Vancouver implements interim licenses for container truckers

Vancouver implements interim licenses for container truckers    The Port of Vancouver, B.C. Monday said it will begin implementing a plan to issue interim licenses to companies providing local container drayage services if the companies are signatories to an agreement worked out by a government-appointed mediator.
   The agreement could lead to the conclusion of a trucker strike that has lasted five weeks.
   The plan was announced by the Vancouver Port Authority at a meeting with representatives of both port and truckers, as well as representatives from the Fraser River Port Authority and mediator Vince Ready.
   'This interim license could get the trucks back to work while allowing some time for a long-term solution to be worked out. This dispute has been very hard on many people throughout our community, hard on the economy, and has damaged the reputation of Canada's busiest maritime gateway,' said Gordon Houston, president and chief executive officer of the port authority. 'We all need to pull together and find a lasting solution to these challenges so that we can rebuild confidence in the reliability of this port.'
   Effective Thursday, the port will begin requiring trucks accessing its container terminals to have interim licenses in place. Trucking companies will have a grace period until Thursday to obtain a license from the port.