Close X
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
ADVT 
National

Truckers scramble for new routes as tariffs bring shipments to a halt

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 06 Mar, 2025 11:06 AM
  • Truckers scramble for new routes as tariffs bring shipments to a halt

Trucking companies are halting shipments, mulling layoffs and scrambling for new routes as tariffs wreak havoc on cross-border trade.

The lead-up to U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports as well as retaliatory duties from Canada that took effect Tuesday prompted a surge in deliveries over the past two months as shippers raced to beat the deadline.

Eassons Transport Group CEO Trevor Bent says his trucking company is already facing a big lull in shipments for everything from seafood to potatoes, with many orders on pause.

The Nova Scotia-based outfit, which draws nearly 20 per cent of its sales from U.S. distributors and retailers, says layoffs are likely if business continues to stall.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance says customers have been cancelling orders, and many fleets surveyed in Ontario by the industry group reported recent or imminent job cuts.

Statistics Canada says shipments by road accounted for 52 per cent of the country's import value in 2023, and 40 per cent of its exports, with that trade flow almost entirely to and from the U.S.

MORE National ARTICLES

Trump dismisses Canada's border efforts, accuses Trudeau of power grab

Trump dismisses Canada's border efforts, accuses Trudeau of power grab
In a post on Truth Social, Trump also says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could not tell him in a phone conversation today when Canada's election will happen — and falsely accused Trudeau of trying to use tariffs to stay in power.

Trump dismisses Canada's border efforts, accuses Trudeau of power grab

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump spoke by phone

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump spoke by phone
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone this afternoon about trade and fentanyl. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister's Office confirms the call took place.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump spoke by phone

Trump, tariffs overtake inflation as top concern for Canadians in new poll

Trump, tariffs overtake inflation as top concern for Canadians in new poll
A new poll suggests the trade war with the United States is now the biggest source of political concern for Canadians, knocking inflation out of the top spot. Leger says 28 per cent of Canadians believe dealing with President Donald Trump's tariffs and U.S. aggression is the most important challenge facing Canada today.

Trump, tariffs overtake inflation as top concern for Canadians in new poll

What people have to say about B.C.'s budget as the U.S. applies tariffs

What people have to say about B.C.'s budget as the U.S. applies tariffs
The British Columbia government released a budget Tuesday with Finance Minister Brenda Bailey saying it defends the province from an unfolding North American trade war triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. Here's what people are saying about the B.C. government's budget: 

What people have to say about B.C.'s budget as the U.S. applies tariffs

Head-on crash injures child, two adults near Parksville

Head-on crash injures child, two adults near Parksville
Police say it was "miraculous" that no one was killed in a head-on collision that destroyed two vehicles near Parksville, B.C. A statement from B.C. Highway Patrol says three people, including a child, were taken to hospital after the crash Monday on Highway 19.

Head-on crash injures child, two adults near Parksville

B.C. finance minister to speak to business group a day after budget amid tariffs

B.C. finance minister to speak to business group a day after budget amid tariffs
Brenda Bailey is expected to speak today at an event hosted by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, her first public appearance after tabling the budget on the same day U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent on Canadian goods.

B.C. finance minister to speak to business group a day after budget amid tariffs