New Truck Policy in Vancouver Port Area

VANCOUVER - Dec 1/06 - SNS -- The Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) is introducing new and more rigorous licensing, audit and enforcement provisions that will apply to container trucks and container truck operations at the Port of Vancouver.

Policy details include:

- The VPA is now requiring all trucking companies that transport containers to and from the port to apply for a new licence that contains the new requirements. All existing licences are valid until January 15, 2007. After that date the terms of the new licence will apply.

- Effective immediately, the VPA will only accept applications for new licences 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 licence. Long-haul carriers will be exempt from this provision.

- All trucking companies applying for a licence must provide the VPA a signed copy of the MOA. Any company that fails to do so will not be eligible for a new licence. New provisions will provide for the investigation, inspection and auditing of company records to ensure compliance with the MOA.