IN THE NEWS

Announcing Smart Fleet Trucking Strategy

Port Metro Vancouver is pleased to announce the results of its extensive industry and stakeholder engagement with the container truck sector, with the introduction of the Smart Fleet trucking strategy.

Smart Fleet sets forward a three-year action plan to improve the efficiency and reliability of the container truck sector and reinforce the Port’s ongoing collaboration with supply chain partners to deliver supply chain excellence.

As one of the identified Smart Fleet initiatives, Port Metro Vancouver will expand the GPS pilot program and make it mandatory. The new GPS program, funded by Transport Canada, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Port Metro Vancouver will increase the number of trucks equipped with GPS units from 300 to 1000, approximately half of the local fleet. Learn more.

Details on how to schedule an appointment booking for the GPS installation will be sent to selected individual truck owners at the beginning of March.

Container Truck Strategy Update: Amendments to the TLS Moratorium for Long Haul Independent Operators

Port Metro Vancouver is now accepting applications from long haul independent operators (IOs) in order to address the shortage of long haul IOs currently available in the market. To be considered for a new TLS long haul IO permit, please see the minimum requirements for entry. You will need to call 604.665.9333 to leave a message or send an email to tls@portmetrovancouver.com with attachments ensuring that the minimum requirements have been met. The TLS Administrator will contact you within five working days to complete the application process.

Environmental Requirements for TLS Renewals for Trucks 10 Years or Older

Is your current TLS approved truck model year 2003 or older? The next phase of the Environmental Requirements Program will apply to you at the time of your license/permit renewal, starting April 1, 2013. To be considered for renewal of your TLS approved truck with a model year 2003 (10 years old) or older, you must:

1. Apply and receive approval for an “age exception” from Port Metro Vancouver prior to applying for your renewal. For directions on how to apply for the age exception prior to renewal, please see the Environmental Requirements Program Package.
2. Annually submit results for an opacity test done within six months of your TLS license/permit expiry, showing 20% or less.

Please note that it may take several weeks to process age exception applications. It is recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible to ensure enough time for processing before the TLS license/permit expiry date to ensure no interruption to your business.

UPCOMING ROADWORK & PROJECT UPDATES

Elevated Structure Update

Construction for the elevated structure over Stewart Street is progressing well. Drilling work for the structural columns commenced in mid January and is on schedule to be complete by early April 2013. Drilling work started at Victoria Drive and will continue to work west towards Clark Drive. The elevated structure over Stewart Street is being built to provide an alternate route for through traffic, significantly reducing congestion along Stewart Street and improving travel time reliability as it will allow road traffic to bypass ten at-grade rail crossings.

New Stop Signs on Stewart Street

As a result of the reconfiguration of Steward Street for the construction of the South Shore Corridor Project (SSCP), new temporary stop signs have been positioned on the west side of both multi-line crossings on the South Shore, ensuring all drivers come to a full stop at these locations when travelling eastbound. The need for new rail crossing signage at the Stewart Street railway tracks is a result of the lane shifts to the north on Stewart Street. As there is no physical arm that lowers on the west side of the rail tracks, there is a concern for the safety of all eastbound traffic.

The temporary stop signs will be removed upon completion of this phase of the SSCP. We ask all drivers to be extra cautious and attentive at these new stop signs and to watch for any rail movement before proceeding.

Truck Staging Areas Update

The 2901 Commissioner Street truck staging area has been operational since late December 2012. Construction of the truck staging area along Commissioner Street, near the former Coastal Containers site, has commenced and is on schedule to be completed by mid April 2013.

Reducing Port Traffic Congestion

Along with our partners, we are continuing to work together to mitigate impacts on inbound traffic. The new 2901 Commissioner Street truck staging area at the bottom of the McGill Street overpass (and planned truck staging area along the east end of Commissioner Street) has greatly alleviated congestion and is just one example of how we are working to reduce impacts to traffic.

Visit www.portmetrovancouver.com/sscproject to learn more, sign up for construction updates and review the weekly construction schedule. We thank you for your patience.

232nd Street Overpass Construction

Construction of the 232nd Street Overpass Project in Langley has begun. The Project is a two-lane overpass that will replace the current street-level crossing of the Canadian Pacific rail track between 75th Avenue and 76A Avenue, eliminating delays for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, and allowing for the possible future westward extension of the Rawlison rail siding. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2014, with the overpass expected to be open in fall 2013.

REMINDERS

Driver Etiquette

With the ongoing South Shore Corridor Project construction occurring, we would like to thank all the drivers who have shown patience and have taken directions from the various construction and security personnel on the roadway. Your cooperation has been greatly appreciated.

We remind the drivers to please continue to respect the rules of the road from a safety and operational perspective. Such rules include, but are not limited to:

1. Do not stop on rail lines;
2. Do not repeatedly sound your horn;
3. Follow posted speed limits;
4. Do not use cell phones (handheld) while driving;
5. Do not text while driving;
6. Do not make U-turns, and
7. Diligently watch all road personnel for direction.

We understand the challenges drivers face under these circumstances and we do require continued cooperation. A safe working environment, respect for our residential neighbours and continuous, efficient operational activities are Port Metro Vancouver’s priorities and we value your support.

Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table to Survey Truck Drivers

Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table (APGST) will be surveying Metro Vancouver's port truck drivers between February 25 and March 14, 2013. APGST is asking port truck drivers to participate in the survey which will provide information directly related to your working environment. The survey will be distributed at the four container terminals (Centerm, Deltaport, Fraser Surrey Docks and Vanterm). Further details can be found at www.apgst.ca

Update your Contact Information

Please ensure that your contact information, including email address is up-to-date in TLS. Port Metro Vancouver uses email to communicate time-sensitive and urgent matters, such as changes to the status of a license/permit (i.e. approved, suspended, cancelled). It is strongly recommended that you check your emails regularly.