All container trucks wishing to access Lower Mainland ports must have a valid license. The Truck Licensing System (TLS) is still in effect and will evolve over time to include enhancements, upgrades and additional requirements as necessary to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Vancouver Gateway.

The new OIC orders BC’s Lower Mainland ports to enforce compliance with the (Vince Ready) Memorandum of Agreement. Fraser River Port continues to work with the Vancouver Port Authority to ensure consistency across the Lower Mainland ports’ truck licensing.

Why licenses are required

From June 27 to July 29, 2005, the Vancouver Container Truckers’ Association (VCTA) withdrew container trucking services in the Lower Mainland ports. The work stoppage caused the loss of approximately $30 million each week to the country’s economy and seriously damaged the Vancouver Gateway’s reputation as a reliable service provider.

On June 30, the provincial and federal governments appointed Mr. Vince Ready as facilitator in the dispute. On July 29, Ready delivered his report to the federal and provincial ministers of labour. On the same day, Ready proposed a Memorandum of Agreement to resolve the dispute. The VCTA immediately ratified the Memorandum of Agreement but the trucking companies did not ratify the agreement.

The Federal government issued an Order-in-Council (OIC), temporarily resolving the dispute and enabling the adoption of an interim licensing system. On August 4, the Federal government issued an amended OIC, requiring VPA and the Fraser River Port Authority to establish a mandatory licensing system for all container trucks and other road transportation equipment wishing to enter Lower Mainland ports. The TLS operates as a web-based application and comprises several requirements.

As a condition of the TLS, all applicants must agree to be a signatory to the (Vince Ready) Memorandum of Agreement, to be in compliance with that agreement, and to be bound by the arbitration process set out in the agreement. The licensing system has been in effect since August 4, 2005.

Companies wishing to apply for a Container Truckers License must visit http://www.portvancouver.com/trade_shipping/trucking/trucking.html.

To verify pick up procedures at Fraser Surrey Docks, please visit their website www.fsd.bc.ca

Fraser River Port is Canada’s largest fresh-water port, and encompasses 270 kilometres of shoreline along the Fraser River from Langley to the Strait of Georgia. It contributes $2.3 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product, generates over $236 million in revenues to all levels of government through taxes and fees, and provides over 12,400 direct jobs.