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Spruce Grove, AB (June 22, 2026) – Bowline Logistics Ltd. is proud to announce the appointment of Allan Gamble as Chief Financial Officer, effective June 1, 2026. A lifelong Spruce Grove area resident with deep roots in both finance and public leadership, Gamble brings decades of experience in financial management, governance, and community leadership to Bowline’s growing team.

Gamble joins Bowline following a varied and accomplished career. He most recently served as Mayor of Parkland County, a role he held for four years, and sat on the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board, including time as both Vice Chair and Chair. Prior to his time in public office, Gamble spent 15 years as Director of Finance at Specialty Glazing Systems Inc., and before that served as Director of Finance and Administration and Owner at Tritech Compression Inc. His financial career began with nearly a decade at Labatt Breweries of Canada, where he worked as a Brewery Controller. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

“I’m excited to share that I have accepted the position of Chief Financial Officer with Bowline Logistics Ltd. in Spruce Grove,” Gamble shared. “Starting today joining Tyler and team with this tremendous growing organization!”

Gamble’s path to Bowline traces back to a connection made through CEO Delly McEwan. He and President Tyler Boyd first met at an event through their shared friendship with Delly, a connection that helped pave the way for Gamble joining the organization.

“Allan is born and raised in the Spruce Grove area with a long history of leadership and financial management,” said Tyler Boyd, President of Bowline Logistics. “We feel certain that Allan is the right fit for our culture and for the opportunity that lies ahead of us.”

Gamble’s blend of financial expertise and public sector leadership positions him well to support Bowline as the company continues its growth across North America. His background managing finance functions across construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas, paired with his governance experience at the municipal and regional level, brings a well-rounded perspective to the role.

As Bowline continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team, the addition of Allan Gamble marks another step forward in the company’s commitment to building a strong foundation for long-term growth.

About Bowline Logistics Ltd.
Bowline Logistics is a Canadian-owned transportation company specializing in open-deck, heavy haul, and project cargo solutions across North America. From multi-axle RGNs and extendables to step-decks and ramp-equipped trailers, our fleet is built to handle complex freight requirements with precision and flexibility. We serve a wide range of industries, including energy, construction, mining, and modular manufacturing, delivering tailored logistics solutions that go beyond the standard.

At Bowline, we believe logistics is still a people business. Our team-first culture is rooted in accountability, collaboration, and a deep respect for the individuals doing the work, whether behind the wheel, in the office, or at the job site. With a focus on long-term relationships and service-driven results, Bowline is redefining what it means to deliver in today’s logistics industry.

Media Contact:
DeVaughn McEwan
Inside Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Bowline Logistics Ltd.
devo@bowlinelogistics.com
www.bowlinelogistics.com

If you’ve ever called a trucking company for a quote and wondered why the number came back so different from what you expected, you’re not alone. Freight pricing in Western Canada is one of those things that looks simple from the outside and gets complicated fast the moment you actually need to move something.

There’s no universal rate card. There’s no standard price per kilometre that applies across the board. What you pay to move freight depends on a combination of factors that shift depending on what you’re moving, where it’s going, what equipment it needs, and what the market is doing at the time you’re asking. Understanding those factors won’t give you a fixed number, but it will help you understand why quotes come in the way they do and what you can actually do about it.

Distance Is a Starting Point, Not the Whole Story

Distance is the most obvious factor in any freight quote and also the most misunderstood. Longer hauls generally cost more in total, but the rate per kilometre often drops as distance increases. A short move of 200 kilometres can end up costing more per kilometre than a 1,500-kilometre cross-provincial run, simply because carriers have to cover fixed costs regardless of how far they travel.

Remote and rural destinations add another layer. A delivery to a job site outside of Fort McMurray or a mine site in northern British Columbia involves roads that take longer to navigate, access points that require extra coordination, and in some cases equipment that simply isn’t available at the other end if something goes wrong. All of that factors into the rate. Moving freight between two major urban centres and moving it to a remote industrial site are fundamentally different jobs, even if the kilometres look similar on a map.

What You’re Moving Changes Everything

The nature of the freight itself has as much impact on pricing as distance. A flatdeck load of steel pipe moves very differently from a mining excavator, a wind turbine component, or a finished modular building. The more specialized the freight, the more specialized the equipment and expertise required, and that is reflected in the price.

For standard open deck or LTL freight, pricing tends to be more predictable. Weight, dimensions, and commodity type drive the calculation, and rates are relatively consistent across carriers who operate that equipment.

Once you move into heavy haul or oversized territory, the variables multiply. Loads that exceed legal weight or dimension limits require permits, route surveys, escort vehicles, and in some cases bridge analyses or municipal approvals. Each of those elements adds cost, and none of them are optional. A carrier quoting you on a heavy haul move who isn’t accounting for all of those components isn’t giving you a real number.

Equipment Type and Availability

The trailer required for your freight is one of the bigger cost drivers that shippers often don’t fully account for. A standard flatdeck is widely available and competitively priced. A 13-axle RGN capable of moving 165,000 lbs is a much more specialized piece of equipment with far fewer operators in the market.

Bowline’s fleet runs everything from low-pro step decks to extendable double-drop trombones and heavy RGN configurations, which means the right equipment is typically available rather than having to broker it out. But across the industry, specialized trailer availability is genuinely limited, and when demand peaks in spring and summer, competition for that equipment drives pricing up. If you need a specific trailer configuration for a specific window, lead time is your best cost-control tool.

Fuel Surcharges Are Real and They Move

Fuel surcharges are a standard component of any freight quote in Canada, and they’re not a padding exercise. They exist because diesel prices are volatile and carriers can’t absorb sudden swings in operating costs without passing some of that along.

In Q1 2026, Canadian diesel prices climbed close to 30 percent in a matter of weeks following disruptions to global oil supply, reaching levels not seen since 2022. Fuel surcharges are typically indexed to prior-period diesel prices, which means they lag behind sudden spikes. When prices jump fast, that gap has to land somewhere in the supply chain. Understanding that fuel surcharges are a variable, not a fixed fee, helps when you’re budgeting a project that spans several months.

Permits, Escorts, and the Costs of Compliance

For oversized and overweight freight, permits are a real cost that gets underestimated more often than not. Each province has its own permitting requirements, thresholds, and approval timelines. A multi-provincial move can require separate permit applications in each jurisdiction, and the cost and time involved varies significantly depending on load dimensions and route.

Escort vehicles and pilot cars are typically coordinated and billed separately from the truck itself. Depending on load size and route requirements, a single move might require one front escort, one rear escort, or multiple pilot vehicles at different points along the route. That coordination has a cost, and it’s a legitimate one. A carrier who isn’t building this into a quote on an oversized move either hasn’t thought it through or is planning to surprise you with it later.

Timing and Seasonality

When you need to move freight matters almost as much as what you’re moving. Western Canada’s freight market has real seasonal patterns. Spring and summer are peak periods for construction, mining, and project cargo, which means demand for specialized equipment is at its highest and capacity is at its tightest. Rates reflect that.

Spring road ban season also affects routing and timing in ways that can add cost. Loads that would move efficiently in winter or late summer may need to be rerouted, split, or delayed during the thaw period. Shippers who factor seasonality into their planning and book early tend to get better pricing and more flexibility. Those who call in peak season looking for a truck next week are negotiating from a weaker position.

LTL vs FTL: Picking the Right Option

For freight that doesn’t fill an entire trailer, less-than-truckload shipping consolidates your load with others heading in the same direction. It’s typically more cost-effective for smaller shipments, but it comes with less control over timing and sequencing. If your freight is time-sensitive or needs to arrive in a specific order relative to other project deliveries, LTL may not be the right fit even if the price looks better on paper.

Full truckload gives you the trailer and its departure time. You’re paying for dedicated capacity, but in return you get more predictability and direct routing. For industrial clients with project-critical deliveries, that predictability is often worth the premium. The break-even point between LTL and FTL typically sits somewhere around 10 to 12 pallets or roughly 50 percent of a trailer, though that calculation shifts depending on freight type and urgency.

Storage and Transloading Add Flexibility, Not Just Cost

Not every freight move is a straight line from origin to destination. Industrial projects often involve staged deliveries, install windows that aren’t confirmed until close to the date, and freight that arrives before a site is ready to receive it. Storage and transloading services allow freight to be held, repositioned, and redistributed without sitting on a truck or creating expensive delays on a job site.

Bowline operates 5-acre fenced and monitored yards in Spruce Grove and Regina, which means freight moving through those corridors can be staged and managed as part of the overall project rather than as a standalone shipment. For multi-phase projects, that flexibility is a real value, not just a line item.

What the Market Is Doing Right Now

Freight pricing doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The broader market affects what carriers charge, what capacity is available, and how much room there is to negotiate. Coming out of a prolonged freight recession that squeezed carrier margins for the better part of two years, the market in Western Canada is showing early signs of a turn. Spot rates hit a cycle high in early 2026 and capacity is beginning to tighten, particularly on specialized and heavy haul equipment. That trend is expected to continue through the back half of 2026.

What that means practically is that shippers who locked in relationships and contract pricing during the softer market are in a better position than those entering the market fresh right now. It also reinforces the value of planning ahead. When capacity tightens, the shippers with established carrier relationships and realistic lead times consistently get better outcomes than those relying on the spot market.

The Honest Answer on Pricing

There is no single answer to what it costs to move freight in Western Canada, because no two moves are exactly alike. Distance, freight type, equipment requirements, permits, seasonality, and market conditions all play a role. What a good carrier can do is be transparent about which of those factors apply to your move and why the quote reflects what it does.

If a quote comes back without any explanation of what’s driving it, that’s worth asking about. And if a quote comes back significantly lower than everything else you’ve received, it’s worth asking what’s been left out.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeVaughn McEwan – Inside Sales & Marketing Lead

DeVaughn works across inside sales and content development at Bowline Logistics, where his focus with Bowline Insights is on making the complex world of heavy haul and oversized freight easier to understand. With a background spanning marketing, finance, and the transportation industry, he translates technical logistics into clear, real-world insights drawn from the work happening on the ground. If you’ve ever wished someone would just explain freight in plain language, that’s the goal.

Spruce Grove, AB (May 30, 2025) – Bowline Logistics Ltd. is proud to announce the appointment of Delly McEwan as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2, 2025. A seasoned executive and logistics strategist, McEwan brings over 25 years of experience in transportation, business development, and project execution across North America.

Bowline welcomes McEwan, following an impressive career that includes founding NexGen Transportation and serving as its President for 13 years, serving as a Managing Director in the wind construction industry, and leading a large First Nations Development Corporation as its CEO. His corporate journey also includes senior roles with Kuehne + Nagel, Bechtel, Bantrel, and Air Liquide Global Energy Solutions. Beyond the boardroom, Delly also serves as the Board Chair of Little Warriors, a national charity committed to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of child sex abuse and sits on the Parkland County Economic Diversification Committee.

 Having had the opportunity to learn from many of the best in the industry—while also successfully founding and building a transportation company—McEwan brings a unique perspective to Bowline’s dynamic and growing team. His executive leadership across diverse industries such as renewable energy, specialized crane and rigging, construction, and corporate development, positions him well to help guide Bowline through the next phase of growth. His fresh outlook is a welcome addition as Bowline continues to evolve its service offerings and reinforce its long-term path toward sustainability and operational excellence.

“I was drawn to Bowline because it’s a company with a strong, people-first culture,” McEwan shared. “I believe in leadership that empowers those on the front lines. The individuals doing the work every day are the most valuable asset of any successful organization—and I saw a kindred spirit in Bowline’s approach. I’m excited to be part of a team that values every voice and puts service excellence at the heart of everything we do.”

McEwan’s leadership style is collaborative, analytical, and deeply team-focused. His strategic vision will help guide Bowline through its next phase of innovation in the transportation and logistics sector, with a particular eye toward building a comprehensive, asset-based logistics solution for the North American market. He is especially looking forward to sharing his broad experience in all aspects of transportation and executive management while integrating into Bowline’s best-in-class culture.

“Delly brings a wealth of knowledge, integrity, and forward-thinking leadership to our organization,” said Tyler Boyd, Founder and President of Bowline Logistics. “His experience and passion for building teams align perfectly with the direction we’re headed. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue expand Bowline’s presence across borders and into new markets.”

McEwan resides in Spruce Grove, Alberta, with his two daughters, aged 9 and 13. He holds a Project Management Certificate from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and remains actively involved in both industry and community initiatives.

As Bowline continues to expand its reach and services across North America, the addition of Delly McEwan to the leadership team marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey—anchored in collaboration, operational excellence, and a commitment to serving both its clients and its people.

About Bowline Logistics Ltd.
Bowline Logistics is a Canadian-owned transportation company specializing in open-deck, heavy haul, and project cargo solutions across North America. From multi-axle RGNs and extendables to step-decks and ramp-equipped trailers, our fleet is built to handle complex freight requirements with precision and flexibility. We serve a wide range of industries—including energy, construction, mining, and modular manufacturing—delivering tailored logistics solutions that go beyond the standard.

At Bowline, we believe logistics is still a people business. Our team-first culture is rooted in accountability, collaboration, and a deep respect for the individuals doing the work—whether behind the wheel, in the office, or at the job site. With a focus on long-term relationships and service-driven results, Bowline is redefining what it means to deliver in today’s logistics industry.

Media Contact:
DeVaughn McEwan
Inside Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Bowline Logistics Ltd.
devo@bowlinelogistics.com
www.bowlinelogistics.com

When you meet Tyler Boyd, President of Bowline Logistics, it’s easy to see the success: nearly 80 employees, 40+ trucks across North America, and a company known for reliability when it matters most. But what you don’t see is the storm he drove through to get here.

In a recent interview on the Business is fcking hard podcast, Tyler opened up about the lowest chapter of his entrepreneurial journey—and how he turned it into the foundation for everything Bowline stands for today.

“Bad things happen to good people. That’s one thing I learned. And I learned that the hard way.” – Tyler Boyd

The Day the Bank Pulled the Plug

Tyler’s journey didn’t start with Bowline—it began at age 12 with an agricultural business. By his 20s, he was running a thriving excavation company with over 100 employees. Then one email changed everything.

With less than an hour’s notice, his bank shut down his line of credit. Payroll was due. Bills were mounting. And the phones weren’t ringing.

Instead of folding, Tyler fought back. He let people go. Faced angry suppliers. Received public judgment. But most of all, he endured. The result? Not only did Bowline take shape during that time—Boyd Excavating, the business that started it all, continues to operate to this day. With a fleet of 40 trucks running alongside Bowline’s logistics operations, it stands as a testament to Tyler’s grit, loyalty, and refusal to let hard times define the outcome.

Rebuilding From Nothing

With no credit and very few resources, Tyler launched Bowline Logistics from scratch. He leaned into relationships and those who still believed in him, especially his family and wife, Amanda.

“My family’s day doesn’t start until Tyler comes home. That’s our whole purpose of the day—just to wait for him to come home.” – Amanda Boyd

That quote reflects a shift not just in priorities, but in philosophy. And so Tyler set forth to build that trust again, mile by mile. Today, Bowline is built on people. Trust, loyalty, and community are at the core of every haul, every hire, and every handshake.

The Lessons That Drive Him

1. Failure is Just a Chapter – Tyler’s story proves that rock bottom isn’t the end of the road—it’s a detour, sometimes the one that leads you to something better.

2. Business Is About People, Not Just Profit – From supportive competitors to unwavering family, relationships paved Tyler’s comeback. And they continue to steer Bowline’s direction.

Watch the Full Interview

Tyler shares more about the emotional weight of failure, the responsibility of leadership, and how he mentors entrepreneurs who feel like they’ve hit a wall.

Here’s a clip of Tyler’s story:

Watch the full interview here:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Green – Project Sales & Business Development

Michelle is known for her deep industry knowledge, customer-first approach, and creative problem-solving in complex logistics environments. With a background in fluid power technology and commercial diving, Michelle brings a hands-on mindset and technical edge to every project. Whether coordinating time-sensitive freight or supporting large-scale industrial moves, she plays a vital role in building trust with clients and driving growth across North America.