Protest fallout

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LANGLEY, B.C. — While unhappy truckers may have departed from Port Metro Vancouver, actions taken during this week’s protest are still playing out.

As reported on TruckNews.com, hundreds of owner/operators who banded together under the name United Truckers Association protested at the port on Wednesday to bring attention to what they feel are unreasonable wait times and compensation issues. While the majority of protestors were law-abiding and respectful, some are reported to have been aggressive, threatening and intimidating other drivers who were attempting to enter the port.

In reaction to those reports, Port Metro Vancouver has vowed to take action against drivers who employed those tactics. In a statement, the port says: “There are now allegations and evidence some protestors are disrupting port operations, including violence, intimidation and sabotage of trucks and property. These individuals will be identified and their licenses to access port property will be terminated.”

The port also called on co-operation to help normalize the situation.

“With the support of industry, government, law enforcement and other truckers, Port Metro Vancouver is intent on returning the port to regular operations as soon as possible.”

While the port admits to recent wait times being long, it blames the extreme weather for causing delays. It also insists operations are essentially running smoothly.

“GPS data shows the average truck wait time is well within industry standards. Sixty-four per cent of trucks are waiting less than one hour to pick up or drop off cargo, while less than 5% are waiting longer than two hours.

“There is room for improvement. We are working with terminal operators and key stakeholders to reduce wait times. The goal for 2014 is to reduce wait times to less than one hour, 75% of the time. The long-term goal is to have 100% of wait times under one hour.”

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  • If only all drivers banded together to peacefully ask for higher wages. Do you really know what would happen to this country if all truckers did not move their vehicle for just one or two days…

  • Extreme weather??? Are you kidding me??? We have had only one weather delay I can recall this year and that was at DeltaPort. PMV is only damaging their credibility by spewing mis leading statements like this. Vancouver has been blessed with some of the best weather in North America this winter!!!

  • PMV states wait times are within the hour for most truckers. If you believe this I have a port to sell you, cheap! These times are false! These times are derived from ticket times NOT actual wait times. They calculate waiting times once a driver speaks to a terminal operator and his pick up or drop off info is entered into the computer by a port employee. These times DO NOT include the hours waiting just to get to an intercom. Waiting times are only calculated once info is collected and truck is allowed inside of actual port property. PMV parks trucks outside the terminals for extended periods of time where there is limited or no bathroom facilities or anywhere to wash hands or have a coffee. Truckers must wait with the truck at all times in case the port decides to allow trucks in, therefore it is not like the driver can park and sleep. Drivers are NEVER informed of wait times outside of the port. PMV set up a website to inform drivers of waiting times but it is seriously inaccurate.
    Women drivers are almost non-existent due to a severe lack of washroom facilities and the greater Vancouver region’s poor planning for trucks and truck service facilities. (There is no truck stops or parking areas to service the needs of truckers west of Chilliwack)

  • As long as stupid truck drivers keep giving their time and services away there will never be any changes made.