VICTORIA, B.C. – BC wants to put one individual in charge of bringing stability back to trucking operations at Port Metro Vancouver.

The provincial government tabled legislation that will not just enforce the previously promised rate regulations and other recommendations, but also establish an “independent container trucking commissioner, who will assume responsibility for all Truck Licensing System licenses in place following planned licence reforms by Port Metro Vancouver, and will administer future truck licences.”

As part of his or her duties, the commissioner’s will be responsibility for rates, wait time charges and fuel surcharges, on-dock and off-dock truck licensing, overseeing the whistleblower line, and enhancing auditing and enforcement capabilities.

The proposed legislation says the commissioner will also be responsible for creating and consulting with an industry advisory committee, whose goal will be to ensure the long-term stability and efficiency of the port’s container trucking operations. This committee is expected to provide a forum to facilitate co-operation amongst stakeholders in the drayage sector, advise the commissioner on all matters relating to best practices in the drayage sector, including rates and remuneration issues and the development of contractual frameworks between trucking companies and terminal operators, and offer advice and recommendations to the commissioner with respect to the drayage sector generally or on any related matter.

“Port Metro Vancouver is Canada’s largest port and one of the busiest in North America, and it is vital that operations continue to keep British Columbians working, our economy running and goods moving across the country,” said BC transportation minister Todd Stone.

“We are confident this legislation will establish fair working conditions in this sector as well as allow Port Metro Vancouver to increase its efficiency and reliability as a world-class port.”

The full text of the legislation is available online.