News Release Archive
BUSINESS/CONSUMER SERVICES--MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR TRUCKERS ----------------------------------------------------------------- A new registration system aimed at offering more flexibility to Nova Scotia truckers and trucking companies will take effect June 1. The changes deal with the frequency and timing of registration renewals, issues identified by commercial truckers during meetings with government. "There is less hassle and more opportunity to do business and it's cheaper for truckers in Nova Scotia," said Transportation Minister Don Downe, who announced the changes at the annual meeting of the Truckers Association of Nova Scotia in Halifax. "It's another piece of the pie that makes it better to be a trucker in this province." Downe made the announcement Saturday on behalf of Sandy Jolly, minister for business and consumer services. "One of the priorities of this government is to be responsive to the needs of Nova Scotians," said Ms. Jolly. "And the main priority of my department, Business and Consumer Services, is to look at ways to provide convenient and quality services to our customers." "The consultation process with this government really worked," said Dave Roberts, office manager for the Truckers Association of Nova Scotia. "We got a clearer understanding of what both government and the trucking industry are looking for -- and then worked together to achieve the desired results." Heavy commercial vehicle registration differs depending on whether the truck operates within Nova Scotia only or between jurisdictions. With the new system, the registration processes will still differ but each will be more flexible. Once the new system is in place, owners operating trucks only within Nova Scotia will be able to choose in which month they register the vehicles and will be able to register by the month, with a minimum of three and a maximum of 12 months. The major benefit of these changes is that the client will now only pay registration fees for the months the truck will be in service instead of paying for a full six- or 12-month period. And differing expiry dates mean a reduced concentration of renewals at the middle or end of the calendar year. Registration procedures for trucks operating between provinces must conform to Canadian Agreement for Vehicle Registration rules; as such, fleet registrations will continue to be yearly. With the Nova Scotia changes, however, interprovincial carriers can choose the month in which they wish to register their fleet. In addition, they will only have to pay for the months remaining in the registration period for trucks added to the fleet during that period, as opposed to a full quarter. "The biggest advantage for interprovincial truckers is that the company can register in the month when their cash flow is at its best, instead of always in the spring," said Mr. Roberts. "By implementing this change, the government helps us meet our business needs." Added Ralph Boyd, executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association: "Any improvement that allows carriers to make it simpler, more efficient and more cost-effective to register interprovincially is a benefit to our industry." Increased flexibility in the heavy commercial vehicle registration system has been an issue for some time. It was put on the front burner by the Trucking Industry Advisory Committee which met for the first time in November 1996. The committee, spearheaded by the Department of Business and Consumer Services, comprises representatives from government and the trucking industry who are committed to identifying issues and problems in the industry and to finding solutions. "Who better knows the needs of truckers than those in the industry," said Ms. Jolly. "The Trucking Industry Advisory Committee is an excellent forum to get their views. Certainly their input was crucial to developing this new registration system and I would like to express my appreciation for their efforts." Ms. Jolly said she is satisfied the changes will alleviate a majority of trucking concerns, but that this is not the end of the road. Consultation with industry representatives will continue over the next few years as the Department of Business and Consumer Services monitors the new system. -30- Contact: Louise MacDonald 902-424-0394 trp Apr. 21, 1997 - 11:05 a.m.