Author: Sam Gill

MELT truck driver training standards are only minimums and gaps remain

The original intent of Ontario’s mandatory entry-level training (MELT) was to establish a minimum amount of training and expected level of competency before someone could be licenced to drive a truck.

It was an effort to rid the province of licence mills, which were “schools” that produced drivers who were only trained to pass the Ontario Ministry of Transportation driving test. They tried every trick in the book, including taking the test in pickup trucks and horse trailers, as well as trucks with automated or automatic transmissions. To ensure candidates knew what to expect on the test, it was standard practice to train them on the route that examiners used for the actual road test.

Despite this, the failure rate was high, almost ensuring that clients would return for remedial training. Of course, at an additional cost.

“MELT was an industry initiative that came about as a way of addressing licence mills, and as a way of ensuring that people looking for a Class A or Class 1 licence get meaningful, basic, minimal training,” says Techni-Com president Rolf VanderZwaag, a developer of training programs and one of the architects of MELT in Ontario.

The National Training Standard

Trucking HR Canada developed a national occupational standard that defined the job of a truck driver after months of consultations. Competencies drawn from that were incorporated into Ontario’s MELT framework.

After the Ontario government agreed to make the program mandatory for truck driving schools in the province, other jurisdictions followed suit, with some modifications along the way.

Then, Transportation Minister Marc Garneau announced in March 2020 that Canada would soon have a national entry-level training standard. It was adopted as National Safety Code Standard No. 16.

“The original Ontario document is NSC Standard 16,” Vander Zwaag says. “It’s the same curriculum standard document that several provinces refer to, but it doesn’t always correspond with the curriculum that schools teach.”

While the standard requires 103.5 hours of training, other provinces have different requirements. Saskatchewan and Alberta both require a minimum of 121.5 hours. Ontario requires 103.5 hours, while British Columbia requires 140. Some of the training in the latter province includes mountain driving and tire chains, neither of which are directly applicable in Ontario or Manitoba but they would be useful skills to have if students ever had to drive in British Columbia.

Spotty Enforcement of Schools

Certain conditions were built into the original MELT framework that training schools had to meet. These included using qualified instructors and keeping records of those qualifications, teaching students with loaded trailers, keeping records of the training students received, and filing student evaluation forms with the various Ministries before allowing the student to schedule a road test.

It should come as no surprise that some schools break the rules and rely on spotty or non-existent enforcement of the regulations.

“When it comes to oversight, you can impose any number of measures. You can tell the schools to do this or that, but if no one is policing it… “You know, as well as I do, what you enforce is more important than what the law says,” Vander Zwaag says.

Lack enforcement can result in lacks adherence to the rules.

Before scheduling a road test, instructors are supposed to fill out evaluation forms that reflect a student’s skill at performing certain tasks.

“They’ve attached 13 skill evaluations and three written evaluations to the program here in British Columbia,” says Andy Roberts, president of the Mountain Transport Institute in Castlegar. “You must obtain 80% on the written evaluations, and you must pass the skills evaluations twice — two different times — in order to complete the MELT program. So it’s not just a matter of showing up and putting in a certain number of hours. It’s all about demonstrating competence.”

The problem with evaluating skills is that it is subjective.

“If you go from school to school, you won’t see the same bar set on those skill evaluations. “What I’ll pass, what you’ll pass, and what someone else will pass are all going to be different,” Roberts says.

It’s one thing to receive a piece of paper stating that you passed your evaluations. It’s another thing entirely to pass a driving test. As a result, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), which oversees licensing, is in a bind.

“ICBC is responsible for monitoring and checking up on the school,” Roberts says, noting that the high number of failed road tests contradicts the high number of glowing skill evaluations. “The ICBC now has its hands full trying to get enough people to go around and audit the schools to ensure they’re doing what they say they’re doing.”

Finishing the Driver Training Job

The other “issue” with MELT is the widespread belief that MELT graduates should be immediately employable and ready to work on Day 1. Some may be, but they are the exceptions. Entry-level training is exactly what it sounds like. If the student received adequate training, after passing the final exams, the student is simply ready to learn how to drive a truck.

This is where finishing programs and mentoring come into play.

Zavcor Training Academy, located near Fort Erie in Stevensville, Ont., has established finishing programs with several carriers in the Niagara region. And, according to school director Bill Lipsit, carriers should have certified in-cab instructors who do nothing but coach and train incoming candidates.

“Typically, we’ll start a ‘green’ driver with two or three days, sometimes more, just driving locally without a load to start fine-tuning what the driver learned in school,” he says. “After that, we’ll put the new driver on some of our simpler local deliveries for several weeks. At that point, the trainee’s pay is deducted from the load revenue, but you must accept that the green driver can only do about 60% of the typical workload because they are learning.”

When the new driver is deemed ready, he or she is dispatched on regular revenue loads alongside another driver in a separate truck who serves as a coach and mentor. After a few trips, the instructor re-joins the new driver for an evaluation and, if necessary, remedial training.

“Once they start running those loads, they are fully productive,” Lipsit says. “The only true cost of such a program is the instructor’s time and some lost productivity. It varies by student, but expect to pay between $10,000 and $20,000.”

Insuring New Drivers

You’ll almost certainly need the approval of your insurance company.

“Many insurance companies say flat-out no to hiring green drivers, but we’ve found that if you have a well-structured training plan and the commitment to follow it through,” Lipsit says. “Our entry-level training is just the beginning.”

All of this is presuming that an employer’s company has a proactive safety culture. Not everyone does.

Kris Fulgham of CayCan Safety Consulting in Alberta sees this in the results of carrier safety audits he conducts for businesses that use trucks to support operations other than the “trucking” industry. Such companies frequently take MELT at face value and assume that drivers are properly trained.

Take, for example, pre-trip inspections.

“You can tell which drivers have been well trained in how to do good pre-trip inspections in an audit,” he says. “Those who don’t have numerous roadside infractions for lighting, flat tires, and brake adjustments. When I ask what the company has done to train the driver, they usually say, ‘They came through MELT. The government gave its approval. They know exactly what they’re doing.’ Clearly, they do not.”

Is MELT worth saving?

MELT is not without flaws, but they are not always structural. The course prerequisites are just that: prerequisites. Many schools provide several levels of training beyond the basic MELT program. Some programs last six to eight weeks and include on-the-job training with a carrier, with tuition that can be double or triple that of MELT.

In some provinces, the fundamental problem with MELT is a lack of oversight, which allows some schools to essentially maintain the licensing-mill model that MELT was designed to prevent. As a result, we continue to see poorly trained drivers on the road, aided and abetted by shady insurance brokers who turn a blind eye to their clients’ shenanigans.

MELT makes the trucking industry a partner in driver training and development, sharing some of the cost of bringing entry-level talent up to professional calibre. Proactive carriers collaborate with the appropriate schools to ensure that graduates meet their minimum hiring standards.

Don’t hold your breath waiting for the right driver to come knocking. If you want high-quality entry-level drivers, you must play an active role in their development. MELT does not absolve you of this duty.

CTA: Add Anti-human-trafficking Lessons to Truck Driver Training

The Canadian Trucking Alliance is calling on regulators across Canada to expand entry-level truck driving training programs to include lessons on detecting and preventing human trafficking.

Staff has been directed to engage the Council of Ministers responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety and Organization on the issue.

“With the tens of thousands of truck drivers going through training each year to obtain their licenses, it’s perfect place to start having an immediate impact on the number of drivers who are trained to be vigilant and have that extra sets of eyes out on the road to help put an end to human trafficking,” senior vice president – Geoff Wood said in a press release.

Several online training options have already been tailored for truck drivers, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, the Alliance says, nothing that content covers how drivers can spot the signs of human trafficking, assist victims, and engage law enforcement.

Provincial Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney announced during a September event organized by the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, that Ontario has already committed to making such training a mandatory topic within its entry-level training.

The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada developed its program with $47,000 in provincial funding and support from the Trucking Human Resources Sector Council. Truckers against Trafficking, which has a separate training program for drivers, first expanded into Canada in 2019.

Ontario alone accounted for 1.6 human trafficking incidents per 100,000 residents in 2016, and 400 – Series highways have been described as hotbeds of trafficking.

Guide to Winter Driving

Winter driving is an important part of a professional truck driver’s life in Canada. Nothing prepares you for the nerve wrecking moment when a passing truck’s blowing snow completely obscures your view of the road, or when you’re driving through a whiteout and all sense of direction; right or left, up or down vanishes.

We are not attempting to frighten anyone, but this is what can happen in winter. You can prepare for it, but it’s not just the snow drifts and blackouts to be concerned about. Perils lurk in the shadows, even on bright sunny days, and in places that appear to be low-risk, such as parking lots and loading docks.

Visibility and traction are your two main concerns when driving in the winter. There will be times when you are desperately short of one or the other. You should try to avoid situations like that. You certainly do not want to put yourself in such a situation, but if it does occur, the key is to react properly and not to panic.

Visibility

You can’t react to something you can’t see. Resist the urge to pull over if your forward vision is suddenly obscured by blizzard conditions. You could be the first vehicle involved in a dangerous chain reaction crash.  A responsible professional truck driver, has already slowed down to account for the changing conditions.

In a whiteout, you will not be able to see traffic in front of you. In such situations, you must maintain awareness to know what’s ahead, even if it’s temporarily obscured from view.

Whiteouts are caused by passing trucks kicking up loose snow from the road, or by windy conditions causing streamers of snow to blow across open landscapes. Maintain your course and steer with caution. To help maintain your lane position, take a look at the road’s shoulder and gauge its position. Since everyone has a tendency to steer in the direction they’re looking, staring at the shoulder for an extended period of time can cause the truck to drift in that direction. As a lane position guide, glance rather than stare at the road’s edge.

A different approach is required for consistent blizzard conditions. Due to prolonged poor visibility, you must drive at a speed where your forward vision is at least equal to your stopping distance. Maintain your speed and course, and resist the urge to brake. You have no idea how the driver in front of you is reacting to the situation.

Staring into oncoming snowflakes can induce a state of hypnosis in which it is easy to fixate on the movement of the snow.  Be aware that this is a possibility. Keep your eyes moving through your field of vision rather than staring straight ahead to avoid it.

If the poor visibility lasts more than a few seconds, gradually slow the truck down with a gentle brake application, just enough to turn on the brake lights. If the conditions are bad enough, any sudden changes in speed could result in a rear-end collision or a loss of traction.

Traction

Many truck drivers overestimate their traction in the winter, or they don’t realize what little traction they have. In most cases, deep snow isn’t an issue.

A tire tread that is too shallow, or low-rolling-resistance tires with naturally tight tread patterns and fairly shallow treads, is a threat to many off-road trucks.  Tires work well on dry pavement, but they struggle on cold, hard, slippery surfaces like packed snow and ice. In most cases, getting the truck moving on slippery surfaces with such tires isn’t the biggest problem; the problem is maintaining traction during braking and directional control when steering.

Hard-packed snow is found on highways where tires repeatedly run over loose snow, compacting it into a hard, slippery surface. When the pavement is covered in hard-packed snow, the coefficient of friction changes dramatically. This normally rough surface texture of the pavement has been replaced by a smooth, slippery coating of what amounts to ice. There’s not much friction between the pavement and the tire tread.

If your tires are in poor condition, you are more likely to experience a lack of traction. On an icy surface, the worst-case scenario is an over-inflated tire with shallow tread.

The misbelief that anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) will save you a hard-braking scenario may elevate the problem. It is reckless to drive in a way that exceeds the capabilities of those systems.

The Jackknife Crash

Most trucks will have ABS and ESC as well. So, what makes them jackknife? The incident’s dynamics simply outweighed the systems’ ability to intervene. Are you willing to put your trust in those systems as a driver in those circumstances? You’d be much better off adjusting speed and following distances so that you never have to put it to the test.

The dynamics of a jackknife are simple to understand but may be difficult to grasp.

A free-rolling wheel will continue to move in the same direction. A non-rolling (skidding) wheel will respond to the crown of the pavement or any directional momentum in a curve. When a trailer skids, it is likely to begin sliding down the crown of the pavement or succumb to centrifugal force in the curve.

When a tractor skids, the situation changes. If the drive wheels locks up, the trailer’s momentum literally pushes the tractor out of the way. Because of its short wheelbase, the tractor quickly reverses until the side of the cab collides with the trailer, and the whole twisted mess careens forward until something stops it, such as another truck or a car.

There is little that can be done to correct the situation once the wheels lock up and begin to skid. The issue with ABS in these situations is that it frequently fails to react quickly enough. This is particularly true when a trailer is only lightly loaded. Alternatively, cold temperatures can cause the grease in the brake actuators at the wheels to become clogged. The brakes do not respond quickly enough to allow the wheels to regain traction. That is frequently a maintenance issue, not an ABS problem.

Appropriate Driver Actions

While understanding how jackknives occur is useful, the far more important lesson is to avoid situations where jackknives may occur. To put it another way, slow down and keep a safe following distance.

In this case, safe is a moving target. On clean and dry pavement, five to six seconds of following distance may be acceptable. On snowy roads, double the following distance you would use on dry and clean surfaces. This can sometimes become difficult because of other drivers cutting in and out.  All you can do is step back and re-establish that safe distance.

Majority of Canadians view trucking as most important transportation mode

According to a recent poll, more than half of Canadians consider trucks to be the most important form of transportation for the country’s economy.

According to the majority of Canadians surveyed by Abacus Research (51%), trucking is far more important than rail (19%), air (18%), and marine (13%), as a means of transporting goods across Canada. Approximately three-quarters of Canadians (76%) consider trucks to be either the most or second-most important mode of transport for goods.

Regarding the importance of moving goods, respondents in Saskatchewan/Manitoba thought trucks were more important than any other mode (59%) and an astounding 93% of respondents in those provinces ranked trucks in the top two. Most respondents across all regions, genders, ages, and supporters of all significant federal political parties ranked trucking in the top two modes.

“During the pandemic, Canadian truck drivers were widely acknowledged as vital workers. But it’s abundantly clear that even as things return to normal, the trucking industry and our devoted truck drivers contribution to Canadians daily lives continue to be highly valued and appreciated, according to Stephen Laskowski, president of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA).

The vast majority of Canadians are also aware of how the current labour and driver shortage in the trucking industry is directly impacting the supply chain and impeding the delivery of goods to retail markets.

Labor shortages

65 percent of Canadians believe that there is a severe (25%) or moderate (40%) labour shortage in the trucking industry. The trucking labor shortage was most pronounced in Quebec, where 38% of respondents rated it as “severe.” Only 2% of respondents across all provinces claim that there is no shortage at all in the industry.

96% of Canadians agree that labour shortages in trucking and logistics have a more significant impact on Canada’s supply chain and ability to deliver food to consumers than do labour shortages in the agricultural sector. 67 respondents predicted a significant impact from the shrinking labour pool in the trucking industry, while 28% predicted a less significant impact.

With 72% and 74% of respondents from British Columbia and Alberta indicating that trucking labour would have a major impact on food supply disruptions, respectively, these states appear to be the most concerned. This is higher than the national average of 67%.

In every province, age group, and gender in Canada, more than 60% of respondents said they believed that trucking labour shortages were seriously affecting the food supply chain. And over 90% of respondents in each category concur that there has been a major or minor impact. Women seem to be the most concerned, as 71% of them think there will be a significant impact, compared to 63% of men.

67% of respondents who were asked whether the current shortage of retail goods is directly related to the lack of truck drivers labour agreed that it is, with 23% noting a “severe” impact and 44% noting a “moderate” one. Another 18% think there may be a tenuous link. Only 3% of respondents claimed there is no effect at all.

In every survey category, more than half of respondents claimed that there is either a severe or moderate correlation between trucking capacity and shortages of retail goods.

According to Jonathan Blackham, director of policy & public affairs for the CTA, “the impact of the truck driver shortage on the Canadian public and their ability to access food and other crucial products is very real and it is not going unnoticed.” “There is no question that the Canadian public has drawn a link between a decline in trucking jobs, issues with the supply chain, and product shortages on store shelves. Acting is now necessary.

The CTA hired Abacus to conduct the survey. It was conducted between October 21 and October 26 with 1,500 Canadians who were at least 18 years old.

Truck Driving School Toronto And The Greater Toronto Area

With the supply chain shortage, truck drivers are becoming more important than ever before. No one can deny the world is changing.  If you have an appetite for big vehicles as well as travelling, then this may be one of your best chances to jump into a truck driving career! With the shortage, a job is practically guaranteed.

But how do you become a truck driver? You can just take a set of keys and hit the road! Training is needed, as well as a license.  The best way to achieve this is by attending the best truck driving school in Ontario – A1 Transportation Academy. Our instruction is focused on creating an enjoyable and professional experience which will ensure your journey into a driving career. If your goal is to obtain your AZ license, then you should consider contacting us today so we can answer all your questions related to Class A – MELT Driver Training program. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website www.a1ta.ca.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

Why You Should Study At The Best Truck Driving School

Although there is a great demand for truck drivers, learning at A1 Transportation Academy truck driving school can certainly give you a competitive edge.  Having the proper Mandatory Entry Level Training (M.E.L.T) is necessary in order to become a professional driver. The carrier is more likely to trust their cargo in your hands, if you have the knowledge, driving hours and training to prove it.

Truck driver training schools in Mississauga such as A1 Transportation gives you all the necessary skills needed in order to drive a truck properly.   They educate you on the necessary road safety skills needed. Truck driving is a complex skill, and a lack of knowledge can make driving incredibly dangerous. The larger the vehicle, the more dangerous it becomes for both you and the people driving around you. Mastering the skills needed is far easier when doing it in a school that knows all the necessary steps needed to best train you.

The courses provided are also based on the Professional Truck Driver Standards.  Even if you have the basic training, there is more training provided for drivers who want to reach a higher level of driving.  Some tasks require extra training in order to excel at your job.  It also gives you the option of landing higher paying jobs. It will also boost the safety of your driving skills, allowing you to make wiser choices in emergency situations.

Driving a truck is drastically different from your average car. Starting a career does require you to obtain the proper education and correct training.  All equipment is provided in order for you to take your CDL test. You will have all the necessary support you need in order to pass the test.

Finally, enrolling with A1 Transportation Academy gives you a great advantage in finding a job after you have finished training. Studying through a credible truck driving school can help you build connections as well as confidence.  Carriers are far more likely to trust a driver coming from a reputable school. Education is important, yes, but sometimes where you get that education can play a large role in how and where you land your job. You may have more choices on where you want to work if you have the qualification to prove it.

Ontario Truck Driving Costs

But this brings the question, how much will it cost?   Well, it is entirely possible to get started with a 0% financing option!  There is a really bright future out there for commercial truck drivers, especially in various parts of the world (including North America), and our school focuses on the Melt Truck Driving Program.  This means if you are currently facing financial issues an 0% financing option is available. In order to find out more, it is best to consider booking a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website www.a1ta.ca.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

Truck Driving School Reviews

If you have any more doubts, be sure to check out A1 Transportation Academy reviews on Google from our customers here!  Many students recommend us, as well as having enjoyed their time at the academy. Many have really found the staff to be very knowledgeable, humble as well as practical – as teachers can really help to make or break your learning experience.  People are happy with the training they receive, and many have certainly landed their dream jobs.

So don’t hesitate! Reach out to us, and find out more! Truck driving is an underestimated career, and many people are not even aware of the opportunities available. As more jobs become available, the higher the demand will grow. The only thing that is really keeping you back is the necessary training. Financial issues can be resolved! Contact us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website www.a1ta.ca.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you. Click here to learn more about the Ontario MELT truck driving program.

A1 Transportation Academy – Top Class A Commercial Truck Driving School And Mandatory Entry-Level Training Program In Toronto And The Greater Toronto Area

A1 Transportation Academy is one of the top truck driving schools in Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We provide our clients with high-quality training. You can fully count on us when it comes to offering professional driving courses. The trucking industry is competitive, meaning you can only secure a well-paying job if you are qualified and experienced.

At A1 Transportation Academy, we help our students gain the necessary experience needed to handle a commercial vehicle, making us the go-to truck driving school in the Greater Toronto Area.

As a company, our goal is to ensure that you get proper and professional training within the shortest possible time. Our trainers are fully committed to providing you with top-class driver training services. Our truck driving school has earned a good name in Toronto and the surrounding area.

We will help you pass your Mandatory Entry-Level Training program on the first attempt. Our school will provide you with hands-on experience, thanks to our on-site training.

Who Should Take The Mandatory Entry-Level Training Program (MELT)

As the name implies, the Mandatory Entry-Level Training Program is mandatory for everyone who is looking to become a professional commercial truck driver in Ontario.

If you want to advance your career in driving, you have to go through the MELT driver training program.

The MELT driver training program is mandatory for:

Drivers With An Invalid Commercial License

If your commercial driver’s license has been invalid for more than three years, you will be required to take the MELT training program in Ontario.

You will be done with the MELT training program in just a few weeks. However, this may vary depending on how you schedule your classes.

The Mandatory Entry-Level Training program requires you to go through both road and in-class training, to ensure that you organize yourself so that you don’t miss any of the classes.

Drivers Who Are About To Take Their Class A Road Test

If you are planning on taking your Class A road test, you should consider registering for the Mandatory Entry-Level Training Program at A1 Transportation Academy.

With over fifty years of experience, our training program will teach you everything that you need to know to pass your Class A road test.

We offer Class A road tests at A1 Transportation Academy, so you can sign up for the exam immediately after completing your MELT training program.

Drivers Who Have A Commercial Licenses From Other Provinces and Countries

For you to become a commercial truck driver in Canada, you have to go through the MELT training program.

This also applies to drivers who acquired their commercial truck driver licenses from other provinces and countries.

This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the safety regulations governing trucking in Canada.

Our trainers care about your training needs, so you will not have to worry about anything provided that you attend all your classes.

Our team of professional instructors will provide you with everything that you may need during the period that you will be training with us.

Drivers With Restricted Class A License

Drivers with restricted Class A licenses in Ontario will also be required to go through the Mandatory Entry-Level Training program.

We will help you upgrade your Class A license to a full commercial license.

We have a team that is not only committed to their work but also qualified. Our training program will provide you with all the skills that you need to stay safe when driving on the roads.

Why A1 Transportation Academy Is The Best In Ontario And The Greater Toronto Area?

90% Graduation Rate

Thanks to our professional trainers, A1 Transportation Academy has a graduation rate of 85%, making it one of the most reliable driver training institutions in Ontario.

If you take your MELT training with us, you will stand a better chance of passing your practical exams.

Most importantly, our training services will give you an added advantage when taking your Class A road test.

We Offer A Wide Range Of Driver Training Courses

A1 Transportation Academy is proud to provide you with a long list of driver training courses that you can choose from.

The course that you take will depend on your driver training needs. Besides, the courses that we offer can be completed within a limited period, so you can sign up for one program after another.

Currently, there are up to 10+ professional driver training courses that can help you become a better driver in Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area.

Qualified Instructors

The other thing that makes A1 Transportation Academy stand out from the crowd is the fact that we have a team of dedicated instructors that will guide you through the entire training process.

All our instructors have gone through professional training to ensure that the clients get the best driver training services.

We will provide you with the most effective truck driver training services that will greatly enhance your driving skills.

Final Word

If you are in Ontario or the Greater Toronto Area, you can benefit from the commercial truck driver training program offered by A1 Transportation Academy.

By going through our Mandatory Entry-Level Training program, this will give you the confidence needed to become a better driver. We will also help you pass your Class A road test without experiencing any problems.

If you have any questions about our truck driver training courses, Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website www.a1ta.ca.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

Mandatory Entry Level Training Program (MELT)

As of 1 July 2017, Ontario, through the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), implemented the Mandatory Entry Level Training Program (MELT) as a prerequisite for all commercial truck operators who are looking forward to obtaining their Class A license.

As such, truck drivers will only be eligible for their Class A road test after they have completed the Melt Truck Training Program. This program is essential as it provides drivers with great skills that can help them in countless ways when they become an operator.

At A1 Transportation Academy, we will see to it that you get the best Melt driver training services. Our team of professional trainers is not only committed to training drivers, but we also care about your safety.

Want more details on how to get started with Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area? Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 .  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

With over 100 years of experience in the trucking industry, rest assured that A1 Transportation Academy will provide you with the knowledge and skills that you need to pass your Class A road test. Through the Melt driving program, we will teach you everything that you need to know about road safety.

As a member of the Truck Training School Association Of Ontario (T.T.S.A.O), we are focused on providing clients in the region with top-class Melt truck training services. When we train our students, we only have one end goal in mind—to provide excellent and all-inclusive training sessions that will help you acquire the knowledge within the shortest time possible.

If your goal is to become a Melt certified commercial truck driver, here are a few things that you should know about the program and how you can benefit from it.

 

What Is MELT (Mandatory Entry-Level Training) Program?

As the name suggests, MELT is an entry-level driver training course that is tailored to prepare commercial truck drivers for their Class A road test.

Ontario was the first province to implement the program in Canada and it has since become a requirement for drivers who want a Class A license.

The Melt training program covers a wide range of skills that can boost your overall skills as a driver. According to the regulations provided by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), drivers can only take the Melt truck training course from a recognized truck driving school.

A1 Transportation Academy exceeds all the standards set by the Ministry of Transport, so you can fully count on us to provide you with reliable Melt driver training services. We not only have a team of expert trainers, but we’ll also provide you with the necessary equipment needed for the program. That being said, all you’ll have to do is make yourself available for the training sessions as scheduled.

For you to become a Melt certified driver, you must complete at least 103.5 hours of behind-the-wheel driver training and classroom training. If you register for the Melt driving program with us, you won’t have any problem operating a Class A vehicle.

What Are The Benefits of The Mandatory Entry Level Training Program (MELT)

As a driver, the Melt truck training program can provide you with bountiful benefits. The course consists of detailed training modules that will equip you with the knowledge and skills that you may need when handling emergencies. Here are some of the main benefits of the Melt driver training program;

Improved Road Safety

The MELT course helps drivers to become good decision-makers when on the road, thereby lowering the chances of causing accidents.

Additionally, you will learn how to maneuver semi-trailers through rough terrains without endangering your life or damaging the vehicle.

The Melt truck training program also teaches drivers how to perform basic vehicle inspection, secure cargo, and many more. All these will ensure that you and other road users are safe at all times.

Produces Highly Skilled Drivers

The Melt driving program focuses on providing students with extra knowledge on how they can become experienced drivers.

If you reside in Canada, then you must be aware of how challenging the driving conditions can get. In addition to having volatile weather, Canada has a mountainous geographical landscape, so some roads can be dangerous, especially during harsh weather conditions.

Melt certified drivers will not have any problem operating their vehicles in such conditions as the course offers detailed instructions that can help you in various ways.

Why You Should Choose A1 Transportation Academy For MELT Driver Training

Our company has earned a good name when it comes to training truck drivers. Our truck driving school is one of the best in the region. If you are planning on registering for the Melt driver training program, here are some of the reasons why you should consider hiring our services.

Hands-On Experience

A1 Transportation Academy not only offers theoretical training but also provides students on-site sessions. As such, you will learn all the important things that you need to know about Class A vehicles before taking your road test.

This will, in turn, increase your chances of passing the Class A test. Also, practical training will provide you with more experience, so you will be able to handle all situations professionally.

Flexible Schedules

A1 Transportation Academy allows students to choose the most suitable schedule during the training sessions. You can take the Melt truck training course as a part-time or full-time student.

Competitive Pricing

At A1 Transportation Academy, we offer our truck driver training sessions at great prices. Our payment plans are equally flexible, making us a suitable option for all students.

Contact Us— +1 905-754-0579 or +1 905-754-0578

Becoming a MELT certified driver may seem a bit challenging due to the amount of work and time that you need to put in before passing your Class A road test.

A1 Transportation Academy will make your work easier by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to get a Class A license within a reasonable time. Feel free to contact us.

Visit our website www.a1ta.ca, to book a free consultation  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

What You Need To Know About The Amazing Benefits of Truck Driver Dispatch Training in Ontario

Canada has one of the most successful trucking industries in the world. Ontario, in particular, not only has skilled truck drivers but professional dispatch trainers that ensure the trucking industry stays at the top of its game.

On average, a dispatcher in Ontario earns up to $46,800 a year, depending on the experience.  If you are interested in becoming a dispatcher, you should enrol in a certified school.

A1 Transportation Academy is the best training institution. You should consider giving it a try. Learn about dispatcher training and the responsibilities that dispatchers have when dealing with clients and truck drivers. You can reach them at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

A1 Transportation Academy will provide you with practical knowledge and will also teach you the dos and don’ts in the trucking industry. A1 Transportation Academy has its offices located in Mississauga, but you can also reach them via phone.

Why You Should Choose A1 Transportation Academy

As an institution that is recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, taking a dispatcher course at A1 Transportation Academy can provide you with a long list of benefits.

Provides hands-on experience

A1 Transportation Academy provides its students with practical knowledge in different areas, allowing you to be in a better position to perform efficiently when in the field. Since the training sessions are conducted by certified trainers, you can rest assured you will learn all that you need to know to be successful in the industry.

Flexible Training Schedules

This training institution is structured in such a way that you can choose the most appropriate time for you. That being said, it offers training services for both part-time and full-time students, so it will be up to you to choose the schedule that best suits you.

A1 Transportation Academy offers both On-site and Online Training

Besides having a flexible training schedule, A1 Transportation Academy gives you the option of taking the dispatcher course on-site or online. On-site training is beneficial because you will have a chance of interacting with the pieces of equipment that you will be using.

Offers superior education

Since all the courses are offered by professionals, they are able to pass on the knowledge that you need. This will greatly increase your chances of becoming successful in the logistics and transportation industry.

Benefits of Truck Driver Dispatch Training in Ontario

Dispatch training is essential for those who want to join the industry because it equips each individual with the required knowledge and skills.

Moreover, dispatchers play a critical role in the industry since they help run the day-to-day activities. Here are some of the benefits of dispatch training in Ontario;

Provides dispatchers with problem-solving skills

The trucking industry is full of unsuspected problems that affect both drivers and dispatchers. Trucks can break down, a driver may fall sick before completing a delivery, and at times, the clients may change their order without notice.

With the correct training, a dispatcher can handle just about any problem that may surface during delivery. They can come up with solutions and professional advice that will help the affected parties deal with the issues at hand.

Teaches Dispatchers how to meet customer demands

Dispatchers act as a link between customers and truck drivers so they have to ensure that they get the required shipment in good time. Through dispatch training, you will be able to learn some of the techniques that can help your drivers to be more efficient when delivering goods from one place to another.

Improves decision-making skills

A good dispatcher should have good decision-making skills. Dispatch training equips dispatchers with the tools needed when making decisions. It highlights some of the factors that should be put into consideration when making decisions that may affect the clients, drivers, and the company as a whole.

Provides dispatchers with effective communication skills

Dispatchers spend most of their time talking to clients and drivers. As such, they need to have excellent communication skills to convey information from one channel to the next. Dispatchers use phones and other communication systems regularly, so they must become good communicators.

In addition to this, dispatchers are taught computer skills since they use different types of software to track their drivers during transit.

Trains dispatchers how to multitask

Being a dispatcher can be somewhat challenging since you are required to oversee not just one driver but several. Aside from that, you have to pay close attention to the routes that your drivers are using.

Without proper training, a lot of mistakes can be made and this may interfere with the normal operations of the company. Also, trainers teach dispatchers how to handle stressful situations without making mistakes.

What are the responsibilities of a dispatcher?

Dispatchers perform different tasks on a daily basis. Most of the tasks mainly focus on customer satisfaction and timely delivery of goods.

Coordinate the movement of goods

Dispatchers oversee how goods are transported from one place to the next. They also choose the best routes for their drivers to ensure that the shipment is not delayed.

Keep detailed records

Record keeping is very important in this line of work since dispatchers deal with multiple clients and drivers. A truck dispatcher should ensure that all records are up-to-date to avoid unnecessary complications when delivering goods and services.

The drivers’ logs should also be monitored to check on how each driver is performing.

Ensure drivers are safe

Drivers face a lot of dangers when on the road. In most cases, they face harsh weather conditions that can damage the trucks or cause accidents in worst-case scenarios. As such, a dispatcher should see to it that the drivers are using safe routes at all times. They can adjust routes from time to time, should there be a need to do so.

If you are thinking of becoming a dispatcher in Ontario, you can contact the A1 Transportation Academy enrolment team. You can reach them at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or website www.a1ta.ca.  They are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

What License Do I Need To Become A Truck Driver In Ontario?

Do you know what license is required to become a trucker in Ontario? Find out all the correct information on how to become a truck driver and why A1 Transportation Academy can help. Taking cues from this post ensures you make the most of your future as an Operator.

Entry-level truck drivers in Ontario have to pass a series of tests before they are licensed to drive. Operators seem to have little or no information on the proper utilization of driving a truck. That’s why in this article, we’ll examine closely the license needed to become a truck driver in Ontario.

Want more details on how to get started? We are the experts on Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT)? Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or click to contact us here We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

With the information in this article, Operators can secure their licenses easily.

What License Do I Need To Become A Trucker In Ontario?

A full Class A license is required for drivers to legally operate in North America. Drivers can operate vehicles under the following categories with this certification:

  • Any vehicle combination of tractor/truck and trailer with an MGVWR of not less than 4600kg
  • A vehicle combination of tractor/truck and trailer with a full air-brake system

Getting a Class A MELT license in Ontario stands a better chance through A1 Transportation Academy. A1TA offers drivers comprehensive training and ample support to aid in completing the Class A license process.

What Kind of Vehicles Can I Drive With A Full Class A License?

Apart from driving regular trucks, a full Class A license allows truckers to drive the following vehicles:

  • Truck-trailer combination
  • A combo of a motor vehicle and towed automobiles where the towed cars weigh more than 4600kg and have air brakes
  • Any vehicle pulling two trailers
  • A car covered by the Class G license
  • Heavy Class D trucks
  • Restricted Class A vehicles

It’s worth noting that a full Class A license doesn’t give drivers permission to drive buses with passengers, mopeds, or motorcycles.

What Determines The Kind of Truck License You Need?

Truck licenses differ for several reasons,

  • The weight of towed vehicle
  • If the vehicle has air brakes
  • Total weight of the vehicle and towed vehicle
  • If the vehicle is a tractor or trailer.

What are the Other Requirements to become a Driver in Ontario?

Here’s a look at the complete list of items required to hold a full Class A license in Ontario:

  • Must pass a vision test
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
  • Must pass a MTO medical
  • Must pass a knowledge test
  • Must have completed the mandatory entry level training (MELT) course
  • Must pass a road test with a vehicle in the Class A range
  • Must possess a valid Ontario license class “G”
  • Encouraged to have a spotless driving record.

Make A1 Transportation Academy Your Guide For A Stress-Free MELT Training To Become A Licensed Ontario Truck Driver Today!

With more than half a decade of combined experience in safety and compliance, A1 Transportation Academy (A1TA) is a drivers choice. We have an expert team of trainers dedicated to ensuring all driver pass their MTO tests. With a 90+ graduation rate, A1TA is poised to support entry-level drivers to become veterans.

Waste no time at all, and get on the road with full support from A1TA today! Contact our customer response team to get started with Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT). You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

Why Choose A1 Transportation Academy For Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) In Toronto And Greater Toronto Area?

Do you hope to secure a well-paying job as a truck driver? You have to complete the Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) in order to have a chance of landing employment as an AZ driver. Through this guide, you’ll know why A1 is the number one truck driver training school in Ontario.

The trucking industry in Ontario remains a major player in Canadian Transportation. With so many trucks travelling on Ontario’s roads, ample training is required. That’s why from July 1, 2017, Ontario became the first province to make entry level training mandatory for drivers.

Want more details on how to get started with MELT Training? Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or visit our website www.a1ta.ca.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

In this post, we will look at everything about this training program and the best training school in the GTA to take your MELT course and tests.

What is MELT?

The Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) is a training program designed to exert due diligence on new truck drivers. Operators that complete the MELT program at our truck driver training school get direct access to take an advanced road test.  The MELT program eliminates the risk of substandard training schools offering certificates without practice to drivers.

How Can MELT Benefit New Drivers In Ontario?

Offers much-needed due diligence training for drivers

Unlike other training programs that require personal performance, MELT transcends into due diligence training. Under the MELT program, trainees will learn how to take reasonable care to avoid harming other motorists.  By becoming a defensive driver you are becoming a safer driver.

Provides insight into efficient and safe truck operation

Effective and safe operation of trucks is much more than ensuring you and other motorists are out of harm’s way. The truck you plan to drive must be handled properly to ensure its smooth operation. That’s why MELT provides new drivers ample information and practice on how to navigate their vehicles according to standards.

Equates remuneration to experienced truck drivers

Unlike other driving jobs where road experience determines financial gain, MELT is different. After the 100+ hours of training from a professional truck driver training school, high-paying jobs are more likely to be secured. New truck drivers in the GTA area do not have to wait long periods of time to start earning as much as experienced drivers.

Swift qualification for Class ‘A’ road test

After completing the MELT program, drivers do not have to wait long periods of time before taking a Class ‘A’ road test. Successful completion of the road test puts new truck drivers on their way to more rewarding, high-paying job opportunities.

How Long Does MELT Take To Complete?

The MELT program lasts for a total of 103.5 hours in Ontario (in-class and road training inclusive). After the mandatory test is complete, trainees can progress to take other necessary road tests.

How Much is MELT in Ontario?

The price of MELT differs based on your choice of school to complete your training.  However, the prices vary for completing MELT in Ontario and can  range from $4,000 to over $15,000.

Some schools that offer MELT may be quite expensive, but there are some funding options available. Drivers that quality for such funding options can get financial assistance from government programs.

Several programs like Second Career, Ontario Works, and Workplace Safety Insurance Board offers different options for students. Other programs, such as the Aboriginal Band also provides funding for Indigenous students.

Apart from funding options through government programs, employers can  fund a driver’s MELT program. Employers willing to offset some of the students tuition, can do so through the Canada-Ontario Jobs Grant.

Why Should You Choose A1 Transportation Academy?

A1 Transport Academy (A1TA) offers industry-leading training for truck drivers. Our truck driver training school spans several locations across Ontario. Our services cover locations around Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, Guelph, Hamilton, London, Kitchener, and Cambridge.

A1TA is MELT approved and is certified by the Ministry of Transportation to oversee truck drivers training programs. Services at our approved and duly-registered private career college has several benefits. Here are some of the benefits of taking training at A1TA:

1.    Valued certification

Most owners of large companies require their drivers to have successfully passed MELT. Drivers without MELT lack the industry requirements needed to handle large vehicles. Drivers eager to secure a well-paying truck-driving job will get their desired employment in record time with this certificate.

2.    High graduation rate

More than 90% of students to undergo MELT through A1TA have passed. That means more than 90 out of every 100 trainees are sure to pass MELT through A1TA. The high graduation rate of A1TA is one of the many reasons why we are a major force in driver training across Ontario.

3.    Multiple course offerings

Apart from MELT, A1TA offers more than ten (10) courses to trainees. These courses ensure your employees get the best certification for truck driving, dispatch training, and much more.

4.    0% Financing Available

Not everyone can afford to pay thousands of dollars for MELT courses. That’s why A1TA supports 0% financing in line with available government or employer-sponsored options.

If you qualify for a government grant or have an employer ready to sponsor you, we’ve got you covered. If you don’t know if you’re eligible for any grant or financing program, call us for more information.

5.    Very Experienced trainers

Trainers at A1TA have several years of experience and are experts at giving out valuable instructions to trainees. With experienced trainers running our courses, all trainees are in the best hands.

6.    Services We Provide

Many services are available to ensure our students make the most of their careers. Here’s a look at some services we offer at A1TA:

  • Audits
  • Defensive Driving
  • Dispatch Courses
  • Hours of Service
  • Job Placement Assistance
  • Log Book Training
  • Re-certifications
  • Remedial Training
  • Resume Writing
  • Road Test Evaluation
  • Safety and Compliance
  • Trip Inspections
  • WHMIS and HAZMAT

All our services are offered by the most experienced professionals, ensuring you get current training every time.

Contact A1 Transportation Academy for information on the MELT program today in Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto and the rest of the GTA. Get the unfair advantage from our experienced trainers right now!

A1 Transportation Academy has more than fifteen (15) years experience in the safety and compliance industry. Our experienced team of trainers will ensure you get the MELT certificate in a seamless, less-challenging format.

Add your name to our long list of successful drivers on roads across Canada today. Call us on +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579, connect with us visit our website. Make us your preferred service!

How Much Does Mandatory Entry Level (M.E.L.T) Commercial Truck Driver Training Cost In Toronto And Greater Toronto Area? And How To Get Started Right Away With 0% Financing Option

Are you ready to start a new career, that pays well, and has a bright future? If that sounds good, it’s no surprise you would be interested in driving a commercial truck. In North America, commercial truck drivers are in very high demand.

The good news is our school leads the way in Mandatory Entry Level Truck Training (M.E.L.T.). Even better, for those who are facing some financial challenges, 0% financing is available. Want more details? Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website contact us form here.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

What Is MELT?

MELT is mandatory if you hope to get your commercial truck driving license. For the entry-level training to qualify as MELT, it must include at least 103.5 hours of instruction.

This training is intended to cover all of the knowledge and skills needed to work as a commercial truck driver in a safe, comfortable, way. When MELT training is done here, with our team of professionals, you can rest assured you will learn all of these things and much more. There’s a reason why the Industry holds our school in such high regard.

When you complete the training, we will update your driving record. As long as you have completed the rest of the license requirements, you will be ready to take your driving test. Pass the test and the commercial driving license is yours, and your new career is ready to begin. The training is good for the rest of your career. You will never have to retake MELT, if you are successful in getting your license.

Who Needs MELT Training?

According to the rules here in Ontario (and in Canada), a person must complete MELT if:

  • You failed a road test and plan to retake the test.
  • You have a restricted Class A (AR) license and want to upgrade to a full Class A license, with all of the benefits the full Class A opens.
  • Your Class A license has expired, been downgraded, or been suspended for three years or more.
  • You have come to Canada holding another country’s commercial driver’s license.
  • You have an equivalent of a Class A license from another province for less than a year. If you had it for 12-24 months, you will have the option to complete mandatory entry-level training or the Class A knowledge and road test.

How Much Does It Cost?

 MELT training isn’t free. It is packed with information that teaches actionable skills, and at a quality school (like ours), a true experienced, professional take care of the instruction. The price for the training can vary greatly depending on the school and what it offers, with prices from $4900 to $15,000 not uncommon.

Many students are able to get financial assistance from a number of different local and national programs in Ontario. The availability of these programs shifts all of the time, as do the requirements to qualify.

Our own school can assist with MELT training with 0% financing. This means setting yourself up for a successful career without having to worry about paying interest on money loaned to take the course. Needless to say, this is a popular choice and is one of the many reasons why our school is held in such high regard.

In Toronto and Greater Toronto Area, we are Ontario’s #1 commercial truck driving school. All of the courses we offer, including M.E.L.T., are approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

If you have any questions about MELT training, becoming a Class A Commercial Truck Driver, or if you’d like to learn more about any of our other training programs – contact us today. We’d love to help you get started in your new career!

A1 Transportation

+1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579

website www.a1ta.ca.

We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

How to Get Your Class A M.E.L.T Commercial Truck Driving License in Ontario

Having a (M.E.L.T) commercial truck driving license in Ontario is a quick way to get a great paying job. Many people think getting the license is difficult. A1 Transportation Academy shares the best pathway to get the license in the least amount of time. Want more details? Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

It’s no secret there’s a huge demand for Class A Commercial Truck Drivers in Ontario. What many people get confused about is what it takes to get the license. This is a subject that we understand here at A1 Transportation Academy inside and out. We’ll break down the details below.

The National Safety Code

The first thing to understand is that there’s a firm set of rules here in Canada that determine if you qualify for a commercial license or not. This is called the National Safety Code. Depending on what province you are in, you can expect some other requirements as well. We’ll address the requirements here in Ontario, where our Academy is located.

M.E.L.T. Training

In Ontario, anyone who would like to take the test for a commercial driving license needs Mandatory Entry Level Training, more commonly referred to as M.E.L.T. This training makes sure Ontario Commercial Drivers can operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible way. Before M.E.L.T. requirements were established, the industry had some serious issues with commercial drivers who were endangering themselves and others. M.E.L.T. solved this problem.

Meet the Minimum Requirements

Before you can take the M.E.L.T. training or the commercial driving test, you will need a standard driver’s license, a driving background without any major infractions, and be able to pass a criminal background check. Here in Ontario, you need to be at least 18 years old. You will also need to pass a written test for your learner’s permit, so that you can go on the road with a licensed driver to train.

Be Healthy

Many serious health issues will prevent you from getting a commercial driving license. Understanding what your health is like is a must before you start the process. The last thing you want to happen is meet all of the other requirements and then be denied because of a health problem. What health problems will prevent you from getting your license? Some of the most common ones are: mental health conditions, epilepsy, heart problems, and neurological conditions but there are many others as well. You also have to take a physical on a regular basis, depending on your age, which could be every few years or every year. Canada, thankfully, only wants healthy commercial truck drivers on the road for their safety and the safety of others as well.

Practice Driving a Commercial Truck

Once you pass your written test you can start practicing with a licensed commercial driver. Everyone in the industry would likely agree the best place to do this is through a well-reviewed, professional commercial truck driving school. Our school, A1 Transportation Academy, is your best choice in Ontario.

By working with a professional teacher, you will be able to learn vital skills that you would otherwise miss. Once you complete your training, you are ready to take your road test. The road test is with an official examiner who will have you prove you are able to safely drive, park, and  confidently control a commercial truck safely. Your performance will be graded and if you pass the Class A Commercial Truck Driving license,  you can expect your career to start soon after.

Take Your M.E.L.T. Course at A1 Transportation Academy

We are Ontario’s #1 commercial truck driving school. All of the courses we offer, including M.E.L.T., are approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Our academy is also universally well-respected by Canada’s transport companies, who know we deliver quality education, and produce safe, responsible and skilled drivers.

If you have any questions about becoming a Class AZ Commercial Truck Driver – or if you’d like to learn more about any of our other training programs – contact us today. We’d love to help you get started on an amazing, successful new career.

At  A1 Transportation Academy, we provide total training package to our students. Contact us today to learn more and to get started. You can reach us for a free consultation at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

15 Major Career Benefits of Commercial Truck Driving (Class A – Entry Level M.E.L.T.) Training in Ontario

There may not be a quicker and more dependable way to start a thriving, well-paying new career than commercial truck driving. A1 Transportation Academy is Ontario’s leading school in professional instruction. We are happy to help. Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

When considering a great career to explore, think about trucking.  There is great demand for commercial truck drivers, it offers good pay, and you can enter the field without years of university or the large bills that come with post secondary education.  Here in Ontario, many would say Commercial Truck Driving (Class A – Entry Level M.E.L.T.) is the obvious choice.  Considering we are Ontario’s leading commercial truck driving school, with over 200+ five stars Google Reviews, we get to see the major career benefits first hand. Here’s what the team here at A1 Transportation Academy consider the top 15. (Listed in no particular order.)

  1. Job Demand. Truck companies across Canada are very much looking for commercial truck drivers with a Class A Entry Level M.E.LT. license. This demand is constant and means you will very likely have your pick of opportunities once you are ready.
  2. Job Security. Once you get a job, you certainly don’t have to worry about job security. New drivers have it, and once you get some real experience companies will value you and your skill set. Drive safely and responsibly and you can count on job security as an Ontario commercial truck driver.
  3. A Good Income. Ultimately, we work for money. As a commercial truck driver expect to be compensated in a remarkable way right from the start of your career. Drivers can make $50,000-$100,000 a year, plus raises and bonuses.
  4. Benefits. It’s quite common for truck drivers to have very good benefit packages. This may include medical, dental, life insurance, retirement plans, sick days and sometimes even paid vacations, depending on the company.
  5. The Chance to Travel. If you like to travel, there’s probably no better job than commercial truck driving. Every work day you are on the road with a new adventure. Long haul drivers will get the chance to see most of North America, all while getting paid!
  6. A Flexible Schedule. Many people hate the idea of a nine to five, “normal” job. When you drive truck, your schedule is much more flexible. Companies don’t mind working with drivers to find schedules that are a win for all.
  7. A Fast Start. Most careers require you to invest four years or longer in university or as an apprentice. This is not so with commercial truck driving. Our Class A Entry Level M.E.LT.  program covers everything and you can finish it in weeks. Then once you pass your test, you are ready to work!
  8. Freedom. Who doesn’t want to feel the wind in their face and enjoy the open road all day, as compared to being stuck in an office? This kind of freedom is something most commercial truck drivers cherish.
  9. Tuition Reimbursement. There’s a good chance you can get your tuition covered by the company that hires you. Contact us and we will see what is currently happening in that area.
  10. Learn While You are on the Road. Audio books are very popular with truck drivers. Not many other people can get paid great while also educating themselves.
  11. Healthy Exercise. If your responsibilities include unloading the truck, expect to build your fitness and strength, while you work. Many commercial truck drivers become very fit.
  12. Be Able to Appreciate Your Time At Home. When you get to see the country, it often makes being home more special. It also gives you lots to talk about with family and friends.
  13. Become Part of a Team. Many trucking companies really embrace the teamwork ethos. You can end up making great friends, with common values and experiences.
  14. The Chance for Special Bonuses. There’s often opportunities with major companies to drive on runs that come along with extra money, for whatever reason. If you like to work, these can be awesome opportunities.
  15. Never Two Days the Same. You can expect every day on the road to bring something different. This makes for a life that’s far from boring.

Sound good? If so, check out our leading Class “A” M.E.L.T Training school. We look forward to helping you start your new career! Contact us today to learn more about our Truck Driving Training program and to get started. You can reach us for a free consultation at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website www.a1ta.ca .  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

 

 

 

What Is The Mandatory Entry Level Training (M.E.L.T)

It’s known here in Canada, that as far as entry-level jobs go, it is hard to beat commercial truck driving. This industry offers good pay, lifestyle, and job security, and is less time-intense to become qualified for.  Since 2017, the interest in becoming a Commercial truck driver has peaked. This means you must go through Mandatory Entry Level Training (M.E.L.T. for short) before the road test for a Class A license can be taken. We are one of the leaders in this area in Canada. We thought we’d share an inside look at the M.E.L.T. program for those considering signing up for our truck driver training course.

What is M.E.L.T?

Well, that’s a good first question! As mentioned above, M.E.L.T. stands for Mandatory Entry Level Training. It is a requirement before getting a class A license in Ontario, as well as in many other provinces. It helps create safer roads by making sure Commercial truck drivers receive professional training that is held to a higher standard. Prior to this requirement,  individuals were getting licenses without having the right training, which led to many serious problems and risks for all road users.  Most agree that M.E.L.T. has been good for the industry and for the general public too.

About the M.E.L.T. Program

The M.E.L.T. program consists of at least 103.5 hours of instruction from a professional institution. Training occurs in a classroom, in range and in a truck. The training provided will cover all of the skills needed to operate a commercial truck safely.  This ensures that an entry-level driver has received the appropriate instruction and is competent in their ability to operate a transport truck. Once the M.E.L.T. program has been completed, the school is able to update the driver’s license which opens the door for them to be able to take the class A road test. After that, expect the job opportunities to be right around the corner!

Benefits of the M.E.L.T Program

The first big benefit of completing our M.E.L.T. program is that it will truly get you ready for a high-paying job in the trucking industry, potentially a life-changing opportunity. M.E.L.T. is a must. This training also gives confidence to employers who are considering hiring new drivers without much or any experience. Who can blame them for wanting to make sure their truck is in good, competent hands? This is a program that gets you ready to become a professional truck driver in more ways than one.

Who Needs M.E.L.T. Training?

  • Those who want to take a Class A road test here in Ontario.
  • Those who have a restricted Class A license and haven’t taken the test but want to upgrade their license to a full Class A.
  • Those who have had a license but it has become invalid, for one reason or another, for three years or longer and need to take the test again.
  • Those who have a commercial license from another country.
  • Drivers who have a Class 1 license from other provinces for less than a year.

Those with a full Class A license, do NOT need to take the M.E.L.T. program.

Where Should You Take the M.E.L.T. Program?

That’s easy. We firmly believe that you should take our M.E.L.T. program here at A1 Transportation Academy. We have a remarkable team of instructors with a proven record of success. Our students contact us all of the time to tell us how much they enjoy their jobs as Commercial truck drivers and we have a great relationship with a long list of trucking companies. Our reputation is spotless for a very good reason. Transportation training is our passion!

 

What’s the Cost?

Contact us to get the latest prices for our full course. The program can be expected to last five to six weeks, followed by your road test. For those who need a payment program or who are interested in what kind of other financial aid options are available, we encourage you to contact us today. Why wait when it comes to starting a new life, with a promising work future?

For more information, to sign up or to get any questions answered, visit us at https://www.a1ta.ca/az-melt-driver-training or contact us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579.

What is a DZ License, How to Get a DZ License and What Can You Drive After The Completion of Truck Driver Training in Toronto and the GTA

Yes, a DZ license here in the Greater Toronto area and across Canada can open up a remarkable amount of well-paying job opportunities. Want more details? Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website www.a1ta.ca.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

In a challenging economy, there’s an increased interest in becoming licensed as a commercial truck driver. This is something that’s quite easy to understand. There’s a big demand for drivers, and getting a license can be relatively quick and affordable. We’re A1 Transportation Academy, one of the leading truck driver training schools here in Toronto and the Greater Toronto area. Let’s talk about the DZ license and what taking a DZ license course at our top-rated DZ driving school in Mississauga can do for you.

What is a DZ License?

Okay, so we know a DZ license is a commercial license here in Canada, but what does it let you drive exactly? Great question. A Class D license holder is eligible to drive any motor vehicle or truck exceeding 11,000kg. The Class D license also allows its holder to drive vehicles in Class G. You can’t drive a commercial vehicle with passengers, like a bus, or something like a motorcycle. The “Z” in DZ  is an endorsement that covers air brakes. We recommend getting the both for the best job opportunities.  When you have both you have the class DZ license.

How to Get a DZ License?

To get a class DZ license you need training. While there’s many schools here in Mississauga, not all are created equal. From the DZ license training cost to, most importantly, the quality of the DZ license training expect to see big differences. In Toronto, and the Greater Toronto area we recommend you train with us, A1 Transportation Academy. We have over 200+ Google Reviews online, our reputation is spotless and really speaks for itself.

Here’s what you can expect: One on one in vehicle driver training. This is where you learn to drive DZ vehicles, without interference from others. Just you and your instructor. We have seen his method proven to not just be the most effective and efficient DZ license training from a serious DZ driving school, but also the quickest. Without sacrificing quality. At our DZ license course this is done in a  safe and secure, private driving lot. Which is the top choice for building your knowledge, skill, and confidence.

After training you will need to pass your M.T.O. Road Test. The test is made up of the following, important categories, that our DZ driving school will make sure you are ready for: Pre-Trip Inspection, Coupling/Decoupling the unit, a 90° Backing Maneuver, On-Road driving and On-Highway driving.

Pass and the DZ license is yours and you can expect to be starting a new, well paying, career shortly.

What is the Difference Between a DZ License and an AZ License?

There’re different choices you can make when pursuing a commercial driving license in Canada. The two big ones are should you get a DZ license or an AZ license. We can help with both. Really the choice is yours depending on your lifestyle and work preferences.

Here’s the differences between the two.

An AZ license covers truck/tractor-trailer combinations, air-brakes and with towed vehicles that exceed 4,600 kg in weight. Drivers don’t load or unload their trucks. Daily work is possible but quite often longer runs are expected, which could see you on the road for a number of days. An AZ licensed driver    can also cover DZ license driver permitted vehicles and runs.

DZ licensed drivers are allowed to tow vehicles up to 4,600 kg. This covers things like fire trucks, straight trucks, cement trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, rescue trucks, and much more. As a DZ driver you will be expected to load and unload your truck as part of common job responsibilities.

For either license, drivers need a valid G or M license first to qualify. Whichever you choose to pursue, you can be confident your skills will be in high demand.

Where to Get Your DZ License?

We are quite sure in the Toronto area you won’t be disappointed exploring our school, A1 Transportation Academy, and getting your DZ license course with our skilled, experienced instructors.

In addition to covering the requirements above, here’s some other highlights of our DZ license training’s topics you can expect to be covered: Pre-Trip Inspections, En-Route Inspections, Post-Trip Inspections, Space Management, Speed Management, Backing and Turning Maneuvers, Hours of Service Regulations (U.S and Canada), Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Drug & Alcohol Awareness, Defensive Driving Techniques, Load Securement, Accident Prevention, Accident Reporting, Border Crossing Procedures, The Law and You, and Written Test Preparation.

At A1 Transportation Academy, we provide total training package to our trucking students. Contact us today to learn more and to get started. You can reach us for a free consultation at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website www.a1ta.ca .  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

 

Here’s What You Need to Know About Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) In Canada

In Ontario truck drivers must graduate from the Mandatory Entry-Level Training program before they can take their road test to get a Class A license, something which can change their lives when it comes to finances and other opportunities. What is the inside scoop on MELT? Read on and find out the most important details from the insiders here at A1 Transportation Academy. We are happy to help. Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website www.a1ta.ca.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

Let us start with why someone here in Canada would want a Class A license. That is fast and simple to answer. It allows truck drivers to drive the trucks that can quite easily get them in the door to start making $8000 a month. With no prior experience. And with an abundance of jobs available across the country. For someone unemployed or underemployed, it should be obvious what a remarkable opportunity this can be.

Why MELT (Mandatory Entry-Level Training)?

Well, it is mandatory here in Ontario, if you want to get your Class A license. It is also good for the industry. Before the implementation of the MELT program to get a Class A license, there were a very large number of problems in the trucking world. Without the need for this training, there were many scam-like truck driving “schools” that did the absolute minimum to get students for careers as truck drivers. They would pass their Class A license tests but either only be able to drive commercial trucks in a quite dangerous, untrained, way or not be able to drive them at all. This created immense headaches for companies wanting to hire drivers, the drivers themselves, and sometimes even people on the road. Thankfully, the standardized MELT program changed this. An institute must be approved by the Ministry of Education and designated as P.C.C. (Private Career College) to administer the M.E.L.T program. Students must complete at least 103.5 hours of classroom and in-truck training from a designated institute. Our program here at A1 Transportation Academy has ALL of this and more, from experienced and enthusiastic instructors.

What is Taught at MELT?

Here are some highlights of the mandatory subjects taught in the MELT program here at A1 Transportation Academy. There’s much more, but this should give you an idea of what to expect if you should sign up for training.

Basic Driving Techniques. Yes, before you take your Class A license test we will make sure you know how to drive a commercial truck. All of the needed driving techniques will be covered and you should feel comfortable driving by the time the training is complete. Knowing the basics is the key to being able to progress and master anything and commercial truck driving is no exception.

Professional Driving Habits. The right habits are what place a successful commercial truck driver apart from those who are less successful. Learning these will save a driver years that it would otherwise likely take them to pick up. We teach them in our MELT program from deep personal experience and often hear from past students how valuable learning and applying these professional driving habits can be.

How to Secure Cargo. This is incredibly important and can save extreme headaches of the worst kind in the future when working as a commercial truck driver. After you get some experience these techniques and protocols will come naturally but in the beginning, it pays to be taught by experts – and even taking a few notes you can look back on.

Regulatory Compliance. The latest in what you need to know about documentation and regulatory compliance. This is more important than ever, with the surprises we’ve seen 2020 bring which will likely continue well into the future.

Handling Emergencies. Emergencies do happen sometimes when driving a commercial truck and when you go through MELT you will be better prepared to respond to them in a way that helps them get resolved safely and quickly. It’s always better to be prepared than not so this is information that can be quite valuable in the short and the long term.

This is just some of what you can expect from MELT Truck driving training. For a program that’s over relatively quickly (when compared to other types of education), the amount of knowledge you will bring away with you isn’t just vast – it’s things that can and will help you in your future career as a commercial truck driver.

MELT’s Benefits

MELT gets you ready as a new truck driver for a prosperous future in the trucking world. Employers can feel confident that you know what you are doing when considering hiring you, because of the good reputation of MELT in general and our A1 Transportation Academy in particular. The time and money you spend on the training are an investment you can count on that produce results as quickly as you are motivated to get your license and apply for positions.

Going through MELT here at A1 Transportation Academy can be the start of a whole new chapter in your life. Contact us today to learn more and to get started. You can reach us for a free consultation at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or our website www.a1ta.ca.  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

A1 Transportation Academy: Truck Driving Classes That Open the Door to an $8000 a Month Career Start Soon

2020 has been hard for a great many people’s careers in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. One great paying vocation is still in as much, or more demand than ever. Truck Driving. Ontario’s A1 Transportation Academy’s truck training is accepting students who would like to get their Class A – M.E.LT Driver’s license or Dispatch Training certification. Contact us to book a free consultation. You can reach us at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or visit our website www.a1ta.ca .  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.

Commercial truck driving is a vocation that pays extremely well and a person between 18 and 55 can qualify relatively quickly with the right training. Leading the way in this area in Mississauga, Ontario is A1 Transportation Academy. The school provides remarkably well-reviewed Class A license instruction on a flexible schedule and, importantly for many, with flexible payment plans including financing available. A1 Transportation Academy is frequently referred to as one of Canada’s absolute best truck driving schools with over 190+ Google Reviews. An equally well-respected Truck Dispatcher course is also now accepting students.

All that said, there are many good reasons to take the step forward and become a licensed commercial truck driver. Let’s look at some of the most compelling aspects of this career:

Truck Drivers Are in BIG Demand. A smart and cautious person, with responsibilities, will likely consider if there’s a demand for a position they are training for before they enroll in a school. The hard truth right now is that many areas of study are extremely uncertain for the time being, while others that were formerly very active have left many looking for other types of work. Commercial truck drivers do not have this problem. In fact, they are just as much in demand as ever. This alone should make A1 Transportation Academy something to consider for those who want or need a position where they can likely find work quickly, after completing training and obtaining their Class A license and certification.

Truck Driving Pays Well. For a job that doesn’t require a University degree or long years of apprenticeship and experience building, it doesn’t get much better than truck driving when it comes to pay. Starting off in the neighbourhood of $8,000 a month is a reasonable expectation. Compare this to just about anything else starting off and driving a truck wins when it comes to paying, hands down.

M.E.L.T. Truck Driving program is Short in length. Even when attending classes and training on a flexible schedule, A1 Transportation Academy is much, much shorter than trying to get a University degree or any other vocational option that actually can lead to a good paycheck. This makes driving a truck a very good decision for those who need a new start, fast, if they have a family or other responsibility that they cannot neglect. Also, it’s ideal for young men or women who are out of High School and wants to start a career as soon as possible.

Truck Drivers Can Often Work Very Flexible Schedules. For those who’d like to not be committed to a 40-hour, Monday-to-Friday “traditional” job for decades, truck driving can be an easy alternative. Since truck drivers are generally in such demand this opens the door to working quite flexible schedules as long as these are agreed to in advance. This allows many drivers to schedule time off with their loved ones and not only be able to count on very good paychecks but also on being able to have more active relationships than they would otherwise have if working in another field. This flexibility also involves being able to work much more often if making as much money as possible is more attractive to the driver. It’s largely up to them.

Of course, there are many other benefits to being a professional truck driver. But when considering the major ones, it should be quite easy to see what a life-changing for the better decision going to A1 Transportation Academy can be. The excellent training experienced instructors, and remarkable success rate makes it an ideal choice. A1 Transportation Academy is also registered with TTSAO and PCC Approved. While the opportunity is still available and demand continues to rise, the time to jump on board for many is as soon as possible. There’s nothing to lose.

Don’t believe the hype that trucking will be gone in any of our lifetimes. Freight companies’ demand is monstrous here in Canada and will continue to be so. The online shopping explosion will fuel the demand for drivers even further. Most companies have positions that stay unfilled and they can’t wait to get a graduate of A1 Transportation Academy who is properly trained, dually licensed and certified to come on board. Not only will they have a new driver but they will have one who has been trained properly at a top school, and understands the ins and outs of driving, how to be safe, and much more.

Truck Driving may not be for everyone but for those who like to drive and travel, who appreciate being independent, and making money on their own, and who like not having a schedule carved in stone, it doesn’t get much better.

Contact the team at A1 Transportation Academy today and take the big step to a brighter future in 2021 and beyond. You can reach us to get a free consultation at +1 905-754-0578 or +1 905-754-0579 or visit our website www.a1ta.ca .  We are open Monday to Saturday to help you.