October 15, 2014 joint action plan progress update on tls reform

Update
Trucking – TLS Reform
October 15, 2014
Container Trucking Joint Action Plan – Progress Update
Management and Implementation

The steering committing responsible for implementing the Joint Action Plan has
been meeting weekly since the spring of 2014. In addition, related working
committees continue to meet. The members of the steering committee are:
o
Transport Canada
o
BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
o
Port Metro Vancouver
o
Marine terminals
o
Driver representatives (Unifor, UTA, Teamsters)
o
Dockworker Representatives (ILWU)
Vince Ready released his final report on October 15, 2014. This was a follow-up to
recommendations he released on May 20, 2014.

The federal and provincial governments issued a joint news release on October
15, 2014 announcing new legislation and next steps related to container trucking
in B.C.
Port Operations and Licensing

Truckers are currently serving the port and container movements are normal.
There are no ongoing license or permit suspensions related to last spring’s
service disruption.

A staffed call centre has been set up to respond directly to questions from drivers
and trucking companies to assist with truck licensing and permit requirements.

Port Metro Vancouver has completed the first round of consultation meetings to
discuss draft proposed changes to the Truck Licensing System. A total of 12
meetings have been held.

On October 15, 2014, Port Metro Vancouver announced plans to reform its Truck
Licensing System.

The goals of the new licensing system are to improve service quality, efficiency,
safety and operating standards, bring stability to the marketplace, address
environmental issues, and increase understanding, accountability and
transparency.

The second round of consultation meetings will begin in early November. The
purpose of those meetings are to finalize details of the new Truck Licensing
System.
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
The new licensing system is expected to be announced by the end of November
2014 and to come in force in February 2015.

Until a new system is in place, the existing system remains in effect and expiring
licenses and permits can be renewed. Drivers needing to renew their permits can
contact Port Metro Vancouver at 604.665.9333 or
[email protected]. Supporting documents can be emailed or faxed
to 1.888.529.2560.

Trucking companies continue to be required to pay trip rates and fuel surcharges
introduced by the federal government through Transport Canada in April 2014.
Trip rates for independent, non-unionized drivers were at that time increased by
12%.
Enforcement

A whistleblower program is in place and, since its introduction in June 2015, over
200 calls have been received and forwarded to the B.C. Ministry Container Truck
Dispute Resolution Office.

The provincial government continues to audit companies reported for noncompliance with existing regulations. Since June 2015, audits have been
completed and all companies audited have been found to be in substantial
compliance with the Truck Licensing System. Off-dock rates have generally not
been increased.
Wait Times

Terminals are required to pay trucking companies when drivers are forced to wait
beyond their scheduled time.

All 2,000 Port Metro Vancouver-licensed trucks are now outfitted with GPS
transponders, which allow for tracking of wait times and facilitate wait time
payments.
Extended gates

Three container terminals (Centerm, Deltaport and Vanterm) have implemented
night gates (extended hours), five days per week effective July 1, 2014.
Reservations

The Government of Canada has announced plans to contribute $3 million to fund
development of a common reservation system for all four container terminals at
Port Metro Vancouver. The system will reduce trucker wait times by using new
technologies to better link operations across Port Metro Vancouver’s four marine
container terminals.

A framework for the common reservation system has been developed through
consultation with stakeholders. Development of the system is currently
underway.
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Background Information
In February 2014, a group of unionized and non-unionized container truckers stopped
serving Port Metro Vancouver over issues including compensation and wait times at port
terminals.
On March 26, 2014, the provincial and federal governments, which are collectively
responsible for all local container movements by truck, agreed with truckers to a 15point Joint Action Plan to improve working conditions and fix problems that have
plagued the industry for many years. Some of the actions in the plan are the
responsibility of Port Metro Vancouver.
Implementing the plan is very complicated because there are many stakeholders with
competing interests. Responsibility for the plan is led by Transport Canada and shared
with the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Port Metro Vancouver
and trucking stakeholders including container terminal operating companies, shippers,
trucking companies and truck drivers.
The container trucking sector is complex and plagued by instability, not only in B.C. but
in ports across North America. In 2007, an independent review panel described B.C.
container trucking as a failed market. Modest regulation in the sector has been
unsuccessful, and effective change will require the cooperation and patience of all
stakeholders.
More Information
For more information or any questions about the Joint Action Plan, contact Transport
Canada at mailto:at [email protected]@tc.gc.ca.
For information on the Truck Licensing System, contact 604.665.9333 or
mailto:[email protected].
For media inquiries, contact John Parker-Jervis at [email protected] or 604-665-9267.
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