Governments Unveil New Model for Port Metro Vancouver's Container Trucking Industry

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Oct 17, 2014

Canada’s Transport Minister, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, and B.C. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister the Honourable Todd Stone today issued the following joint statement to unveil a new model for the container trucking industry serving Port Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

“Port Metro Vancouver, as Canada’s largest port, handling over 130 million tonnes of cargo each year, is critical to the local and national economy. Today we are announcing key actions that will move port operations forward, allowing us to leverage the substantial investments that have been made to expand the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and further enhance Port Metro Vancouver’s truly world class position.

“Vince Ready and Corinn Bell have submitted a report containing important recommendations on innovative measures and efficiencies that can be introduced at the port. Today, our two governments are moving ahead jointly with the most crucial of those recommendations. Both governments see these two measures as necessary steps in ensuring the efficiency and competitiveness of the Port.

“Port Metro Vancouver will proceed with its planned reform of the Truck Licensing System. This will help to create the conditions for a modern and efficient drayage sector by ensuring a closer alignment between the number of container trucks serving the port and the demands of the customers who use their services. This measure will improve the conditions under which the truckers work, and increase the economic sustainability of the port. Assistance will be available to help the trucking sector through the transition to the new licensing system.

“In addition, the Province of B.C. will introduce legislation in the coming weeks to bring into force full, retroactive rate regulation for the marine container trucking companies serving the port. The Province will also appoint a Container Trucking Commissioner, who will assume responsibility for all Truck Licensing System licenses in place following the planned reforms by Port Metro Vancouver, and will administer future truck licences.

“I look forward to moving forward with a new model for the container trucking sector at Port Metro Vancouver and am excited to build on investments our government has made to increase the capacity and performance of the port. Working together with the province, the port, and the trucking sector, we are creating the conditions for Port Metro Vancouver to increase its efficiency and reliability and strengthen its position as a world-class port,” said Minister Raitt.

“Our government has recognized the need for an independent voice to provide ongoing leadership to this vital sector. We are confident that the new Commissioner, to be appointed, and the marine container trucking sector can continue to build on the positive work of the past several months, to make sure the reliability and competitiveness of our gateway is sustained in an environment that is fair to truckers, said Minister Stone.

“Our governments thank Mr. Ready and Ms. Bell for their productive work and recommendations, and encourage supply chain partners to continue working together as we bring to fruition the measures we have announced today.”

Associated Links

• Backgrounder - Canada and BC Governments Unveil New Model for Port Metro Vancouver Container Trucking Industry
• Vince Ready & Corinn Bell Recommendation Report* – BC Lower Mainland Ports
  * Ready-Bell recommendations are also available in Punjabi on the Port Metro Vancouver site