Termont recognized for an innovative truck driver safety project
Recently awarded the Vigilance Health and Safety Award by the Port of Montreal, terminal operator Termont implemented a project aimed at improving truck driver safety at its container terminals. The initiative has transformed work methods and significantly reduced the presence of pedestrians in port operational areas.
“Our biggest identified risk was pedestrians, particularly truck drivers,” explains Tony Colella, Director of Health, Safety and Environment at Termont. “Our primary objective was to protect truck drivers from heavy equipment.”
A project born from a major safety challenge
Before the project was implemented, truck drivers were regularly required to exit their vehicles when picking up containers. They would assist crane operators by identifying containers within storage stacks and guiding their placement onto trailers.
This practice exposed drivers to the many pieces of moving equipment operating throughout the terminals.
To eliminate this risk, Termont developed a solution combining technology, communication, and change management. The project is based on two key components: an appointment scheduling system for truck drivers and the use of RFID tags installed on trucks.
With this system, trucks are automatically detected upon arrival at the terminal and when approaching RTG cranes. Operators immediately know which truck has arrived and which container needs to be handled, eliminating the need for drivers to leave their vehicles.
Cameras installed on the cranes also enable operators to position containers more accurately on trailers.
A phased implementation and broad stakeholder engagement
The project was rolled out over approximately 18 months and required extensive engagement both internally and within the trucking community.
“This was large-scale change management,” says Tony Colella. “We changed practices that had been in place at port terminals for more than 50 years.”
The project was implemented in several phases to ensure a smooth transition. Before each phase, Termont ensured that a sufficient number of trucks had been equipped with the RFID tags required for the system to function effectively.
At the same time, extensive communication and training efforts were carried out, including updates to the truck driver guide, distribution of new training videos, on-site awareness campaigns, and ongoing monitoring of compliance. More than 5,600 contacts from trucking companies were reached as part of the initiative.
“When we explained that our priority was driver safety, everyone was willing to collaborate,” explains Julien Dubreuil, General Manager of Termont.
Tangible results in the field
Today, the new practices are firmly established, and adoption by the trucking community has been excellent. In addition to improving safety, the initiative has also enhanced operational efficiency by accelerating truck processing times at the terminal.
Even after the project’s deployment, teams continue to focus on continuous improvement.
“Maintaining a strong presence in the field remains extremely important to ensure these methods continue to be followed,” emphasizes Tony Colella.
Through this initiative, Termont demonstrates that technological innovation, collaboration, and a strong prevention culture can work together to deliver meaningful improvements in safety across port operations.
June 16, 2026