BC acts on overpass crash, suspends fleet

The British Columbia government has suspended operations for a trucking fleet after one of its trucks crashed into an overpass on December 28.

Chohan Freight Forwarders Ltd had its safety certificate suspended on December 29th, meaning the company’s entire fleet of 65 commercial vehicles will be unable to operate in B.C. as well, the driver and the carrier responsible will face the toughest fines in any Canadian jurisdiction. The outcome of the investigation could lead to further action.

The government recently announced new penalties for fleets that repeatedly collide with transport infrastructure, like bridges. In cases where a company has a history of non-compliance, including previous infrastructure crashes, enforcement measures will become increasingly severe. This includes potential suspension and possible cancellation of a company’s carrier safety certificate, essentially preventing their operation in B.C.

“This needs to stop. We know that the vast majority of commercial drivers in B.C. operate safely and responsibly. However, some operators are not getting the message,” Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure, said in a statement.

“This suspension is a result of the company’s unwillingness or inability to operate safely within the province, following its sixth infrastructure crash in two years.

“We recently announced increased fines and the ability to ground fleets through suspensions like this, so highway traffic keeps moving safely and reliably for travellers and commercial vehicles, and people can count on their commute.”

“The BC Trucking Association welcomes and supports the decisive measures taken by the provincial government to enhance safety and reduce infrastructure crashes involving commercial heavy-duty trucks,” said Dave Earle, president and CEO, BC Trucking Association.

“These initiatives mark a pivotal step toward creating safer roadways for all and underscore our shared commitment to fostering a culture focused on risk-prevention in the trucking industry.”