LANGLEY, B.C. — The B.C. Trucking Association (BCTA) is launching a two-week review of intermodal issues at the Port of Vancouver.

The association plans to interview key stakeholders (including trucking companies) in an attempt to better understand and more effectively deal with problems at the terminals. The BCTA says it’s taking this initiative because discussions between stakeholders carried out by the Vancouver Port Authority’s (VPA’s) own committees do not appear to be yielding results.

The BCTA contends that operational problems brought to the attention of the terminals and the VPA are not being addressed. Meanwhile, the association says the VPA and its terminals are encouraging additional shipping lines to call at the port, resulting in greater congestion and longer waiting times for trucks.

"While we expect to be able to provide a full report in the next couple of weeks, it has become evident that rate increases, at least in this sector, are warranted," the BCTA said in a recent newsletter. "While BCTA is not in a position to tell members how to run their businesses, all reports thus far have indicated that there are lengthy waits at the terminals and that congestion due to higher volumes is projected to continue into the future."

The Port of Vancouver experienced double digit growth this year and expects to repeat that growth in 2005. The BCTA says companies are turning away customers because they are unable to service them. Meanwhile, diesel prices continue to rise and the wait times are making it unfeasible for truckers to service the port.

"All of these factors point to the need and the opportunity for a rate increase to ensure that costs are being covered, companies are able to invest in their business, and drivers and other employees are being fairly compensated," the BCTA says.