New trucking regulations for Vancouver and Fraser River ports

New trucking regulations for Vancouver and Fraser River ports The Canadian government last week enacted new regulations aimed at stabilizing trucking operations at British Columbia's Lower Mainland ports.
   Under the new regulations, the Vancouver and Fraser River port authorities must, by law, establish a licensing system, set minimum conditions on licenses, and ensure these conditions are respected.
   'These new regulations will help to ensure the long-term reliability of Lower Mainland ports for shippers and clients worldwide,' said Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. 'Canada's new government is committed to facilitating industry relations and ensuring the efficient movement of containers in the ports of Vancouver and Fraser River. We are taking action to ensure that the port licensing system is maintained and remains effective.'
   The regulations amending the Port Authorities Operations Regulations reinforce measures established by the Vancouver and Fraser River port authorities by setting out conditions of entry through licensing. They are intended to improve efficiency, reduce wait times and increase the number of daily trips made by owner-operators, the government said.
   The Vancouver Port Authority said Friday that, under the new regulations, it is now requiring all trucking companies that transport containers to and from the port to apply for a new license that contains the new requirements. All existing licenses are valid until Jan. 15.
   Also, the VPA will only accept applications for new licenses from companies that transport containers to and from the lower mainland ports exclusively with company-owned equipment and employee drivers. Any trucking company that does not conduct business at the lower mainland ports for 90 consecutive calendar days will lose its license, though long-haul carriers will be exempt from this provision.