Federal, provincial transport ministers issue statement on Port Metro Vancouver trucking situation

VANCOUVER, B.C.–The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, and the Honourable Todd Stone, British Columbia’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, issued a joint statement today noting progress on the Joint Action Plan of March 26, 2014, to achieve stability in the Port Metro Vancouver trucking industry.

“A great deal has been accomplished over the past two months, such as increases to the rates to be paid to truckers. However, we remain very concerned about the consistent application of these rates and will not hesitate to take action to ensure compliance with the Joint Action Plan. As an immediate measure, the provincial audit program is being strengthened and targeted investigations are underway,” said the statement.

“While we are actively working on rate compliance, the Action Plan also includes measures to reduce wait times at the port. In response, the port marine terminals are extending their hours and the container truck GPS installation project aimed at reducing congestion and wait times at the port is already near completion. While these are all positive steps, it is imperative that, taken together, they work for everyone impacted. We have asked our officials to continue to work with the port terminals and drayage community to make sure these steps improve port productivity and do not result in a download of costs to the truckers that make this sector such a success. Pivotal to this progress has been advisor Vince Ready. His recent recommendations on implementing key elements of the Joint Action Plan were accepted without hesitation by our governments, Port Metro Vancouver and other partners.

They also announced that VinceReady will  continue his work for an additional 90 days to ensure progress continues and that necessary steps are taken to achieve long-term stability at the port.

“More specifically,  Ready will be asked to provide additional recommendations on further measures to address trucker remuneration including for off-dock container movements. Any advice and recommendations made by Mr. Ready will be taken very seriously by our governments,” the statement said.