MacKinnon Transport has filed a Notice of Intention under the Canada's Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act in order to restructure the company.


Trucknews.com reports that the 75-year-old family owned carrier notified drivers via a satellite message on Dec. 13 that it had filed the NOI. Unconfirmed reports suggest MacKinnon is talking with Laidlaw Van, owned by Contrans, in an effort to preserve as many jobs as possible while the company focuses on survival, and ultimately, moves toward returning to its flatbed roots.

Two years ago, MacKinnon Transport bought St. Thomas, Ont.-based L.E. Walker Transport, merging the company's van business into MacKinnon's own business. Unfortunately, Walker subsequently ran into difficulties and filed for creditor protection amid restructuring efforts.

Company president and chief executive Evan MacKinnon said in a statement Friday: "Let me stress this is not a bankruptcy," adding, the firm continues to operate, with the restructuring intended to "make our company financially stronger and more competitive."

MacKinnon Transport has always been considered one of Canada's premier flatdeck carriers, operating approximately 270 trucks. It has also won fleet safety awards from Volvo Trucks and the Truckload Carriers Association. Mackinnon has also been named a Best Fleet to Drive For under a program run by CarriersEdge and the Truckload Carriers Association.