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Jun 22, 2005 7:13 AM

The capacity squeeze experienced in the Canadian trucking industry over the last couple of years is expected to persist, which will ensure continued upward pressure on driver wages and freight rates, said David Bradley, Canadian Trucking Alliance chief executive officer.

He made the comments at the annual meeting of the Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors June 9.

He also said that the major costs for Canadian carriers will continue to increase, including the costs of complying with new US security measures, such as credentialing hazmat drivers and the new automated customs environment.

"There has been an economic slowdown in activity recently, probably reflecting the lag effect of a higher Canadian dollar, but even a somewhat slower economy will not significantly alter the capacity situation in trucking -- the driver shortage is only going to get worse, demographics are looking after that,” Bradley said.