Sask. Trucking Association alarmed by duct-taped semi

The Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) is expressing concern after a damaged semi-truck was pulled over by Corman Park police on Sunday, who claimed it was covered in duct tape.

The STA says having a vehicle like that on the road runs counter to STA’s advocacy for safety on the highways.

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“It’s concerning to us and probably most of the general public as well,” said Thomas Archer, a leadership, education and development specialist with the STA.

The vehicle had been travelling on Highway 11 when it was spotted by an off-duty RCMP officer who reported it, prompting multiple citations from police.

In a Facebook post, Corman Park police said the semi’s driver and passenger side windows were broken and covered in tape, as was its driver-side mirror. The post also claimed that the truck’s damaged windshield was obstructing the driver’s view.

Archer said he didn’t know all the details of this case, but said such a vehicle normally wouldn’t be considered roadworthy per a pre-trip inspection.

“If they got stopped at a weigh scale and got inspected, they would be put out of service. So most employers and most owner operators typically would look at their vehicle and say, ‘Can I even take this out on the road? Am I being compliant?’ And in that particular case, that one wouldn’t be compliant,” he told CJME on Tuesday afternoon.

Archer said the association represents Saskatchewan’s for-hire carriers — also known as those in commercial trucking.

He added that the industry is typically one of the most regulated industries on the road as drivers are required to meet strict standards of training, medical fitness, and hours of service, while vehicles are subject to regular inspection, mandatory maintenance programs and roadside enforcement.

“Safety isn’t just one singular organization like us; it’s a shared system. Typically, provincial and federal regulators, some law enforcement, insurance and then the industry itself kind of takes a role within safety,” he said.

Archer said STA hears from its members that they want to see even more safety enforcement.

“A good company typically wants to ensure that the bad companies aren’t operating … it’s bad for their overall business, too,” he said.

“If you had a truck that’s breaking down constantly or is not compliant or being pulled out of service, that affects the work you do with your clients. None of our companies would advocate for a non-roadworthy truck, so they definitely want to make sure that the industry is looking good.”

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