OUTLOOK 2023

Issues, Actions and Initiatives 2022 and Outlook 2023.

The primary role of the Freight Management Association of Canada (FMA) is government relations on behalf of the buyers of freight transportation. FMA has contact with all levels of government in Canada, various agencies of the U.S. government and with United Nations agencies and other international bodies. Current issues in 2022 that FMA has been following are shown below, along with anticipated issues in 2023.

Issues 2022

All Modes

  • COVID-19 Supply Chain Impacts

Air Cargo

  • E-Commerce – eliminating paper documentation
  • Carbon reduction initiatives

Marine Freight

  • Future of Shipping Alliances – Legal cartels Shipping Conferences Exemption Act (SCEA)
  • Container Decontamination – Control of invasive species
  • Trans-Pacific Capacity, Rates changes, container shortages for exports

Rail Freight

  • CT Agency use of new “own motion” investigative power
  • Service Issues: on-time performance, car supply
  • Ancillary charge tariffs – rail detention charges, fuel surcharges
  • Review extended inter-switching limits
  • Labour agreements expiring in 2022

Road Freight

  • Hours-of-Service Regulations – Drivers
  • Driver shortage
  • Harmonization of truck size & weight regulations across provinces
  • Introduction of Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations

Extending FMA Outreach

  • Enhanced communications with Labour Canada on transportation labour agreements
  • Enhanced communications with Competition Bureau on container ocean service
  • Maintained continuing communications with Transport Canada on policy issues
  • Maintained continuing communications with Canadian Transportation Agency on regulations
  • Global Shippers Forum – FMA is a Canadian member
  • National Industrial Transportation League U.S. – FMA & NITL have reciprocal memberships
  • Coalition of Rail Shippers – FMA Chairs – A broad coalition focusing on rail freight issues

Outlook 2023

Each year, issues arise that are unexpected, but as we approach 2023, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting disruptions to global supply chains, we can expect it will continue to have some impact on supply chains in the coming year. FMA is aware of matters outlined below that will have an impact on shippers in 2023 and beyond. FMA will be pursuing these with the appropriate Canadian or international authorities, communicating these to the membership, and obtaining member input and feedback to place before the appropriate authorities.

Marine Freight

  • Repeal & replace the Shipping Conferences Exemption Act
  • Advocate for changes in Canadian competition law related to shipping alliances
  • Work with GSF and Canadian authorities on invasive species control related to ocean containers

Rail Freight

  • extension of inter-switching limits
  • ancillary charges, particularly detention, demurrage, and fuel surcharges
  • service quality, car supply, on-time delivery & pick-up of cars
  • container terminal congestion

Road Freight

  • Driver shortages & improvements in immigration policy to bring in more drivers
  • Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) commencement of enforcement of regulations
  • Harmonization of truck size & weight issues, dialogue with Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA).

November 29, 2021