Manitoba farmers will be given a one year leeway from the province's new training regulations for Class 1 commercial truck drivers.
Keystone Agricultural Producers President, Bill Campbell, says the organization acknowledges the province's plan to consult with the industry, noting semi use in agriculture comes with some distinctive requirements. He explains most farmers travel short distances with semi-loads rather than cross-province or cross-country.
"Most of it is from field to farm and then from farm to terminals or elevators, so they are shorter distances which maybe don't require some of the things that are required for commercial drivers," added Campbell.
He says he looks forward to developing training requirements that meet industry needs.
"We need to realize that commercial truckers are utilizing this as a livelihood and there are a lot of different scenarios or circumstances with regards to mountains and other situations," said Campbell. "Hopefully we can bring about something that is utilized for agriculture that is safe for the public as well."
He stressed however, that farmers are concerned about safety both on and off the farm.
Source : Steinbachonline