CVSA Releases 2025 International Roadcheck Results

By

sophie

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Oct 8, 2025

0

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has released the results of its annual International Roadcheck, conducted from May 13 to 15, 2025, across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

In just 72 hours, inspectors carried out 56,178 inspections of trucks, drivers, and cargo. While most were found to be in compliance, nearly one in five trucks had violations serious enough to be placed out of service.

This year’s campaign focused on tire safety and logbook falsification.

On the mechanical side, brake system defects once again topped the list of violations, accounting for over 40% of all serious infractions, followed by tire issues at 21%. Among drivers, hours-of-service violations and missing or invalid commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) represented more than half of the 3,342 driver out-of-service orders issued.

A total of 810 drivers were placed out of service in Canada and the U.S. for not having a valid CDL. In the United States, this infraction ranked second overall, with 808 drivers (25.7%) taken off the road, compared to only 15 cases in Canada (8.7%). The difference is mainly due to the higher inspection volume south of the border, where roughly 80% of all checks took place.

In total, 10,148 trucks and 3,342 drivers were placed out of service during the operation. Tire violations alone accounted for nearly 2,900 out-of-service orders, often due to flat, excessively worn, or improperly repaired tires. About 10% of driver violations involved tampering with or falsifying electronic logging devices (ELDs).

In Canada, the most frequent issues involved brake systems, cargo securement, and hours of service. Inspectors also noted ongoing concerns about seat belt use, with 726 violations recorded during the three-day blitz.

Overall, the 2025 International Roadcheck results show that despite progress within the trucking industry, vigilance remains essential. Proper brake and tire maintenance, compliance with hours-of-service regulations, and accurate logkeeping must stay at the core of every carrier’s safety practices.

Each year, this large-scale CVSA operation serves not only as an enforcement effort, but also as a snapshot of road safety across North America’s trucking industry.

Trucking: End of Cross-Border CDL Recognition Between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico?

By

sophie

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Oct 8, 2025

0

Trucking : U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne introduces the Protecting America’s Roads Act in the House, proposing to end CDL reciprocity with Canada and Mexico.

A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives could redefine certain aspects of cross-border trucking between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Titled the Protecting America’s Roads Act, the proposal—introduced by Texas Representative Beth Van Duyne—seeks to codify recent Department of Transportation (DOT) rule changes governing how commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are issued and verified for foreign nationals.

Section 3 of the bill directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to “terminate any existing reciprocity agreements that recognize foreign commercial driver’s licenses in the United States or permit holders of foreign commercial driver’s licenses to operate a commercial motor vehicle in the United States, unless expressly authorized by statute.”

However, according to clarifications provided by Van Duyne’s office to LandLine Media, this measure would not affect Canadian or Mexican commercial licenses recognized under the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), since that arrangement was already authorized by Congress.

In practice, the provision aims to ensure that only Congress—not federal agencies—has the authority to establish or maintain reciprocity agreements with other countries. It would primarily impact any other administrative agreements that FMCSA or DOT may have approved outside of the USMCA framework.

The legislation also proposes several amendments to Title 49 of the U.S. Code, which governs commercial driver licensing. Applicants for a CDL would be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or authorized employment status, along with proof of domicile in the state where the license is issued.

States would be required to use the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE system to verify the legal status of non-citizen applicants. A non-citizen’s CDL or learner’s permit would expire no later than the date indicated on their I-94 document or one year after issuance, whichever comes first. All renewals, transfers, or status changes would have to be completed in person.

The bill further mandates that states revoke or downgrade a CDL if a non-citizen driver no longer meets legal status requirements. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to create a penalty system for states failing to comply and authorizes agencies participating in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program to report foreign nationals operating commercial vehicles illegally in the U.S.

If adopted, the Protecting America’s Roads Act would take effect six months after being signed into law.

This article has been updated at 6:55 pm following clarifications provided by Representative Beth Van Duyne’s office to LandLine Media, thanks to OOIDA.

The trucking industry and Mr. Barsalou-Duval call for an investigation and reform measures in Ottawa

By

sophie

-

Oct 7, 2025

0

The Bloc Québécois held a press conference yesterday morning in the foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa to highlight abusive practices within the trucking industry.

At the initiative of MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval, the party unveiled ten proposals aimed at better protecting truck drivers, combating the “Driver Inc.” scheme, and restoring fair competition across the sector.

Réal Gagnon, président of Trans-West, in Ottawa at a Bloc Quebecois's conference for trucking industry. “Trans-West pays over $5 million a year in fringe benefits that support our hospitals and schools — we are a legitimate business. We can no longer compete with companies that don’t follow our tax rules and don’t play by the same standards. I urge other carriers to denounce this scheme,” said Réal Gagnon, President of Trans-West, a long-haul refrigerated transport company founded in 1988, that has repeatedly been recognized for its high standards of compliance and safety.

The event brought together several influential voices in the transportation community, including Marc Cadieux, President and CEO of the Association du camionnage du Québec (ACQ), and Jean-Claude Daigneault, President of the Fraternité des constables de contrôle routier du Québec.

Executives from major trucking firms such as Trans-West, Transport Grayson, Transport Hervé Lemieux, DFS, and Groupe Guilbault were also present to denounce the unfair and unsafe practices plaguing the industry.

Ten concrete proposals

The Bloc’s plan includes:

An official inquiry into driver exploitation in the trucking sector.
A ban on hiring temporary foreign workers as incorporated drivers (they must be employees).
Automatic joint audits (ESDC + CRA) to target shell companies.
Holding contractors accountable for unpaid taxes and contributions.
A shared national database including infractions, safety ratings, and unpaid fines.
A Canada-wide insurance registry accessible to inspectors and police.
A public registry of non-compliant companies, with penalties such as loss of certifications and ineligibility for government contracts or TFW hiring.
A certification program for employers authorized to hire temporary foreign workers.
Amendments to the Hours of Service regulation giving inspectors the power to place vehicles out of service if the driver’s license does not match the ELD.
Mandatory T4A forms for companies operating without employees.

Mounting pressure on Ottawa

According to the Bloc, the rapid rise of employee-free trucking companies, tax evasion, and the exploitation of foreign drivers are undermining road safety and hurting compliant carriers. The party is urging the federal government to act swiftly and tighten enforcement.

Eric Gignac, at Ottawa trucking press conference — Éric Gignac, Guilbault Group.

“This is the first major crisis where we’re losing clients every month or being forced to lower our rates. Truck driving used to be an honorable profession — back in my grandfather’s time, in 1929, it was respected. But today, many drivers feel ashamed. Now, my drivers are afraid to even hit the road because safety no longer exists. We need to take back control,” said Éric Gignac, President of Groupe Guilbault, which has operated for 90 years and covers over 40 million kilometers annually.

“We’re probably the only industry in Canada where wages are going down because of unfair competition and the Driver Inc. scheme. Our truck drivers are people who pay their taxes and work endless hours every week. Mr. Carney, do something!” exclaimed Yvan Domingue of Transport Grayson, based in Danville, Québec.

Behind the numbers and regulatory gaps are real truckers facing unstable working conditions. For the Bloc Québécois, these reforms are not merely technical — they are meant to restore dignity to the profession and ensure a level playing field in a sector vital to the Canadian economy.

Are you a transportation company executive who wants to show your support for the Bloc Québécois initiative? Make your voice heard. This is no longer about politics or choosing a party — it’s about denouncing serious practices and supporting anyone or any group willing to make a real difference in our industry and on our roads.

Rising Insurance Premiums: Can Telematics Rebuild Trust in Trucking?

By

sophie

-

Oct 4, 2025

0

In Alberta and across Canada, small trucking companies are sounding the alarm over rising insurance premiums that threaten their survival.

According to Mohit Halkare, head of Mango Insurance, fuel costs and freight volumes are not the main issue—insurance is. While large fleets still benefit from competitive rates, companies operating between one and 50 trucks are often forced into the Facility Association, a pool of last-resort insurers where premiums are significantly higher and transparency is lacking.

As a result, some carriers are already relocating operations to provinces with more flexible frameworks.

One major point of contention is Alberta’s Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD) program. Designed to cover material losses after an accident, it does not apply to crashes in the United States—an everyday reality for many Alberta truckers. Unlike Ontario, where fleets can opt out through the SEF 49 endorsement, Alberta leaves no room for maneuver.

Even in Ontario, however, small fleets frequently end up in the Facility Association, not because they are unsafe, but because insurers see them as higher risks. In a small fleet, a single accident weighs much more heavily than it would in a company with hundreds of trucks.

Adding to the frustration is the paradox between safety data and insurance costs. Transport Canada reports a 20 percent drop in collisions involving trucks from 2012 to 2021, even as the heavy-duty fleet grew by 24 percent. This suggests accident rates per vehicle are declining. Yet premiums continue to rise. The explanation lies in the soaring costs of accidents: repairing modern trucks, replacing expensive cargo, and covering liability claims tied to serious injuries or fatalities. The influence of record-breaking settlements in the U.S. also extends into the Canadian market, tightening conditions further for small fleets.

Faced with these pressures, insurers are looking for new ways to evaluate risk, and telematics is emerging as a potential solution. By tracking factors such as speed, braking, and defensive driving, telematics allows insurers to assess risk based on real performance rather than generic fleet size or cargo type. For small operators, this could mean a fairer playing field, where good driving habits translate into lower premiums and more stability. The same technology could also enhance roadside enforcement by giving authorities a clearer, real-time picture of fleet compliance and safety records.

Still, the road to implementation is far from simple. Privacy concerns, data-sharing rules, system compatibility, and industry trust are all major hurdles. Without clear safeguards, many fear telematics could become more punitive than supportive. A pilot project with strict regulations, transparency, and consent would likely be necessary before broad adoption. For now, small fleets continue to face disproportionate challenges, but telematics represents a possible path toward restoring balance in a market that desperately needs reform.

FAIR Trucking Act Targets “Nuclear Verdicts” in U.S. Trucking Litigation

By

sophie

-

Oct 3, 2025

0

A new bill before the U.S. Congress, the FAIR Trucking Act (H.R. 5268), seeks to rein in runaway jury awards in the trucking industry.

Introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa, the legislation would require that lawsuits involving more than $5 million in damages and parties from different states be heard in federal courts.

The goal is to curb “venue shopping,” where plaintiffs select jurisdictions known for favoring large settlements. While the measure aims to restore balance, critics argue it does not go far enough to address the deeper structural flaws of a legal system increasingly criticized for encouraging excessive judgments.

At the heart of the issue are so-called “nuclear verdicts,” court awards exceeding $10 million that have multiplied in recent years against trucking companies. These verdicts, industry observers note, often hinge on appeals to jurors’ emotions rather than a balanced review of evidence. Attorneys in such cases frequently amplify the human toll of accidents to maximize damages, regardless of the actual level of fault. For trucking operators, the financial consequences can be devastating, forcing many to close or consolidate while driving up insurance costs across the sector.

Fueling this trend is the rise of litigation financing. Private investment firms fund lawsuits in exchange for a percentage of potential awards, creating a financial incentive for plaintiffs to reject reasonable settlements and pursue outsized judgments. The use of expert witnesses citing federal regulations—sometimes in contexts where they may not apply—adds further pressure on juries to assign blame.

Trucking companies have responded by adopting “compliance-plus” strategies, exceeding regulatory requirements to demonstrate exemplary safety practices. Yet even these efforts have not shielded them entirely from a system vulnerable to emotional and financial manipulation. Fraudulent cases, such as the Louisiana scheme involving staged accidents, lawyers, and medical professionals, highlight the extent of the problem and underscore the importance of tools like dashcams to protect carriers in court.

The impact on the trucking industry is profound. Nuclear verdicts have driven insurance premiums sharply upward, in some cases doubling or tripling for small carriers. This has fueled market consolidation and discouraged competition. In 2023 alone, 27 jury awards in the U.S. exceeded $100 million, a figure insurers link to “social inflation” that inflates claims costs by roughly 7% annually. Canadian carriers operating across the border have also been hit by massive judgments, leading insurers to raise premiums domestically and demand higher coverage limits. The ripple effect extends beyond financial strain, damaging public perceptions of trucking companies and complicating relationships with shippers and insurers.

While the FAIR Trucking Act could curtail venue shopping, industry stakeholders caution that it falls short of addressing the root causes behind nuclear verdicts. They argue that genuine reform requires transparency around litigation funding, stricter limits on punitive damages, and clearer standards for expert testimony. Without these safeguards, the trucking sector is likely to remain exposed to disproportionate legal risks that undermine both its stability and its role in sustaining North America’s supply chain.

Bloc Québécois Pushes Ottawa to Act on Exploitation of Truck Drivers

By

sophie

-

Oct 2, 2025

0

In a significant development for the Canadian trucking industry, the Bloc Québécois has succeeded in forcing the federal government to take a closer look at the controversial practice known as “cheap labor trucking.”

Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Bloc MP for Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères and vice-chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN), secured unanimous support for a motion that will launch a parliamentary study this fall. The inquiry will include at least six sessions where federal ministers, industry stakeholders, unions, and truck drivers themselves will testify.

At the center of the debate is the widespread phenomenon known as “Driver Inc.” or so-called “ghost drivers.” Under this model, truck drivers are encouraged—or pressured—to incorporate as independent contractors, even though they work as employees.

By doing so, companies avoid payroll taxes, social contributions, and certain safety responsibilities, while drivers lose access to basic labor protections. For years, unions, associations, and industry observers have denounced the system as a form of exploitation that undermines both worker rights and road safety.

Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Bloc Québécois MP, calls on Ottawa to launch a federal investigation into the Driver Inc. scheme affecting the trucking industry in Québec and Ontario. — Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Bloc Québécois

Barsalou-Duval argues that the issue is a ticking time bomb. In a letter to Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, he described “Driver Inc.” as a nationwide scourge particularly prevalent in Ontario and Quebec. According to him, the practice not only threatens fair competition and economic integrity but also contributes directly to road fatalities.

Recent figures from Quebec’s automobile insurance board (SAAQ) show a 35% spike in heavy truck-related deaths between 2023 and 2024. Several fatal accidents in late August underscored the human cost of regulatory loopholes.

The trucking sector has already mobilized against this practice. Earlier this year, the Quebec Trucking Association (ACQ), the Quebec Association of Towing Professionals (APDQ), and the Teamsters union issued a joint call for urgent government action. They warned that law-abiding drivers are being pushed out of the industry by unfair subcontracting arrangements that put downward pressure on wages and erode safety standards. According to industry advocates, the issue goes far beyond lost tax revenue: it threatens the stability of Canada’s entire supply chain.

As part of his proposals, Barsalou-Duval has urged Ottawa to tighten rules for temporary foreign workers. He is calling for restrictions that would prevent foreign drivers from registering as incorporated contractors, insisting they remain salaried employees instead.

He draws comparisons to other strategic sectors, such as civil aviation and maritime piloting, where citizenship or strict employment rules are enforced to ensure public safety. This approach, he argues, would protect vulnerable workers from exploitation while reinforcing oversight of the trucking industry.

As Barsalou-Duval stated, political courage is urgently needed—not only to protect truck drivers but also to restore fairness, safety, and credibility in Canada’s trucking industry.

Driver Inc.: Bloc Québécois Calls for Federal Investigation

By

sophie

-

Sep 17, 2025

0

The controversial “Driver Inc.” model, also known as “ghost drivers,” has now reached the federal stage with a formal request for a nationwide investigation.

Through its transport critic, Member of Parliament Xavier Barsalou-Duval, the Bloc Québécois is urging Ottawa to take decisive action against this practice, which undermines road safety, working conditions, and economic fairness in the trucking sector.

For years, unions, associations, and truck drivers have denounced this scheme, which pressures drivers to incorporate themselves and operate as independent contractors even though, in reality, they are employees.

This arrangement allows companies to sidestep tax and social obligations while depriving drivers of crucial protections. According to Barsalou-Duval, the scale of the problem is considerable across Canada, particularly in Ontario and Québec, where the practice is widespread. He argues that it not only compromises road safety but also deprives governments and workers of essential tax revenues.

Unfair Competition and Road Dangers

Beyond fiscal losses, the impacts on drivers and the industry are profound. Barsalou-Duval maintains that law-abiding truckers are being gradually replaced by subcontracting practices he described as unfair and dangerous. This creates a dual threat: honest drivers see their jobs endangered, and overall working conditions and road safety deteriorate.

The concerns have already sparked action within the industry. Earlier this year, the Québec Trucking Association (ACQ), the Québec Professional Towing Association (APDQ), and the Teamsters union joined forces to demand urgent government measures. Their coalition highlights the growing alarm within the sector and the urgent need for stricter enforcement.

Rising Fatalities on Québec Roads

The debate is not limited to finances. According to data from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), fatalities involving heavy vehicles rose by 35% between 2023 and 2024. A particularly deadly week in late August, during which three tragedies occurred, underscored the human toll of unsafe practices.

A Call for a Federal Inquiry

In his formal correspondence to Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, Barsalou-Duval pressed the government to use its powers under the federal Motor Vehicle Transport Act. He argued that an official inquiry is needed to assess the true scope of the Driver Inc. phenomenon, identify employer abuses, strengthen oversight, and implement the necessary regulatory measures. Such an inquiry, he said, would be an essential step to protect workers’ rights, safeguard road users, and preserve the economic integrity of the trucking industry.

Restrictions on Temporary Foreign Workers

Barsalou-Duval also proposed restricting the use of the Driver Inc. model for temporary foreign workers. He suggested maintaining them strictly as employees rather than allowing incorporation, drawing a parallel with other strategic sectors such as civil aviation or marine piloting, where citizenship is required for safety and security reasons.

Longstanding Concerns from the Industry

At Truck Stop Québec/Truck Stop Canada (TSC), this issue has been followed closely for years. Correspondence had previously been sent to Steven MacKinnon when he served as Minister of Labour, raising alarms about the damages caused by Driver Inc. practices. The responses received confirm that the minister was already familiar with the issue, and the industry now hopes that, in his new role as Minister of Transport, he will act decisively.

TSC also recalls that the topic was discussed with Barsalou-Duval during his appearance on its trucking radio on March 27 of this year. Even then, he demonstrated a clear understanding of the dangers associated with Driver Inc. The fact that he is now pushing this fight to Ottawa is seen as a necessary step forward.

A Test of Political Will

For many within the trucking industry, this push for federal action represents long-awaited political courage. They insist that it must continue, not only for the protection of the industry itself but also for the safety of all road users. Most importantly, they argue that honest truck drivers deserve to see their image restored, free from the shadow of companies exploiting Driver Inc. schemes and the tragic accidents that follow.

Verspeeten Cartage Adds New Volvo VNL to Strengthen Longstanding Partnership

By

sophie

-

Aug 29, 2025

0

Volvo Trucks North America customer Verspeeten Cartage has taken delivery of the all-new Volvo VNL 300 to its company-owned fleet of 100% Volvo trucks, reinforcing a relationship that spans more than 30 years. Pictured L-R are Peter Currie, district sales manager, Volvo Trucks North America; Scott Verspeeten, president, Verspeeten Cartage Ltd.; Mike Wardle, dealer principal, Gerry’s Truck Centre; Doug Wardle, sales manager, Gerry’s Truck Centre; Matthew Blackman, managing director, Canada, Volvo Trucks North America.

Ontario-based carrier Verspeeten Cartage has taken delivery of the all-new Volvo VNL 300, reinforcing its 30-year relationship with Volvo Trucks North America.

Verspeeten Cartage, a third-generation family-owned company founded in 1953, continues to build its fleet exclusively with Volvo trucks.

Verspeeten Cartage Adds New Volvo VNL to Strengthen Longstanding Partnership — (Volvo Trucks North America customer Verspeeten Cartage has taken delivery of the all-new Volvo VNL 300 to its company-owned fleet of 100% Volvo trucks, reinforcing a relationship that spans more than 30 years.)

Today, the carrier operates 75 units, all dedicated to full-load, just-in-time freight for automotive manufacturers across North America. The new truck is part of the company’s ongoing investment in safety, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort—values that have been central to its growth since Archie Verspeeten first launched the business with a single vehicle.

Volvo’s redesigned VNL model features a completely new cab and chassis engineered for improved aerodynamics and fuel savings. Inside, a driver-focused layout, larger interior space, and enhanced seating are designed to reduce fatigue and create a more comfortable working environment. The manufacturer estimates up to a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency with this generation of trucks, and Verspeeten Cartage plans to monitor performance across its fleet to validate those results.

Company president Scott Verspeeten highlighted that investing in equipment directly benefits both drivers and operations. “Our company-owned fleet is 100% Volvo trucks because Volvo delivers the safety, fuel efficiency and driver ergonomics that are key for our business. The all-new Volvo VNL really takes that to the next level in terms of driver benefits,” he said. “We have always believed that it is good business to keep our drivers happy and give them trucks that they love and that are comfortable and safe, and we are excited to integrate this new truck into our fleet.”

Volvo Trucks North America emphasized that the relationship with Verspeeten is built on shared priorities. According to Matthew Blackman, managing director for Canada, the carrier’s commitment to reliability and driver-first practices mirrors Volvo’s mission. Dealer support also plays a role, with Gerry’s Truck Centre working alongside Verspeeten to maintain uptime and ensure the fleet operates at its peak.

Beyond equipment, the company also maintains a strong community focus. The Verspeeten family has supported cancer research and care for many years, using its success in the transport sector to contribute to causes that have personally touched the family.

With the addition of the new VNL, Verspeeten Cartage continues its path as one of Canada’s most respected carriers, combining operational efficiency with a clear commitment to driver well-being and community values.

Trucking in the U.S.: States Face Funding Cuts Over English Rule Violations

By

sophie

-

Aug 28, 2025

0

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a strong warning to three states — Washington, California, and New Mexico — that risk losing millions in federal funding if they fail to comply with English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial drivers in trucking.

The states have 30 days to take corrective action, or their funding under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) could be suspended.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy stressed that states cannot “pick and choose” which federal rules to enforce. In a statement, he warned that non-compliance directly undermines road safety:

“As we saw with the horrific Florida crash that killed three, when states fail to enforce the law, they put the driving public in danger. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are taking aggressive action to close these safety gaps, hold states accountable, and make sure every commercial driver on the road is qualified to operate a 40-ton vehicle.”

Widespread enforcement gaps

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, called the practice of issuing commercial driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants “reckless.”

Currently, 19 U.S. states, including Washington, issue driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status.

A recent investigation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revealed major failures in California, Washington, and New Mexico when it comes to enforcing ELP violations and placing drivers out of service.

In Washington, although the state has formally adopted the ELP rule, enforcement has been lax. Between June 25 and August 21, 2025, inspectors carried out more than 6,000 roadside checks that identified at least one violation, but only four resulted in a driver being taken out of service for failing to meet English standards.

In two additional cases, citations were issued but the drivers were allowed to continue driving — a move that runs counter to federal requirements. Even more concerning, at least four drivers who had already been placed out of service in other states for ELP violations were stopped in Washington, yet those sanctions were not recognized. According to the DOT, this undermines national safety standards and shows that drivers who should have been barred from the road were able to continue operating.

New Mexico showed similar shortcomings. From late June through late August 2025, no drivers were placed out of service for ELP violations, and at least seven unqualified drivers were allowed to remain on the road despite failing to meet English standards, putting other motorists at risk.

California openly defiant

The California Highway Patrol has gone further, publicly declaring that it does not intend to enforce the federal regulation. This position has escalated the standoff between the state and federal authorities.

The dispute underscores the deepening tensions between federal and state governments over trucking regulation, highway safety, and immigration policy.

Suspect Released After Fatal Crash on Highway 20 Near Saint-Hyacinthe

By

sophie

-

Aug 27, 2025

0

Black-and-white image of a police car with flashing emergency lights, overlaid with bold red and white headline text: “Fatal crash - hit-and-run: Truck driver from Ontario remains unidentified,” published by TruckStopCanada.com.

A truck driver was briefly detained by police in Laurier-Station, in Quebec, just hours after Tuesday morning’s fatal crash on Highway 20, but checks confirmed that he was not driving the vehicle involved.

The man was released without charges.

The accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. near kilometer 138, in the Saint-Hyacinthe area. A passenger car carrying four occupants violently struck the rear of a semi-trailer. One person was killed, while three other men suffered serious injuries. Authorities say their lives are not in danger.

The truck involved in the collision did not stop after the impact, prompting investigators to treat the case as a fatal hit-and-run. Quebec provincial police (SQ) confirmed the vehicle was registered in Ontario. The actual driver remains unidentified.

Collision reconstruction specialists were dispatched to the scene to document evidence. The investigation has been handed over to the major crimes unit and the coroner’s office, which will determine the cause of death and review the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Police have not ruled out the possibility that the truck driver may or may not have realized the severity of the impact, but stressed that a collision of such magnitude is difficult to ignore. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have information is urged to contact the Sûreté du Québec.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has released the results of its annual International Roadcheck, conducted from May 13 to 15, 2025, across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

In just 72 hours, inspectors carried out 56,178 inspections of trucks, drivers, and cargo. While most were found to be in compliance, nearly one in five trucks had violations serious enough to be placed out of service.

This year’s campaign focused on tire safety and logbook falsification.

Read More :

A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives could redefine certain aspects of cross-border trucking between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Titled the Protecting America’s Roads Act, the proposal—introduced by Texas Representative Beth Van Duyne—seeks to codify recent Department of Transportation (DOT) rule changes governing how commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are issued and verified for foreign nationals.

Read More :

The Bloc Québécois held a press conference yesterday morning in the foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa to highlight abusive practices within the trucking industry.

At the initiative of MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval, the party unveiled ten proposals aimed at better protecting truck drivers, combating the “Driver Inc.” scheme, and restoring fair competition across the sector.

Ten concrete proposals

Mounting pressure on Ottawa

Read More :

In Alberta and across Canada, small trucking companies are sounding the alarm over rising insurance premiums that threaten their survival.

As a result, some carriers are already relocating operations to provinces with more flexible frameworks.

Read More :

A new bill before the U.S. Congress, the FAIR Trucking Act (H.R. 5268), seeks to rein in runaway jury awards in the trucking industry.

Introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa, the legislation would require that lawsuits involving more than $5 million in damages and parties from different states be heard in federal courts.

Read more :

In a significant development for the Canadian trucking industry, the Bloc Québécois has succeeded in forcing the federal government to take a closer look at the controversial practice known as “cheap labor trucking.”

At the center of the debate is the widespread phenomenon known as “Driver Inc.” or so-called “ghost drivers.” Under this model, truck drivers are encouraged—or pressured—to incorporate as independent contractors, even though they work as employees.

Read More :

The controversial “Driver Inc.” model, also known as “ghost drivers,” has now reached the federal stage with a formal request for a nationwide investigation.

Through its transport critic, Member of Parliament Xavier Barsalou-Duval, the Bloc Québécois is urging Ottawa to take decisive action against this practice, which undermines road safety, working conditions, and economic fairness in the trucking sector.

For years, unions, associations, and truck drivers have denounced this scheme, which pressures drivers to incorporate themselves and operate as independent contractors even though, in reality, they are employees.

Unfair Competition and Road Dangers

Rising Fatalities on Québec Roads

A Call for a Federal Inquiry

Restrictions on Temporary Foreign Workers

Longstanding Concerns from the Industry

A Test of Political Will

Read More :

Ontario-based carrier Verspeeten Cartage has taken delivery of the all-new Volvo VNL 300, reinforcing its 30-year relationship with Volvo Trucks North America.

Verspeeten Cartage, a third-generation family-owned company founded in 1953, continues to build its fleet exclusively with Volvo trucks.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a strong warning to three states — Washington, California, and New Mexico — that risk losing millions in federal funding if they fail to comply with English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial drivers in trucking.

The states have 30 days to take corrective action, or their funding under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) could be suspended.

Widespread enforcement gaps

California openly defiant

Read More :

A truck driver was briefly detained by police in Laurier-Station, in Quebec, just hours after Tuesday morning’s fatal crash on Highway 20, but checks confirmed that he was not driving the vehicle involved.

The man was released without charges.

Read More :

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