Published: July 28, 2020
While it seems that pandemic related issues will remain at the forefront for a while yet, there are a few other things to talk about, namely the new NAFTA and staying on course in spite of protests and heat waves.
Pandemic Related
The United States Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended its Emergency Declaration to August 14, 2020. The Declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations, providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to COVID-19. The items impacted are restricted and do not include routine commercial deliveries. Details here.
Also, the Canada – United States border will also remain closed to non-essential travel until at least August 21st.
CUSMA
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, the “new NAFTA,” came into force on July 1st. According to a statement from Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, benefits of the new agreement include:
- Safeguards for more than $2-billion a day in cross-border trade and tariff-free access for 99.9 per cent of Canada’s U.S.-bound exports.
- Strengthening of fair and impartial dispute settlement process for trade remedies that forestry workers have long relied on to protect their livelihoods from unjust trade actions.
- Ambitious and enforceable labour obligations to protect workers from discrimination in the workplace, leveling the playing field for Canadian workers.
- Enforceable standards for clean air and marine pollution through a strengthened environment chapter.
- Removal of the investor-state dispute resolution system, which has allowed large corporations to sue the Canadian government for regulating in the public interest.
The links below provide more information.
Trilateral Uniform Regulations for Rules of Origin (.pdf)
Trilateral Uniform Regulations for Origin Procedures (.pdf)
Overview of key changes affecting imports
Summer Road Trips
If you’re travelling to any large cities this summer, be aware that there may be protests blocking your preferred route. Be sure to check the local news of the city you’re heading to before you go, and have an alternate plan in case your path is blocked. While most protests are peaceful, some have become violent. It’s best to stay out of the fray.
It’s not just protests that have been heating up though. High temperatures and unusually long heat waves are being seen around North America. Here are a few tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
- The two biggest causes of engine overheating are an existing condition or overloading. Have your vehicle serviced before your trip, and before you rent that camper, make sure that your vehicle can handle the weight, remembering that you’ll also have other gear to take with you.
- Take a jug of coolant with you and keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If the engine temperature starts to rise, look for a place to safely pull off the road. If the gauge is nearing the red zone, turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heat. Pull over as soon as you can.
- Protect your hands from the heat when you open the hood. Allow the engine to cool for at least 30 minutes, and 60 is better. Open the coolant reservoir – not the radiator cap! Check the fluid level and top it up if needed. If it’s completely dry, or if you notice any leaks, unhooked hoses, or anything else troublesome, you’re probably best to call for a tow truck.
- If everything looks ok, start the car and let it run for a few minutes. If the gauge is back in the normal range, carry on, but keep a close eye on it.
From all of us at Ameri-Can, have a happy summer, and stay safe out there!
Ameri-Can Logistics Ltd. is a trucking company servicing shipping ports, railroad depots, and communities throughout North America. Operating 24/7/365 with continuous dispatch services, businesses have relied on Ameri-Can to distribute their products to buyers in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, for three decades.
