One of the best indicators that Canada is shaking off the lingering effects of pandemic is activity in the mining sector. Activity continues to move forward in places like the Ring of Fire, the massive planned chromite mining and smelting development in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario, while other mining operations continue to get approval across the north.
That’s great news for companies like Ocean Transportation Services Freight Forwarding Inc. (OTSFF® / OTS®), an international freight forwarder and independent logistics service provider.
“There’s a lot of mining sector activity in the north and that’s good news for all the industries that rely on it,” said André Laurin, who founded OTSFF® in 1994. “We’re already seeing movement with that kind of industry and indirectly through cargos being quoted for things like bridgework that requires a lot of steel. The more we continue to see development in the north, there will be a phenomenal positive impact for supply chain management companies.”
According to Laurin, a burgeoning mining sector will drive opportunity for a lot of the trucking companies relied upon to keep vital products, equipment, and materials flowing northward. It’s also an opportunity for truckers and labourers looking for gainful employment in both the mining and the logistics and supply chain industry.
“It helps organizations like mine in the supply chain management sector that can deliver via ocean and trucking transport services, customers brokerages, and delivery companies,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for labourers, for drivers, for crane and large machinery operators. It opens the doors for quite a few people in the industrial handling side.”
Laurin said OTSFF® is a company in hiring mode, as demands for the company’s logistics and delivery service increase. While fuel prices have stabilized, one of the biggest remaining challenges for logistics companies hiring in the north is finding the skilled individuals wanting and willing to work in the industry.
“I need people in my industry that know how to handle different loads, people not afraid to get out of the truck who have experience in lashing,” he said. “There are a lot of drivers who are great at going from point A to point B who don’t like to get physically involved with the cargo. We need handlers. That’s one piece of the pie we’re missing in the supply chain is good, well-rounded skilled handlers who are also competent drivers.”
Laurin suggests that individuals looking for work reach out to his company.
“Reach out to us if you think you’ve got the skills working with specialty handling,” he said. “We look forward to the opportunities being created by these advancements in the north. We need people to help us.”
Regardless of the product you’re shipping, find out more about what OTSFF® can do for you. Visit them online or call 1 (800) 668-4473.