Ghost drivers in the Canadian trucking industry: An unseen crisis
In the dead of night, as highways stretch into the horizon, an unseen crisis lurks within the trucking industry. Ghost drivers — unlicensed, untrained, and often undocumented individuals — are taking the wheel, posing a grave threat to road safety and the integrity of the Canadian transport sector. This hidden epidemic not only endangers lives but also undermines the trust in an industry that is the backbone of our economy.
Where do these ghost drivers come from? In an industry where deadlines are stringent and profit margins thin, the pressure to keep trucks moving can lead to compromised hiring practices. Carriers may be tempted to overlook proper vetting processes, allowing unqualified or undocumented drivers to slip through the cracks. While tempting, here’s why carriers can’t give into that temptation.
Myriads of risks
Ghost drivers pose a myriad of risks, both to themselves and the public. Without proper licenses, vetting, or training, these drivers may not be fully equipped to manage the demands of operating large and complex vehicles. This increases the likelihood of accidents and endangers the lives of other road users. Because they’re not legitimately licensed or qualified, ghost drivers are often not covered by the company's insurance policies. This means that in the event of an accident, the company and other victims may struggle to receive compensation.
Regulations and road safety
From a regulatory standpoint, ghost drivers undermine efforts to keep safety and accountability in the trucking industry – a primary task motor carriers carry on their shoulders. Federal and provincial agencies impose strict regulations on commercial driving to ensure that only qualified individuals are behind the wheel. Taking shortcuts during hiring and putting a ghost driver behind the wheel circumvents these regulations, making it difficult for authorities to track and enforce compliance. This not only jeopardizes road safety but also erodes trust in the trucking industry.
The discovery of ghost drivers within a company's ranks will lead to increased scrutiny from regulators, resulting in more frequent inspections and audits — and even possibly being put out of service This added pressure can strain resources and disrupt operations, compounding the initial problem.
Avoiding shortcuts
As noted above, it can be tempting to cut corners when it comes to hiring in tough times. But it is never an approach that should be entertained. Carriers must strengthen hiring and vetting processes, not loosen them. They must also ensure they’re always conducting thorough background checks, verifying the authenticity of driver’s licenses, and ensuring that all drivers meet the necessary qualifications.
Attracting good drivers to a carrier can be difficult. But a way carriers can improve here is to offer competitive wages, benefits, and career development opportunities. They can also offer enhanced training programs and support systems to help ensure that all drivers are adequately prepared for the demands of the job.
Initiative-taking measures, don’t compromise
The economic climate is difficult for many carriers today and many are looking to cut costs and operational expenses. The driver hiring and qualification process isn’t one that should be compromised for any reason, especially if it can put a potentially unsafe and unqualified driver on the road.
Key to remember: By adopting comprehensive and proactive measures, carriers and the industry can address this hidden threat and ensure a safer, more accountable future for all.
