s we all know, it was The Beatles who sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends,” and as we are all well aware in the commercial transportation industry – particularly throughout COVID-19 – it is the partnerships and relationships we form that help bring us strength and success.

Take for example, the Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC). AZETEC is a collaboration of 12 stakeholders within the energy, technology and transportation sectors that see significant opportunity in partnering to develop hydrogen as a low-carbon, low- cost transportation fuel that can drive substantial economic, environmental, and other societal benefits for their industries and for Alberta.

The project involves the design and manufacture of two heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks that will transport freight between Edmonton and Calgary (thanks to partners Bison Transport and Trimac Transportation). 

Another example of the importance of collaboration is the current COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve mentioned in previous columns the importance of how industry has banded together throughout these unprecedented times. We saw fleets stepping up to help one another, we saw leaders and the public stepping up to shine a spotlight on drivers’ efforts and we saw ‘mom and pop’ businesses open their kitchens to ensure drivers had hot home-cooked meals.

I salute the AMTA staff – and staff from businesses across our industry – for the ease with adopting to working in offices, with COVID-restrictions, or from home and still allowing things to run smoothly while maintaining engagement with membership. Another important collaboration has been with groups like the Canadian Mental Health Association and our continued relationship with Trucking HR Canada. These are unprecedented times and addressing the mental health of ourselves and the people we work with will be paramount in overcoming the obstacles COVID has set before us.

When you stop and think about it, even though transportation is a unique industry, every other industry is dependent on commercial transportation for their success. The rapid application of new technology and disruption in industry is advancing quickly. The need for all industries to keep pace with new technology advancements will require collaborative use of data and digitization to develop integrated solutions – ensuring the safety, efficiency and sustainability of a strong resilient supply chain for all stakeholders. I like to imagine a future where various collaborations take place in one conveniently shared space where quality solutions that would not be achieved otherwise become a possibility.

We are stronger together, and we get by with a little help from you all.