Starting Dispatcher Training Soon? Here Are Some Transportation Industry Trends for 2020 You Should Know
The transportation industry is one of the largest industries in the nation, playing a centre role in the sustainability of our modern world.
As a dispatcher, you would oversee the coordination of the transportation industry. This important job involves ensuring that shipments are loaded, delivered, and unloaded on time, and that every other person in the industry is in the place they should be.
To get a better grasp of what the transportation industry looks like today, you should be aware of the latest trends and developments in the sector. Read on for a look at some of the factors influencing the transportation industry in 2020.
The MELT Program Ensures All Drivers Are Properly Trained
In 2020, one of the most significant trends in Canada’s transportation industry is the continued implementation of the Mandatory Entry-Level Training Program, also referred to as MELT. Since 2017, the federal government has taken steps to develop and begin to implement this program to help make the transportation industry safer. Training is now mandatory in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, with the remaining provinces soon to follow.
In Ontario, the implementation of the MELT program began in July of 2017. Now, prospective drivers who want to obtain a Class A commercial truck driver’s license are required to undergo at least 103.5 hours of training before taking a road test. This instruction will give professionals the knowledge and skills necessary to drive large vehicles safely and effectively.
Electronic Logging Devices Will Make Careers in the Auto Industry Safer
The Canadian federal transport minister has ordered that electronic logging devices, or ELDs, are to be mandatory on all commercial driving vehicles by June 21st of 2021. These devices will replace paper-based logbooks, tracking when and for how long drivers of commercial vehicles are behind the wheel. ELDs were first suggested back in 2017, and those with careers in the auto industry can expect to see them installed in an increasing amount of trucks through 2020.
ELDs improve safety by reducing the potential for driver fatigue, and helping drivers and employers comply with regulations. The benefit of these devices is that they’re tamper-resistant and directly synced with the vehicle’s engine. According to Transport Canada, 20% of all fatal collisions involve driver fatigue, and these ELDs could help lower that number.
Labour Shortages in the Transportation Industry
One of the central issues of the transportation industry that is set to continue to trouble employers throughout 2020 is substantial labour shortages. Each year, less and less young professionals seek to enter the sector. This has resulted in a vast need for drivers, dispatchers, and other professionals.
In 2019, the industry saw a job vacancy rate of 6.8%. This is the second highest vacancy rate among all Canadian industries, and more than double the national average of 3.3%. Researchers project that by 2023, truck driver vacancies will surpass 25,000 unfilled positions.
Shortages in combination with an aging working population and higher demand is creating a crisis. This puts professionals with dispatcher training at a great advantage. You can enter a field with many employment opportunities and great potential for career advancement. Additionally, companies are encouraging people to enter the workforce through enticements such as comprehensive training programs and an employee-first company culture.
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