Over 100 container truck drivers participated in a rolling convoy through British Columbia’s Lower Mainland on Sunday, protesting new licensing regulations they believe will negatively impact smaller companies that transport goods to and from the Port of Vancouver.
With their horns blaring and banners displayed, the trucks began their journey from Delta, B.C., heading towards the port entrance in East Vancouver.
This demonstration was initiated by the Port Transport Association (PTA), representing trucking firms that collectively hold around half of the 1,600 licenses at Canada’s busiest port.
The protest was prompted by a recent report from the Office of the B.C. Container Trucking Commissioner (OBCCTC), which is an independent organization established in 2014 to oversee short-haul transportation of goods between various shipping modes or to final destinations.
According to the report, new licensing rules require container trucking license holders to refrain from engaging in any agreements or arrangements for on- or off-dock services with non-licensed operators who conduct off-dock drayage work in the Lower Mainland. The OBCCTC states that these regulations aim to prevent coordinated attempts to evade container trucking regulations.
However, PTA spokesperson Tom Johnson argues that these changes, set to take effect upon the renewal of two-year licenses in November, will adversely affect small and medium-sized licensed drayage companies by prohibiting them from collaborating with non-licensed segments of their businesses, including long-haul trucking. Johnson expressed to CBC News that this could effectively halve their business, forcing them to choose between giving up their port licenses or continuing with other off-port work.
Commissioner Glen MacInnes stated that the licensing changes were intended to close loopholes following four months of consultations with various stakeholders, including trucking companies and drivers. He emphasized that the goal is to ensure industry stability and compliance with regulated rates. Despite this, Johnson contended that the OBCCTC has disregarded PTA members’ concerns about potential harm to smaller operations and possible increases in goods’ costs, advocating for the new regulations to be exempted for existing small and medium trucking businesses to avoid destabilization.
The PTA plans to reach out to B.C.’s transportation ministry, seeking enforcement of checks on MacInnes’s office and alternatives to contest the independent commission’s decisions. Johnson has reported that they have made several requests to meet with B.C. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Rob Fleming for a review of the OBCCTC’s powers, but have yet to receive a response.
Convoy Protest Rerouted
On Sunday, police blocked access to the port at Clark Drive and Hastings Street due to the rally, with clearance taking place around 3 p.m. PT. While the demonstrators intended to conclude the rally at Canada Place, their route was obstructed by police intervention.
The Vancouver Police Department informed CBC News that several roads were also closed due to the Vancouver Marathon. The PTA has announced plans for further rallies in the coming days if their members’ concerns remain unaddressed.
