VICTORIA, B.C. – In an effort to save drivers time, the B.C. government announced a new system for the commercial trucking industry allowing carriers traveling within the province to apply and receive a permit online.

“We know that the current system of obtaining a truck permit takes time. With the introduction of a new automated online permitting system, commercial operators will now have the ability to obtain permits 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no wait times,” said transportation and infrastructure minister Todd Stone. “This system will help the commercial vehicle industry get goods to market faster, by automatically approving permits and showing drivers detailed information on the approved route to follow.”

Called onRouteBC, the new system, which is being tested with pilot partners in September and available to all commercial carriers Oct. 3, is the first of its kind in Canada and replaces the current Transport Permit System.

Under the current system, which will remain available until the new one is released, carriers much call the Provincial Permitting Centre to have permits issued or renewed. Under onRouteBC, carriers will be able to create an online profile with their company and vehicle information, and apply for permits, make payments, produce a map of the approved route and receive their permits, all saving time.

“The trucking industry will benefit greatly from onRouteBC’s streamlined permit process and enhanced functionality,” said Louise Yako, president and chief executive officer of the B.C. Trucking Association. “Importantly, onRouteBC will also free resources currently dedicated to routine permit applications, allowing ministry staff to focus its expertise on applications that require more in-depth review and planning because of the size of the load or challenges on the route. These improvements should result in a more efficient and timely permitting process. I’m sure trucking companies look forward to using onRouteBC.”

Free wifi access will be added to nine inspection centers in the coming year, which will enable commercial drivers to safely check their permit status online.