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.