Canada, B.C. governments unveil new model for Port Metro Vancouver container trucking industry

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VANCOUVER, B.C.–The Governments of Canada and British Columbia released a statement today regarding the unveiling of the new model for the Port Metro Vancouver Container Trucking Industry.

Wednesday, the Governments of Canada and BC announced actions that will be taken to strengthen Port Metro Vancouver’s position as a world class port by creating the conditions for an enhanced and efficient drayage sector where the number of container trucks serving the port better meets market demands.

Following the development of a Joint Action Plan, developed in March 2014, which set out plans to help ensure truck drivers are paid fair compensation and established the need to reform the Truck Licensing System, Vince Ready and Corinn Bell were engaged to analyze and issue recommendations on all points in the action plan.

Their report, released Wednesday, includes recommendations on reforming the Truck Licensing System. The reforms will be led by Port Metro Vancouver.

Reform of the Truck Licensing System:

Port Metro Vancouver’s Truck Licensing System (TLS) was introduced in 2005.

In April 2014, Port Metro Vancouver sought feedback on the current system and potential changes including performance requirements and metrics. A Consultation Report from this phase will be released in the coming days.

In the first week of November, Port Metro Vancouver will begin a second phase of discussions with a view to having a finalized policy for the new TLS in place by the end of the month. Meetings will focus on anticipated new standards and requirements, such as performance bonds, damage deposits, driver sponsorship agreements and license charges.

Once the new policy is in place, existing approved TLS license-holders will be invited to apply to be accepted into the new system. Applicants will need to meet the new standards and requirements spelled out in a new contract.

The intent is to have the new system up and running by February 1, 2015. The total number of licensed trucks in the system will be reduced so as to ensure long-term stability of the system. It is expected some existing companies and independent owner operators will not participate under the new policy. Assistance will be available to help the trucking sector through the transition to the new licensing system, said the statement.

Port Metro Vancouver’s goal is to be a world leader in supply chain competitiveness and sustainability. The reform of the TLS will provide the tools necessary to effectively and consistently enforce rate compliance and put the port and the container trucking sector that serves it on solid footing.

The TLS reform will happen in concert with the Province of B.C.’s fall legislation, to bring into force retroactive rate regulation for the marine container trucking companies serving Port Metro Vancouver, establish a new independent Container Trucking Commissioner, and call for the immediate establishment of an Industry Advisory Committee. The Commissioner will be independent of government and will assume responsibility for all TLS licences in place following the planned reforms by Port Metro Vancouver, and will administer future truck licenses.

The Vince Ready & Corinn Bell Recommendation Report* – BC Lower Mainland Ports can be found here.

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