Quebec Trucking Association Raises Alarm on Road Safety, Denounces Illegal Drivers

Following a series of serious accidents involving heavy vehicle drivers operating illegally, the Quebec Trucking Association (ACQ) is speaking out. Its board of directors has issued an open letter stressing the urgency of action while warning against protest movements calling for disruptive “shock operations.”
A tense climate in the industry
The rise in major incidents linked to drivers operating outside safety standards has heightened concerns within the sector. According to the ACQ, “the seriousness of the situation no longer needs to be demonstrated by further tragedies.” However, the association cautions that road blockades or slowdowns — demanded by some protesting truckers — would be “counterproductive, short-lived, and ineffective” in addressing the core issues.
A clear target: illegal drivers
The ACQ says it fully supports the demands of truckers angered by the presence of illegal drivers, the employers who allow them on the road, and the shippers who turn a blind eye to unsafe conditions.
In its letter, the association draws a direct connection to the so-called “Driver Inc.” model, where drivers incorporate themselves to bypass tax, labor, and safety obligations. “For the past year, we have been warning about the unacceptable risks this model poses in terms of safety,” the ACQ notes.
Collaboration with authorities
The organization says it is working closely with both provincial and federal governments to advance the file, not only on economic and social aspects but also on safety. It is calling for stricter regulations and stronger enforcement mechanisms to keep non-compliant drivers off the road.
An industry seeking credibility
By taking a public stand, the ACQ hopes to calm tensions within its membership while shifting pressure toward policymakers. For the association, the solution lies in coordinated, long-term action rather than disruptive protests.