Canada Trucking Chief David Bradley Plans to Step Down at End of 2017

David Bradley, president of both the Canadian Trucking Alliance and the Ontario Trucking Association, announced on Jan. 8 that he will leave his posts at the end of 2017.

Bradley began his career in trucking as OTA’s director of economics in 1985. He was promoted to president in 1991 when he was just 33. When the CTA was founded in 1991, Bradley also became that organization’s leader.

“It is with some amazement, but always with appreciation, that I think back on what a leap of faith it was back in 1991 to have entrusted such a young guy to represent such an incredible and important industry,” Bradley wrote in a letter to OTA chairman Scott Tilley.

In a letter to CTA chairman Mark Seymour, Bradley wrote, “Getting to know the industry and Canada has been an amazing experience. Being able to view our industry through an international lens has led me to the unequivocal conclusion that Canadian carriers are second to none in service, innovation, safety and environmental stewardship.”

Bradley’s quarter century in charge has encompassed an era marked by major changes in deregulation, free trade, the tax system, weights and dimensions standards, environmental regulations as well as labour unrest and several recessions. Bradley is known as a strong advocate of tougher safety standards, speed limiters and electronic logging devices.

With nearly two years until his departure, Bradley doesn’t see himself as a lame duck.

“There will be plenty of time for reflection down the road,” he said on OTA’s website. “For now, it’s business as usual for me.”

"David Bradley has been, and will continue to be, a great partner in all our efforts to promote the trucking industry in North America.  From the day I arrived at ATA in 2003, David has been a constant and positive influence in his representation of Canadian motor carriers," said ATA President Bill Graves.  "While there is a well-defined border between our countries, there has never been any barrier to cooperation and collaboration between ATA and CTA.  That healthy working environment has everything to do with the wonderful professional David is, and the commitment he has to this industry and his CTA members. "