Trucking groups call for updated NAFTA

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OTTAWA, ON – Three of North America’s largest trucking associations – the Canadian Trucking Alliance, American Trucking Associations, and Mexico’s CANACAR – have come to the defence of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

In a joint statement released today, the groups urged negotiators to “update the trade agreement in a manner that continues to benefit trade.”

Motor carrier haul the vast majority of trade by value across international borders, supporting the supply chain for everything from cars to agriculture and pharmaceuticals, the statement notes.  

“NAFTA truck-transported trade supports tens of thousands of trucking industry jobs across the continent and generates billions in revenue annually. Trucking jobs created from North American trade are good-paying jobs, from our professional commercial drivers, to dispatchers, sales personnel, managers, and many others,” it reads. “In fact, our industry demonstrates how trade creates good, solid long-term jobs across the continent. The ripple effects are significant, too. In order to haul all the trade across our borders, our industries have to buy a significant amount of goods and services, from equipment to fuel to tires to insurance. This, in turn, supports many jobs. Not only do we haul this cross-border freight efficiently, we do it safely – regardless of the carrier’s country of origin.”

The groups ask government negotiators to update NAFTA to keep North America competitive in an international context, improving the efficiency of international crossings.

“We look forward to working with our governments to achieve a better NAFTA,” the groups conclude.

Read the complete statement here.

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John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.


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