VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 27, 2014) - Port Metro Vancouver is taking steps to ensure the safety of the port and port users, and the smooth movement of goods in the face of ongoing disruption to operations by members of the United Truckers Association.
This group of truckers is protesting the wages paid by those who hire them, as well as wait times. Trucking wages are between truckers and trucking companies and Port Metro Vancouver will not interfere in that commercial arrangement.
Port Metro Vancouver is, however, aggressively pursuing initiatives to alleviate wait times, an area over which we can exert influence. We are actively engaged in dialogue with stakeholders, including terminal operators, and have significant ongoing investments, including over $100 million in infrastructure improvements, a GPS tracking program, and active investigation into implementing extended hours at terminal gates. These programs and initiatives are ongoing, with significant milestones set for 2014.
Though recently wait times have occasionally been long due to unusually severe weather in the east and elsewhere, GPS data shows the average truck wait time is well within industry standards. Sixty-four per cent of trucks are waiting less than one hour to pick up or drop off cargo, while less than 5% are waiting longer than two hours.
There is room for improvement. We are working with terminal operators and key stakeholders to reduce wait times. The goal for 2014 is to reduce wait times to less than one hour, 75% of the time. The long-term goal is to have 100% of wait times under one hour. Up-to-date information on the current wait times at Port Metro Vancouver container terminals can be found on our website here. An overview of wait times recorded over previous years can be found on our website here.
There are now allegations and evidence some protestors are disrupting port operations, including violence, intimidation and sabotage of trucks and property. These individuals will be identified and their licenses to access port property will be terminated.
With the support of industry, government, law enforcement and other truckers, Port Metro Vancouver is intent on returning the port to regular operations as soon as possible.
For more information:
Port Metro Vancouver GPS Dashboard (shows real-time truck wait times)
Overview of current trucking-related improvements
Related statement from BC Truckers Association
Background:
Over the past two months, extreme weather conditions in eastern and central North America have forced the need to shorten and slow trains so they could operate safely. Meanwhile, storms in the Pacific Ocean delayed ships. Overall, there has been enormous impact on the movement of goods, affecting railways and terminal operators and, at times, causing extended delays for truckers.
Notwithstanding the impact of unusual weather, Port Metro Vancouver has a number of infrastructure and operational initiatives in place that have been developed in collaboration with government and other port stakeholders, including the United Truckers Association.
- Port Metro Vancouver's Smart Fleet Trucking Strategy aims to improve the efficiency and performance of the trucking sector through GPS monitoring that allows Port Metro Vancouver to monitor performance in real-time, and use this data to increase efficiency and inform future infrastructure investments. This information is also shared with truck operators by providing updates on terminal traffic conditions on our website.
- Port Metro Vancouver is actively assessing the value of a port-wide reservation system. Such a system would enable trucking companies to make, change, and cancel appointments across container terminals, and would help terminal operators to efficiently manage the movement of cargo through their facilities.
- The continued growth of Port Metro Vancouver's container sector necessitates the extension of truck operations beyond current daytime shifts. Introducing extended gate hours at container terminals will align drayage operations with those of marine and rail sectors, reducing turn times and increasing revenue potential. Discussions are active with supply chain stakeholders to determine how this can be achieved, and we expect changes in the coming months.
- In December 2013, the Stewart Street Elevated Structure opened. This $75 million roadway allows vehicles to bypass more than ten at-grade rail crossings, and has alleviated traffic congestion and improved travel time reliability for drivers accessing Centerm and Vanterm container terminals in Burrard Inlet.
- A new $50 million overpass is under construction on the Roberts Bank Causeway to Deltaport. Scheduled for completion later this year, it will eliminate rail-truck conflict and significantly reduce trucking delays caused by rail switching activity.
- Port Metro Vancouver is set to begin consultation with industry stakeholders as part of a comprehensive review of the current Truck Licensing System program and policy. Anticipated benefits include increased productivity, profitability, stability and sustainable growth for the container transport community. The Port recently issued a moratorium on the issuing of new truck licenses while we consult with industry regarding changes to the Truck Licensing System.
Port Metro Vancouver is North America's largest export port by tonnage and trades $172 billion in goods annually with more than 160 trading economies, generating across Canada an estimated 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP. For more information on Port Metro Vancouver's truck related initiatives, please visit the trucking section of our website.
Economic impacts
The operation of Port Metro Vancouver involves many different enterprises including cargo terminals, cruise terminals, industries requiring tidewater access, shipyards, tugboats, railways, trucks, shipping agents, freight forwarders, suppliers, builders, and administrative agencies.
Including indirect and induced effects, in round numbers, the total impacts of ongoing operations at businesses related to Port Metro Vancouver across Canada are:
- 98,800 jobs
- $9.7 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- $20.3 billion in economic output
- $6.1 billion in wages
- $67,000 average wage for direct job, vs. $44,000 average wage in Canada
- $1.3 billion per year in tax revenues
To learn more about the economic impacts of Port Metro Vancouver, download the Economic Impact Study. For general facts and statistics about the Port, visit our Facts & Stats page.
Contact Information:
604.665.9267