Movers' Edge, January, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The directors and staff of the Canadian Association of Movers wish members a happy, successful and prosperous new year. Your Association had a busy and successful year in 2006:

• Membership grew by 14% in 2006.
• The Association referred over 1,000 moves to members and dealt with 250 complaints.
• The Certified Canadian Mover Program provided members with a useful tool for validating their reputation with consumers.
• We hosted our 2006 annual conference, with attendees stating that the presenters were the best ever.
• The Association expanded its media presence through national press releases and appearances on radio and television and in newspapers.

THE CANADIAN MOVER

By now you should have your copy of the latest issue of The Canadian Mover.

The Association is looking for articles for future issues. Anyone wishing to provide one can submit a proposal to CAM’s national office for review by the board of directors.

NEW HOURS-OF-SERVICE REGULATIONS

Members are reminded that the new hours-of-service regulations came into effect on January 1, 2007. While the regulations were made by the federal government, all provinces have agreed to enforce them. The regulations can be seen in full in the Canada Gazette on the web, at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2005/20051116/html/sor313-e.html.

The new regulations can significantly change the manner in which your drivers operate. A few highlights that you should be aware of are:

• The regulations apply to commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg.
• The regulations are based on a 24-hour work and rest cycle.
• “Day” is defined as “a 24-hour period that begins at the hour designated by a motor carrier and is maintained for the duration of the cycle.” Start time of the day can only be changed after a cycle reset of 36 or 72 hours.
• 10 hours off-duty time must be taken daily.
• No driver shall drive after accumulating:
  1. 13 hours of driving time
  2. 14 hours of on-duty time
• New work shift starts when a driver reports for duty, after having taken at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty.
• Within the work shift, no driver shall drive after accumulating:
  1. 13 hours of driving time
  2. 14 hours of on-duty time
  3. 16 hours of elapsed time
• When any of these limits are reached, the driver must take a minimum of 8 consecutive hours off-duty before starting to drive again.

ONTARIO’S HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT

Members should be aware that carriage of household goods is no longer regulated by the Truck Transportation Act.

The Highway Traffic Act now regulates the carriage of household goods and lays out the Uniform Conditions of Carriage – Household Goods under Schedule 3. There are minor changes to the information, but if you are planning to print new bills of lading, you should consider updating the conditions of carriage on the back and ensuring that you have the correct required information on the front. See www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Versions/Regs/English/050643_eV001.htm.

Other provinces’ Uniform Conditions of Carriage – Household Goods will be posted to CAM’s website later this month.

CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL MOVERS COURSE

CAM’s Canadian Professional Movers course is the ideal way to familiarize new sales staff with the moving industry and a great refresher for long-time employers. It’s available only online and helps to improve computer skills. You can view information about the course and register your staff online in the Education section.

CAM’S WEBSITE ACTIVITY

CAM’s website is increasingly becoming a resource for consumers. In 2006, there were 142,000 visits from 52,000 visitors versus 118,000 in 2005. The site helps consumers to find CAM members, Canada’s reputable, professional movers.