Joint Action Plan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Port Metro Vancouver’s role in the container trucking sector and the
Joint Action Plan?
Port Metro Vancouver manages federal government land by leasing it to various
independent terminal operators and making improvements to roads, rail crossing and
other infrastructure. Port Metro Vancouver does not contract with truckers or trucking
companies, nor does it own or operate the terminals. However, Port Metro Vancouver
works to make the port as efficient as possible to ensure the smooth flow of trade and
the jobs and economic benefits that go along with strong trade. To do this, Port Metro
Vancouver collaborates with terminal operating companies, trucking companies and
shippers to increase cooperation and find ways to collectively ensure port operations run
smoothly.
Given the last work disruption was in 2005, why haven’t the problems in this
industry been addressed?
The container trucking industry is complex. In 2006, the federal government tried to
remedy part of the problem by introducing regulated rates to be paid to truckers who
did not have the protection of either a union or employment standards legislation, while
the provincial government committed to operate an audit program as Port Metro
Vancouver’s appointee, to ensure the rates were honoured. However, undercutting
continued, a problem made worse by a growing number of trucking companies.
Later, a review by an independent panel made the following recommendations.
Recommendation
Responsibility
1
No changes or modifications be made to the
Regulations Amending the Port Authorities
Operations Regulations at the present time;
N/A
2
Continue to monitor the structure and practices
of the local container drayage industry in the
Lower Mainland of British Columbia, on its own
accord and within the purview of departmental
participation on the Province of British
Columbia’s Trucking Forum;
Transport Canada
3
Undertake an annual overview of the structure
of the local container drayage industry in the
Lower Mainland of British Columbia to determine
if and how the industry is changing and
potential impacts on stability; a summary of
results will be submitted to the Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities;
Transport Canada
4
Formalize a Steering Committee structure and
meet on a semi-annual basis to discuss
emerging issues and recommend measures to
ensure that all parties are working in a
consistent manner towards the objective of
long-term stability, including the assessment of
existing and potential measures and their
intended and unintended outcomes;
Transport Canada
British Columbia
Ministry of
Transportation and
Infrastructure
British Columbia
Ministry of Labour
Port Metro
Vancouver
5
The Trucking Forum continue to function as the
appropriate venue to discuss key stakeholder
input and the need for operational research;
Province of British
Columbia
6
Continue to contribute financially and with
policy support to the Province of British
Columbia’s Trucking Forum
Transport Canada
7
Initiate a comprehensive review of the structure
and operation of the local port container
trucking industry in the Lower Mainland within
five years following the completion of the
current review.
Minister of
Transport,
Infrastructure and
Communities
Since that time, regular meetings have been held, the industry has been monitored and
reviewed, and specific actions have been taken. However, the problems have persisted.
What specifically has Port Metro Vancouver done to address problems in the
trucking industry?
Recognizing continued instability in the container trucking industry but limited by its
jurisdiction, Port Metro Vancouver has taken on a number of initiatives to make
improvements in the trucking industry including:
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In consultation with terminal operating companies, put in place a number of
measures to monitor and improve efficiency of gate operations and truck
turnaround times.
Issued a moratorium on new owner-operator truck permits to ensure that, over
time, the number of owner-operators offering services would not exceed demand
Worked closely with the provincial auditing program to enforce truck licensing
rules, especially around payment of agreed-upon rates.
Regularly participated in the joint Trucking Forum to address industry issues.
Launched the Smart Fleet trucking strategy.
Funded significant infrastructure upgrades such as road improvements and
railway crossing, to improve the flow of container truck traffic to and from the
port.
What is the Smart Fleet trucking strategy?
In February 2013, after extensive industry and stakeholder engagement, Port Metro
Vancouver announced its Smart Fleet trucking strategy.
Smart Fleet is a three-year action plan to improve the efficiency and reliability of the
container trucking sector by maximizing existing capacity and improving operational
efficiencies.
Specifically, Smart Fleet includes the following:
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Expanded use of GPS communications to track supply chain excellence with the
goal to outfit all trucks in the container trucking fleet with GPS units
Joint research funding through the Clean Transportation Initiative to identify
technology-based solutions to improve sustainability, in partnership with industry
and government
A Container Drayage Leadership Team to provide a forum for terminal operators
and industry leaders to work openly to solve drayage challenges
Container Vessel On-time Incentive Program to encourage container vessel
operators to arrive on schedule and thereby contribute to overall supply chain
consistency
Truck Licensing System review and reform that will lead to enhanced
performance, safety and environmental standards
Ongoing infrastructure improvement projects including Deltaport Terminal, Road
and Rail Improvement Project and the South Shore Corridor Project. The projects
improve the flow of container trucks by building overpasses to avoid rail
crossings and separating truck traffic from personal vehicle traffic.
How does the Joint Action Plan impact Port Metro Vancouver’s plans, including
the Smart Fleet strategy?
Most of the actions in the Joint Action Plan are the responsibility of the federal or
provincial governments. Port Metro Vancouver’s role is to speed up implementation of
the Smart Fleet strategy so that changes to the container trucking industry will be
realized sooner.
We are now consulting with the trucking community and will be reforming the Truck
Licensing System to try to enforce compensation at regulated rates and to better match
the supply of trucks with the demand for trucking services. We are also aiming to have
GPS on all trucks by July 2014, which will allow us to track truck movement throughout
the port and report back to terminals who are working to reduce waiting times.
What will be achieved once all the items in the Joint Action Plan are in place?
In addition to greater stability in this volatile market, the successful implementation of
all the changes under way will make Port Metro Vancouver the world leader in container
trucking efficiency. For example, we will be the only port using GPS on 100% of
container trucks, will allow an unparalleled opportunity to manage container logistics.