The trucking industry, responsible for moving 80% of goods in Canada, is already navigating higher equipment, fuel, and maintenance costs. Now, the introduction of potential U.S. tariffs could further disrupt Saskatchewan’s key sectors, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and retail, leading to:
- Lower freight volumes as export demand declines.
- Increased operating costs for fleets due to tariffs on truck parts, fuel, and imported goods.
- Cross-border delays with additional paperwork and compliance requirements.
- Competitive pressures on small carriers, who may struggle to absorb higher costs.
“Our industry continues to push forward despite the mounting challenges placed upon us,” said Rob Ruiters, STA Board Chair. “Ethical, reliable transportation is vital to our economic sustainability. Any interruptions to our cooperative and seamless cross-border transportation, which U.S. tariffs would most definitely cause, would further add disruptions to an already challenged industry—some may not be able to survive.”