Port Metro Vancouver Announces Smart Fleet Trucking Strategy

A three-year action plan to drive efficiency, reliability and long-term sustainability

METRO VANCOUVER, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - 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.

"In 2012, container traffic at Port Metro Vancouver reached a new record of 2.7 million TEUs and that number will continue to grow," said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. "Given that a large proportion of container traffic moves to and from the terminals by truck, improvements to reliability and efficiency are vital. Smart Fleet sets out our action plan to ensure we are maximizing existing capacity and improving operational efficiencies as the Gateway grows to service our nation's trade requirements."

Container traffic through Canada's Pacific Gateway is expected to double over the next 10 to 15 years and nearly triple by 2030. This projected increase in Canadian international trade necessitates planning now to meet future demand.

"Our Government is investing in the 'Smart Fleet' initiative in order to promote job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians," said the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "The expanded use of GPS technology will improve supply chain efficiency and help Canadian exports grow in dynamic and fast-growing markets overseas.  By providing accurate, real-time traffic and routing information, this technology will reduce congestion around the port and ensure Canada's world-class exports get to where they are in demand all over the world."

Port Metro Vancouver businesses move more than $200 million of cargo every day and efficient operations are a key to continued success.

"Our government is investing $300,000 towards installing 700 GPS units in trucks calling at the port to support Port Metro Vancouver's new "Smart Fleet" trucking strategy," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak. "Data collected from these GPS units will provide valuable information to improve truck routing and improve terminal operations, helping our trucking sector improve its competitiveness while also reducing greenhouse emissions and making the port greener and more efficient."

"On behalf of Port Metro Vancouver, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the container truck sector as we have worked together to shape our new strategy," said Peter Xotta, Vice President, Planning and Operations, Port Metro Vancouver. "Smart Fleet is the result of a year-long collaboration aimed at demonstrating this Gateway is a world leader in supply chain excellence.  Change is underway and we are seeing better outcomes for customers, container terminals and port service providers. We look forward to sharing more detail about each of the program areas in the coming months."

Smart Fleet Key Initiatives:

• The expanded use of GPS communications to track supply chain excellence will move forward in 2013.
• PMV, industry and government are jointly funding research, through the Clean Transportation Initiative, to identify technology-based solutions to improve sustainability.
• The Container Drayage Leadership Team (CDLT) provides a forum for terminal operators and industry leaders to work openly to solve drayage challenges.
• PMV has introduced a Container Vessel On-time Incentive Program to encourage container vessel operators to arrive on schedule and thereby contribute to overall supply chain consistency.
• A Truck Licensing System (TLS) review that will lead to enhanced performance, safety and environmental standards.
• Container capacity improvement projects continue with the Deltaport Terminal, Road and Rail Improvement Project and the South Shore Corridor Project

GPS Implementation: Backgrounder

On February 21, 2013, Port Metro Vancouver announced the 'Smart Fleet' trucking strategy, the Port's three year action plan to achieve excellence in the local container trucking sector. Smart Fleet is a plan that will guide work with industry and government to drive performance, accountability and sustainability within the container drayage supply chain.

As one of the identified Smart Fleet initiatives, Port Metro Vancouver is pleased to announce changes to the current GPS pilot program that will expand the 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.

In 2012, the Container Drayage Efficiency Pilot Project saw approximately 16% of the TLS fleet outfitted with GPS transponder units in order to test the operational benefits of a GPS tracking system. The pilot project has resulted in greater transparency of container drayage truck movement, specifically within Port Metro Vancouver's jurisdiction.

Port Metro Vancouver's plan to increase the number of trucks with GPS transponder units will provide an even more accurate, real-time base of data enabling greater insight to routing, operational and congestion information. The data collected will allow supply chain participants to better plan for their operations. This initiative will support increased efficiencies and ensure that Port Metro Vancouver, industry and supply chain partners can strengthen our competitive advantage as a world-leader in sustainable port operations.

In support of this initiative, the 700 newest model year TLS-approved trucks (as of February 28, 2013) will be required to receive a GPS Transponder Unit to be installed in the truck. These GPS transponders will be provided by Port Metro Vancouver at no cost to the truck owner/company and installations will take place on the South Shore of Vancouver's harbour at 2901 Commissioner Street, just outside of Port Metro Vancouver's VACS Security Gate.

As part of its commitment to the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, the Harper government is investing approximately $31 million into the $75-million South Shore Corridor Project.

The BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is contributing $300,000 towards installing 700 GPS units in trucks calling at the port to support Port Metro Vancouver's Smart Fleet trucking strategy.

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.

SOURCE: Port Metro Vancouver

Godfrey Tait
604-665-9125
Port Metro Vancouver