Addressing the Truck Driver Shortage Through a Redesign of Class 1 Driver Training

Issue

The MELT program needs to be redesigned to increase the safety of new Class 1 drivers thereby giving insurers, and the broader public, confidence in the competence of drivers exiting the program. 

Background

The trucking sector performs an extremely important role in the transportation of goods in Alberta. More than 60% of all freight within the province is transported by truck, with an additional $7 billion of Alberta’s non-pipeline products transported out of the province by truck. 

As a result of the Humboldt bus crash tragedy, there was additional scrutiny placed on the trucking industry as a whole. From company structure to safety planning, and driver training, every aspect of trucking organizations was considered with the intent of keeping those on the road safe. On March 1, 2019, the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program was instituted.

Our Recommendations

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce recommends the Government of Alberta:

1. 1. Allow some flexibility, based on the instructor’s discretion, in practical driving hours spent on specific modules;
   2. Consider incorporating simulated driving hours to be included as a requirement for a portion of the in-cab hours of the MELT program so new drivers can experience conditions they may not otherwise encounter (including wildlife, snow and ice, erratic drivers, etc.);
   3. Review the auditing procedures to ensure that each training school that delivers MELT is instructing to a high standard, ensuring that drivers leaving the program are competent to drive safely;
   4. Evaluate the driving record of new Class 1 drivers, specifically related to motor vehicle accidents, to determine the effectiveness of the MELT program with the purpose of finding opportunities to further enhance the program;
   5. Incentivize companies to implement an apprenticeship or internship style program whereby new drivers are trained under experienced drivers for a certain period of time;
   6. Immediately look to implement a hiring credit for organizations hiring new drivers, with the intention of helping to offset high insurance costs related to the first three years of a new driver’s experience; and
   7. Allow for those with existing experience from on-farm experience or driving experience in other jurisdictions, including international, for a minimum of 24 months previously to have the option of challenging the Class 1 enhanced knowledge and road tests. If an individual is unsuccessful at passing either the enhanced knowledge test or the enhanced road test on the first attempt, drivers would be required to take the MELT Program and successfully pass the enhanced knowledge and road tests in order to reobtain a Class 1 license in Alberta.