R.R. Plett Trucking at the CITT Vancouver Logistics Briefing Conference
Dear Customer
Leadership, Insight & Industry Collaboration
R.R. Plett Trucking was proud to participate in the recent CITT Vancouver Logistics Briefing Conference, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of Canadian transportation, trade, compliance, and sustainability.
Our COO, Trevor Plett, joined the discussion panel and shared practical insights from a carrier’s perspective on some of the most pressing issues facing the trucking and logistics sector today.
Below are key highlights from Trevor’s contributions.
1. Impacts from South of the Border & Canada’s Response
From a Canadian carrier perspective, uncertainty south of the border has reinforced the importance of strong domestic supply chains. Shippers are re-evaluating risk and placing greater emphasis on Canadian-based transportation partners.
Tariffs and trade friction have created pricing pressures and volume shifts. At the same time, they have accelerated near-shoring and regional distribution within Canada.
One positive outcome has been renewed discussion around reducing inter-provincial trade and trucking barriers. Any reduction in red tape directly improves efficiency and lowers costs across the supply chain.
For R.R. Plett Trucking, this environment has encouraged greater investment in Canadian assets, people, and infrastructure rather than pulling back.
The overall takeaway: Canada has a real opportunity to strengthen internal trade resilience and the trucking industry plays a critical role in making that work.
2. Misclassified Drivers & Government Response
Misclassification hurts everyone. It creates unfair competition, undermines safety standards, and places responsible carriers at a disadvantage.
The industry is responding by investing more in compliance, proper employment structures, and transparent business practices.
Governments are becoming increasingly aware that enforcement must be consistent and practical not merely punitive.
Long-term solutions require education and alignment, making it easier for carriers to operate properly while maintaining a level playing field.
Professionalism in trucking depends on fair classification, proper training, and accountability.
3. Sustainability & Reducing Carbon Emissions
Sustainability is not a single initiative it is a portfolio of actions.
At the carrier level, progress comes from fleet modernization, alternative fuels, electric vehicles where they make operational sense, and improved efficiency.
Electric trucks, for example, are well suited for local drayage and predictable urban routes. However, they are not yet a universal solution.
True progress requires collaboration between carriers, shippers, and government to ensure adoption is practical and economically viable.
Sustainability must be operationally realistic otherwise, it will not scale.
4. Advice to Shippers Supporting Sustainable Trucking
The most important factor is partnership, not pressure.
Sustainable trucking requires longer planning horizons, stable volumes, and rate structures that reflect the real cost of cleaner equipment.
Shippers can support sustainability by investing in enabling technology telematics, route optimization, and safety systems that reduce emissions and improve reliability.
Flexibility also matters. Realistic delivery windows and efficient loading practices reduce idling, congestion, and wasted fuel.
When shippers treat carriers as long-term partners, sustainability and competitiveness reinforce one another.
5. The Top Three Investments for the Next Decade
Trevor Plett closed the discussion by identifying three priority investment areas for the future:
1. Technology & Data
Telematics, visibility tools, and AI-driven planning to improve utilization, safety, and operational decision-making.
2. People & Safety
Training, retention, and safety systems — because the future of the industry depends on professional drivers and technicians.
3. Fleet & Energy Transition
Gradual investment in cleaner equipment electric, alternative fuels, and more efficient diesel matched to the right applications.
The carriers who succeed will balance innovation with discipline and invest steadily rather than chasing trends.
Mark Your Calendar – Upcoming Events
R.R. Plett Trucking is proud to continue supporting and sponsoring key industry events:
📍 CIFFA Western Spring Thaw
March 11 | 6:00–8:00 PM
The Pinnacle Hotel, Vancouver
📍 CITT Calgary Conference
June 2, 2026
📍 CIFFA Conference
October 20–21 | Toronto
We look forward to connecting with industry partners and continuing the dialogue on innovation, sustainability, and the future of Canadian logistics.
Contact us today to explore how container-based logistics can benefit your bottom line.