One of the most important parts of the conversation centered on mindset. Many small carriers equate credit with debt — and debt with failure. Gerri was careful to acknowledge where that fear comes from.And pressure is where bad credit habits are born.What makes trucking uniquely vulnerable is the combination of short-term urgency and long-term cost exposure. You need money now to keep moving, but the biggest expenses — engines, aftertreatment, tires — don’t show up politely. They arrive all at once. That fo ...

Core Insights - Canada's economy is stabilizing, supported by easing inflation and interest rate cuts, leading to increased business confidence and investment [1] - Average business debt has risen by 19.6% year-over-year to $30,855, with a notable 83% increase in balances for newly established firms [1] - The Canadian Small Business Health Index increased by 2.83% from the previous quarter, reflecting improved business sentiment [2] Business Credit Trends - The manufacturing sector has driven a surge in business credit demand, with a 1.6% month-over-month rise in the Raw Materials Price Index (RMPI) and an 8.83% year-over-year increase in credit demand inquiries [4] - Businesses are prioritizing supplier payments over financial debts, resulting in a 3.5% delinquency rate for financial trades, up 7% year-over-year [5] - The financial trade delinquency rate in Ontario reached 3.86%, a 10.5% increase year-over-year, indicating significant economic strain in the region [6] Regional Performance - Ontario's financial and insurance industry has seen a 17.5% year-over-year increase in 60+ day delinquency rates, highlighting the challenges faced by small businesses in the province [6] - The Canadian Small Business Health Index for the manufacturing sector stands at 80.2%, down 11.2% compared to last year, reflecting declining business sentiment [6] - Overall, Canada’s delinquency rate for financial trades is 3.53%, with a 7% increase year-over-year, while industrial trades have improved by 18.74% [8]