AMTA  E-News

May 2010

Interview with AMTA's Newly Elected President, Dean Paisley

Dean Paisley Takes Helm at AMTA; shares his thoughts on AMTA and his term as president
Dean Paisley has been named president of the Alberta Motor Transportation Association (AMTA) for the 2010-2011 term. The announcement was made following an election held in conjunction with the AMTA Management Conference in Banff (Apr. 30 – May 2).

Mr. Paisley is president of Lethbridge Truck Terminals (1989) Ltd., a Southern Alberta based diversified carrier with a freight handling and storage facility serving local, regional and international markets. Mr. Paisley got his start in the industry at the age of 21. He quickly found the industry and its people were a good match for him. His lifelong goal was to own a trucking company and his dream became a reality when he bought Lethbridge Truck Terminals in 1989.

AMTA News: You have an extensive background in the trucking industry, what can you tell us about your rise in the industry?
DP: The transportation business has always held my interest. I chose a career in the transportation industry because I was confident it was a secure industry within which to make a career — trucking is an essential service.

I have been employed in most sectors of the industry in one capacity or another. I got my first job in the trucking industry at the age of 21. I was hired by what is now a large international carrier and was with them while they grew from 25 power units to well over 100 during my time there. When you are in operations, sales and safety with a company that is growing at the rate they were growing one had to wear lots of hats. It was an excellent grounding for running a larger trucking company.

During that time the desire to own my own trucking business was still there — when Lethbridge Truck Terminals (1979) came up for sale in the spring of 1989 I moved on the opportunity right away.

AMTA News: We know you are a champion of Alberta’s trucking industry, why are you such a strong supporter of AMTA?
DP: Alberta fleets need to be well represented at all levels of government. The influence governments exert on us requires a buffer between our members and the bureaucrats and politicians who regulate the industry and that buffer is the AMTA.

AMTA News: Tell us about the goal you have set for yourself as the new president of AMTA. What do you hope to accomplish during your term of office?
DP: My goal is to grow our membership. AMTA offers fleets a wide variety of services that will strengthen individual fleets and the operating environment. I would also like to see AMTA promote the continuance of truck driver apprenticeship through our college system.

AMTA News: Tell us about the mood of the membership at the recent AMTA Management Conference.
DP: There are indicators that the Alberta economy is starting to rebound and carriers are in a more optimistic mood. AMTA’s popular Draw Down Dinners, held in both Calgary and Edmonton, saw a significant jump in participation from the previous year. And, the number of attendees at this year’s Management Conference in Banff increased from last year. Judging by the mood on the conference floor, members are positive about the future – for the short term at least.

AMTA News: How are the current economic conditions affecting AMTA membership?
DP: AMTA continues to put points on the board for Alberta’s transportation industry and those efforts are paying off. The association has witnessed an uptake in the utilization of its courses and other health and safety offerings. The number of fleets that attain Partners in Compliance (PIC) designation, the mark of fleet excellence, is climbing.
The real proof can be seen in the ever-expanding ranks of carriers who participate in the Regulatory Affairs Partnership (RAP). These are the carriers who voluntarily financially underwrite the costs of AMTA’s lobby efforts. Again, here we’ve seen a healthy increase in the number of carriers who are on board – in spite of tougher economic conditions! This is a clear reflection of AMTA’s effectiveness and recognition of the vitally important work AMTA does with all three levels of government.

AMTA News: You’ve spoken favourably about a recent announcement from the three western provinces that you say bodes well for the industry, tell us about that.
DP: The governments in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan recently announced their intent to harmonize regulations in an effort to reduce costly, time consuming red tape. This is good news for Alberta as this will help free trade flourish between the three regions and is a sign there is confidence in the western economies.

AMTA News: Did AMTA have a role to play in bringing this about?
DP: AMTA and the other provincial trucking associations worked behind the scenes and were instrumental in bringing this development to fruition. This announcement was a clear and solid example of the important role associations play in improving the operating climate for carriers.

AMTA News: Alberta’s innovative injury reduction and fleet safety programs are getting noticed outside of the province, tell us about this.
DP: AMTA has firmly embraced the principle of advocating a culture of safety among the province’s transportation community.
Our Injury Reduction and Training programs continue to lead the country, as Alberta’s injury statistics show steady improvement. Our Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Department continues to see success with lobbying and consulting, not only within Alberta but also at the CTA level.
The Partners in Compliance (PIC) program is being eyed by other jurisdictions with a view to it being adopted in other parts of the country. This would be a solid benefit to PIC carriers in getting even greater national recognition for their exemplary commitment to safe and compliant operations.

AMTA News: You’ve mentioned before how valuable Associate Trade members are to the overall success of AMTA, why is that?
The contribution suppliers make to the vibrancy of AMTA is immeasurable. They have a strong commitment to the health of Alberta’s transportation industry and demonstrate that commitment through their support of AMTA events and activities.

AMTA News: What would you say to a company owner who wants to know the value of active participation in AMTA?
DP: AMTA membership provides a valuable platform for sharing information, being part of an organization that advocates for the greater good of the industry at large and, finally, networking with peers without barriers caused by fleet size. The information AMTA provides helps operators stay abreast of the most pressing issues facing our industry and that information helps me make decisions that affect my company’s bottom line.

AMTA News: Do you have any closing comments to the industry?
DP: Only that I look forward to serving my term as president and to working with my fellow members, associate trades and stakeholders. I especially look forward to supporting the AMTA staff who have a well earned reputation for the excellent work they do.