LANGHAM — The Saskatchewan Trucking Association used an event at the Langham Weigh Station on Thursday to highlight the trucking industry’s role in road safety, secure transportation and anti-human trafficking efforts.
Executive director Susan Ewart, joined by staff and volunteers handing out burgers to passing truck drivers on May 21, said the industry continues to push for safer roads and stronger public awareness around human trafficking and fraudulent activity.
Ewart said trucking companies are responsible for securing permits through agencies such as the Ministry of Highways, SGI, or municipalities and rural municipalities where cargo will travel, especially when oversized loads are involved.
“They [trucking companies] need to make sure that they've got the applicable permits to move in those areas. It depends on the size, like if you are moving a big piece of equipment for mining, you need to make sure of the routes you can go through and if the infrastructure can support it,” said Ewart.
She added that permits vary depending on the type of cargo and municipality, and that route planning is a major factor in determining whether infrastructure can safely support oversized or overweight loads.
Ewart said the association is also advocating for a more efficient permitting system so carriers can avoid navigating multiple agencies and jurisdictions separately.
Transporting oversized loads in Saskatchewan requires extensive planning and co-ordination among several agencies and municipalities to ensure public safety and protect infrastructure. The issue has received increased attention following several recent incidents in Saskatoon involving trucks striking overpasses.
She noted that experienced carriers working in the oversized-load sector are familiar with permit requirements and understand how to safely co-ordinate large industrial moves throughout Saskatchewan.
In addition to permitting issues, Ewart emphasized the importance of driver training and regulatory compliance within the industry.
The Saskatchewan Trucking Association continues to provide customized on-site courses for carriers covering cargo securement, hours-of-service regulations and other transportation safety requirements.
Ewart encouraged trucking companies and association members to access additional tools and educational resources through the organization’s website and staff support.
She also highlighted the trucking industry’s role in combating human trafficking, noting that truck drivers travel through nearly every highway, city, town and rural community in Saskatchewan, putting them in a position to recognize suspicious activity.
The Saskatchewan Trucking Association has partnered with Crime Stoppers Saskatchewan on a province-wide awareness campaign focused on human trafficking and fraudulent activity in the trucking sector.
The campaign features “See Something, Say Something” decals placed on commercial trailers across Saskatchewan.
The decals encourage drivers and members of the public to anonymously report suspicious behaviour or signs of distress through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers. Ewart said truck drivers are often among the first to notice unusual situations because of the amount of time they spend on the road.
She said signs such as distress, aggressive interactions or suspicious circumstances should be reported, even if people are uncertain about exactly what they witnessed.
Ewart also encouraged carriers and transportation workers to complete free online training programs.
She added that the trucking industry will continue reinforcing its commitment to safety, professionalism and accountability while supporting law enforcement efforts on Saskatchewan highways and within local communities.
