Truck Licensing System

All container trucking companies and their trucks desiring to serve the port’s marine container terminals must meet certain criteria to be eligible for an Access Agreement under the Truck Licensing System to gain access to the federally-owned port property. Criteria includes minimum truck age, safety and environmental requirements.

The Port of Vancouver was the first port in Canada with stringent environmental requirements for port container drayage trucks to reduce air emissions, implemented by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in 2008. The key environmental requirement for truck approval in Truck Licensing System target truck age restrictions.

For more information regarding container truck access at port facilities, contact us at 604.665.9333 or email [email protected].

Rolling Truck Age Program

The drayage sector is an important group that plays a key role in keeping the Port of Vancouver open and the supply chain moving. As part of our vision for the Port of Vancouver to be the world’s most sustainable port, we remain committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship and to advancing initiatives to achieve this vision. Protecting the environment and mitigating the impacts of trade activities in the communities in which the port operates is critical to our federal mandate as a Canada Port Authority.

The Rolling Truck Age Program phases out older container trucks serving the port, and will improve air quality and support cleaner, healthier communities in Metro Vancouver, while also helping to build a more reliable, stable, safe, and socially responsible truck fleet serving the Port of Vancouver.

Following additional engagement with TLS participants, associations, and other industry stakeholders in early 2022, the port authority shifted from a 10-year rolling truck age to a 12-year rolling truck age, which will still achieve program objectives and benefits while balancing feedback and commercial interests of industry.

We thank all of those who provided feedback that has shaped the development of the program.

Truck exception application

In recognizing that some exceptions to the program may be warranted, the port authority is introducing a truck exception application process. This will allow TLS holders in good standing and with non-conforming trucks to apply for a conditional exception for those trucks that meet or exceed the port authority-established safety, environmental, and aesthetic standards of a TLS-compliant truck.

The exception process will be available for trucks older than 12 years and will grant extensions of up to two years.

For details of the truck exception process, please see the Truck Exception Application.

Temporary grace period for delayed delivery of brand-new trucks

The port authority is introducing a temporary grace period for applicants that have ordered a brand-new truck for which delivery has been delayed. The grace period will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will factor in considerations such as the irrevocability of the contract to purchase the new truck, the age and condition of the aging-out truck, and the duration of the grace period sought.

Please direct any questions about the Rolling Truck Age Program, the truck exception application process, or the temporary grace period to [email protected].

Notifications

2023-02-23 Notice to TLS participants – Rolling Truck Age Program will not move forward on April 3 [PDF]
2023-03-17 Notice to TLS participants – TLS reminder [PDF]

Resources

Truck exception application guide and form [PDF]
Rolling Truck Age Program and exceptions – Frequently asked questions – English [PDF]
List of local drayage trucking carriers approved in Truck Licensing System to access port property [PDF]
List of long haul drayage trucking carriers approved in Truck Licensing System to access port property [PDF]