on companies to create standalone supply chains for the US, which could potentially increase inefficiencies and costs while straining global trade relations. #thefreightarchitects #jaguarfreight #logistics

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Let's look at the future of e-commerce in Canada! 🍁 Canada is seeing a jump in e-commerce users that will continue over the next five years. According to Statista, by 2029, online shoppers in the North American country are predicted to rise by nine million — that's a whopping 37.11% surge! Is your business present in Canada yet? Let us know in the comments. 👇 #DHLeCommerce #OnlineShopping #Canada

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AlmCrown isn’t a cookie cutter logistics company. That means we customize every delivery based on your needs. No matter how specific they are. Need an example? Recently, we delivered 6 large commercial fridges for a big grocery chain from Toronto to Montreal. The company had very detailed packaging expectations. While we have rolls of bubble wrap at our warehouse, we were asked to buy a different type of bubble wrap with a specific size of bubble and an exact type of shrink wrap. So we did. Then we followed their guidelines on how to package the shrink and bubble wrap, which was different from our usual packaging process. This may sound like a small concession, but it’s the small things that matter most in logistics. Even the size of your bubble wrap. Who agrees? __ 👋 Hi, I’m Jason. I run a logistics company that specializes in customized deliveries. Follow for more industry insights.

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Would switching to a Canadian 3PL help reduce costs, especially with potential tariff increases on goods imported from China? One of my clients recently came to me with this question. Of course, the answer isn’t always straightforward, but here’s the insight I shared:  While Section 321 duty exemptions for parcels may no longer apply to Chinese-origin goods, moving to a Canadian 3PL can still provide major savings in the right circumstances.  Here’s why:   - Tariff Diversification: For non-China goods or products with mixed origins, Canadian trade agreements may allow for lower tariffs compared to U.S. rates.   - Proactive Planning for U.S. Tariff Hikes: If U.S. tariffs increase (and talks of a potential 60% hike are swirling), moving operations to Canada can shield brands from skyrocketing costs.  While a switch like this isn’t right for every business, it’s worth exploring if:   1️⃣ Your goods aren’t entirely sourced from China.   2️⃣ You’re looking to mitigate U.S.-specific tariff risks.  At FulfillYN, we specialize in helping brands evaluate options and find the perfect 3PL partner to fit their needs. This isn’t about making guesses—it’s about running the numbers and understanding where your business can thrive.  

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Amazon's New Digital Services Fee: What Sellers Need to Know Starting October 1, 2024 💼 Amazon is progressing a new digital services fee starting October 1, 2024, which will affect sellers based on their location and the store in which they sell. For example, Canadian businesses selling on Amazon.ca will face a 3% fee on their selling fees, while U.S.-based sellers selling on Amazon.ca will incur a 2% fee. This change is part of Amazon's strategy to comply with various digital services taxes (DST) imposed by several countries, ensuring large digital companies contribute to national revenues. These changes mean an increase in the referral fee percentage, impacting overall seller costs. To help sellers navigate these updates, Amazon will update the Revenue Calculator on September 1, 2024, for a preview of the fee's impact, and from October 1, sellers can track these fees through the Transaction View in their Payments reports. Staying informed and planning ahead is decisive to navigating these challenges. Forceget Supply Chain Logistics - Powered by AI can help you understand these Amazon fee changes and provide strategic advice. Contact our experts with any questions. 📞 https://lnkd.in/drrWiXci Source: https://lnkd.in/deXsEB-A

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Walmart Is Rallying To Bentonville. Relocating Employees And Cutting 2,000 Corporate Jobs Fresh off impressiving quarterly earnings, news broke later yesterday that the retail giant is making structural changes. Employees from Atlanta, Dallas and Toronto are being told that they will need to relocate to keep their roles. Other cuts are a result of the Walmart business model that has changed. No information was released with respect to what types of roles. It feels like Walmart is follwing a lot of other major retialers and tech companies, re-establishing their in-office requirements. Are they leveraging the power of their brand in order to lock in the best talent? What are your thoughts? Does it make sense to start giving up the massive talent pool remote work gives access to? -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Get my Deeper Dives newsletter 1x/wk 👇 https://lnkd.in/dCsUAauR Want to submit a question for me to write about 👇 AMA: https://lnkd.in/e3RjBiJD Want To Book A Free Discovery Call 📲 https://lnkd.in/eE8Z5dNc

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Inevitably the issue of automation at US & Canadian ports & the rolling work stoppages across North America need addressing. Concern over displacing long shoring jobs is not going just evaporate if we ignore it long enough. Tech advancements have been trickling into all variety of industry for decades. A much deeper discussion is certainly needed. Unfortunately, for the 3rd time in as many months freight in limbo is having a ripple wide effect through the supply chain. On Oct.31 the port of Montreal went on strike. Over a week in, there is no end in sight & very little reporting on the matter. 2-months ago Canada’s rail industry went on strike on Aug 22. At the time I wrote about the potential disastrous implications for Canada Luckily, it did not last more than 2-days. Most consumer’s may never have learned about it. Then 5-weeks later 45,000 members of the ILA went on strike. Meaning that 36 ports closed covering off the entire eastern seaboard & Gulf. This I wrote about in detail. Again lasting less than 72-hrs major disruptions were averted. It should be noted that that a placeholder of Jan.15 2025 looms for better solutions for the ILA contract negotiations. Now, the fight against “job-killing automation” is on in Canada. And, while the Canadian railroads are operational they simply cannot function without all the spokes in the wheel in unison. When the ports close, the interchange points quickly become overwhelmed & containers have nowhere to go.  As of this afternoon both the Canadian National Railway & Canadian Pacific have issued the following statements placing an embargo on moving containers to these locations. CP RAIL - Due to the Vancouver Longshore work disruption, all export loads & pre-billed empties destined for the Port of Vancouver will not be accepted, effective 11:59 local time today. CPKC is closely monitoring the situation & will issue a FastPass broadcast with updates as they become available. CN RAIL - CN will be suspending all international intermodal capacity at our inl& terminals (including CSX & NS interchange traffic from Ohio Valley) on Monday November 4, 2024 for exports destined for Prince Rupert, Robbank, Centerm, Vanterm, & Fraser Surrey Docks. This will help with a safe & orderly shutdown of trains destined to BC ports. The work stoppage in Montreal has now also affecting the west coast which has direct rail connections into Chicago. The USA is Canada’s largest trading partner & a vast amount of trade is by rails x-border. Within short order the work stoppage will affect US rail carriers. While there are many aspects to consider, I have previously discussed potential impact if resolutions are not found. In the meantime, with such limited coverage I thought it was pertinent to post something. https://shorturl.at/XcnSs #supplychain #rail #ports #longshoremen #Canadatrade #UStrade #transportation #ocean #freight #containers #trucking

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DHL Is Going Getting Into Fuel Cells DHL Supply Chain is has bought two Nikola-built hydrogen trucks. These will operate in Illinois a facility in Diageo North America. This is the first time DHL has gotten into hydrogen trucks. The trucks will operate exclusively within Illinois, moving between Diageo facilities in Plainfield, and will be refueled with a HYLA modular refueler using green hydrogen. This initiative, which took 18 months of research and planning, is part of Diageo's efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions across direct operations by 2030 and its value chain by 2050 or sooner. Interesting stats Carbon emissions expected to be reduced by 80% compared to diesel vehicles Full hydrogen refueling provides a range of up to 500 miles Nikola sold 88 hydrogen trucks in the third quarter, mostly to California https://lnkd.in/eBVPdGyF

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The July 2024 issue of CAV Update is now available here: https://lnkd.in/dYzYAijQ. This month's issue includes articles on: - A significant push towards automated transit, especially in Europe, China and the US, and a call for Canada to do more. - The Board of Directors of #CAVI recently held its first meeting, a key milestone. - ITS International published an article by Bern Grush on "The Real Case for Driverless Mobility". -  A profile of Ontario-based #GlobalDWS, a developer of robotic solutions for various applications. - Two Ontario-based firms have initiated a pilot project for delivering medications by drone to remote communities and to those without their own transportation. - Expansion Solutions Magazine published an upbeat article by Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade titled "How Ontario is Seizing Once-In-A-Generation Opportunities". - And there are many more news items We hope you enjoy this issue. About CAVI #CAVI is a not-for-profit association that provides an integrated, national perspective for the Canadian CAV ecosystem in all its many aspects. It is a forum for the voices within the ecosystem, and a voice to audiences outside the ecosystem. For more information and a link to join: https://lnkd.in/e5wbXb7d #automatedvehicles #av #cav #cv #driverless #selfdriving

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Are you a Quebec business that ships pallets and is looking to reduce your costs? This is for you. The most effective and quickest way to reduce your costs is to choose the right transportation company for the type of product you ship and the region you're shipping to. Why? Transportation companies are naturally more competitive if they service the region you're shipping to with their own trucks. However, the shape and weight of what each business sells varies. Some ship very tall and light items, others ship very dense and short shipments, and some ship large and heavy goods. How transportation companies charge for the space in their trucks will have a big impact on the amount of money you save. Trucking companies that charge rates per 100 lbs are typically far more suitable for lighter standard skids (pallets), whereas if your pallets weigh above 750 lbs, you might be better off with a pallet-based rate carrier. 💡 Want to find the right carrier for you? Create an account now and find them instantly! We'll even make an introduction! 🚚✨ https://lnkd.in/eDYXvPc7 #Transport #Quebec #CostReduction #Logistics #QuebecBusiness

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I do love learning about #robots in #warehouses! Truck loading and unloading has been a hot topic on this season’s trade show circuit, so I did a little digging to see what all the hype was about. Companies like Fox Robotics, Pickle Robot Company, Slip Robotics and Mujin have some innovative ideas about how to improve one of the least desirable tasks in a warehouse. Check out my recent blog post over with at Robot Advisors. Thanks Peter Blair for the quote!

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In a world where profits are placed above people, it's no surprise that the panic over a rail strike centers on disrupted shipments rather than the rights of the workers who move them. The few options left to importers and exporters pale in comparison to the daily struggles of the men and women on the tracks, who labor under conditions that often prioritize corporate greed over safety and dignity. If the wheels of commerce grind to a halt, let it be a reminder that the strength of the economy rests not on the whims of the market but on the hard work of #raillabor. This strike isn't a threat to trade; it's a demand for fairness in an industry that has long taken advantage of those who keep it moving. When the hands that carry the freight are treated with the respect they deserve, only then can we talk about the real costs. https://lnkd.in/gV8sXeR3

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