Port of LA/Long Beach face more trucker protests while PNW remains quiet for now

Independent truckers and Teamsters continue to demonstrate at Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach terminals, although cargo operations have not been disrupted, said port spokesmen. That may change tomorrow, however, when the coalition “Justice for Port Truck Drivers” stages what they promise to be a “massive rally.”

At issue in Southern California is what truckers maintain are unfair labor practices — being treated as independent contractors rather than employees.

Meanwhile, the Port of Vancouver BC, is trying to its truckers content by addressing other areas of concern.

“We continue to work with the federal and provincial governments, on the completion of the Joint Action Plan,” says John Parker-Jervis, the port’s Media & Government Affairs Advisor.

A few key accomplishments from Vancouver’s side include:

·      Night Gates: the implementation of night gates at three of Port Metro Vancouver’s container terminals, easing congestion by spreading container truck traffic into two shifts a day.
·      The completion of the GPS program: All trucks licensed to access the port have now been outfitted with GPS technology, allowing for real time data to assist with operational decisions, and to identify where backups and congestion occurs, as well as provide accurate information of wait times on terminal for truck drivers.
·      The Drayage Confidence line has been established, providing a 3rd party managed line where truckers can report issues of concern, for example from instances where they feel the minimum rates have not been paid, to general issues with the Truck Licensing System (TLS).