THE Government of B.C. announced on Wednesday that it is making two changes to the minimum rates in order to create a fair and equitable system that will provide a living wage for container truckers serving Port Metro Vancouver. This will ensure the continued operation of Canada’s largest port.

In December, the Province introduced a rate structure that included minimum hourly and trip rates for licensed container trucks serving the port. Upon final review and with recommendations from Unifor and the United Truckers Association, the Province will make two adjustments to the rate structure.

The Province will remove the $50 rate initially provided for moves within five kilometres − a change truckers said was needed to maintain current remuneration levels. The Province will also remove the $40 trip rate for employee drivers and the hourly rate provisions for owner operators. These changes will simplify driver pay structures, and ensure consistent and fair remuneration for sector participants.

The Province has been working closely with Transport Canada and Port Metro Vancouver to keep the port sustainable and economically viable while also developing a structure that provides fair wages for truckers. The changes announced today have been reviewed by Vince Ready and Corinn Bell, and build on their earlier recommendations targeted toward stabilizing this sector.

These adjustments are in line with the Province’s goal of resolving issues of undercutting within the container trucking industry. In early February, trucker remuneration will be overseen by a container trucking commissioner.

Upon appointment, the commissioner’s first priority will be to review the concept of the Round Trip Rate, as requested by Unifor. This ensures the Province has fully met its commitment to the 14 points in the March 2014 Joint Action Plan.

Port Metro Vancouver and those who support its operation are important to maintaining the vitality and growth of the provincial economy. The rates are an essential part of providing the conditions necessary for long-term stability in the container trucking sector serving the port which handles over 135 million tonnes of cargo each year.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone said: “The Province, working with our federal partners and Port Metro Vancouver, is working hard to develop a structure that provides fair wages for truckers as we ensure this vital port continues to keep British Columbians working, our economy running and goods moving across the country.”