The Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) is introducing a new licensing system that will affect truck drivers operating in the port, as part of its strategic trucking programme that was launched in the wake of last summer's trucking dispute.Under the terms of the new policy, more rigorous licensing, audit and enforcement provisions will be applied to container trucks and container truck operations to ultimately ease congestion at the British Colombia port on the Lower Mainland.
All trucking companies that transport boxes to and from the port will be required to apply for the new licence. The VPA said in a statement that it will only accept applications for new licences from companies that exclusively operate with their own equipment and drivers. Meanwhile, all existing licences are valid until January 15, 2007. After that date the terms of the new licence will apply.
"The VPA's new licence agreement will give our port a greater role in ensuring that trucking companies comply with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was developed by mediator Vince Ready in the aftermath of the 2005 container trucking dispute," said Gordon Houston, CEO of the Vancouver Port Authority.
This reinforces the role Mr Ready will play as mediator in any future disagreements over trucking rates sparked by rival operators offering lower rates. In 2005, container truck drivers walked off the job saying they were not able to make ends meet. "The race to the bottom has to end if we are to restore stability to container trucking operations in the lower mainland," he added.
All trucking companies that transport boxes to and from the port will be required to apply for the new licence. The VPA said in a statement that it will only accept applications for new licences from companies that exclusively operate with their own equipment and drivers. Meanwhile, all existing licences are valid until January 15, 2007. After that date the terms of the new licence will apply.
"The VPA's new licence agreement will give our port a greater role in ensuring that trucking companies comply with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was developed by mediator Vince Ready in the aftermath of the 2005 container trucking dispute," said Gordon Houston, CEO of the Vancouver Port Authority.
This reinforces the role Mr Ready will play as mediator in any future disagreements over trucking rates sparked by rival operators offering lower rates. In 2005, container truck drivers walked off the job saying they were not able to make ends meet. "The race to the bottom has to end if we are to restore stability to container trucking operations in the lower mainland," he added.