February 3, 2025

BCTA recently attended a webinar hosted by the Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC), a key forum for transportation leaders across Western Canada. The session, along with insights from the newly released 2025 Compass Report, focused on emerging trends, challenges, and strategic priorities in the transportation and logistics sector. With participation from industry experts, government representatives, and supply chain interest holders, the event provided valuable insights into the vulnerabilities and opportunities within BC’s trucking industry.

Key Findings 

1. Disruptions as the Dominant Challenge: According to the 2025 Compass Report, escalating disruptions from climate-related events, labour disputes, and geopolitical tensions were the top challenges, cited by 64% of surveyed industry executives. Events like the 2024 simultaneous shutdowns of major railways (CN and CPKC) and strikes at critical ports exposed systemic vulnerabilities, undermining Canada’s reputation as a reliable trade partner.
2. Economic and Political Uncertainty: Stagnant economic growth and geopolitical instability, including strained relations with China and India and domestic election speculation, further compounded the sector’s challenges. These uncertainties were identified as barriers to long-term investment decisions.
3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Infrastructure gaps, such as insufficient rail and port capacity and inconsistent regulatory frameworks, hinder the sector’s resilience. Leaders emphasized targeted investments and long-term planning to address these issues and restore confidence.
4. Labour and Productivity Challenges: Labour shortages remain critical, with 71% of respondents highlighting recruitment difficulties. Canada’s transportation productivity was rated as moderate to low, necessitating reforms in regulatory processes, technology adoption, and supply chain visibility.
5. Climate Resilience and Commitment Decline: Only 50% of organizations indicated plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting financial constraints and regulatory uncertainty. Balancing environmental commitments with operational sustainability remains a key challenge.

Relevance to BC

For British Columbia, the webinar’s discussions and the 2025 Compass Report findings highlight several pressing issues and actionable priorities:

• Provincial Implications: As a major trade corridor, BC’s transportation network is integral to the regional economy. Key infrastructure projects, such as upgrades to the Second Narrows Rail Bridge and Highway 1, are critical to alleviating congestion and improving trade efficiency. Strikes and climate-related disruptions at BC’s ports, including the grain terminal strike and wildfires, were identified as significant contributors to Canada’s declining reputation in global markets.
• Impact on the Trucking Industry: BC’s trucking sector faces mounting pressures from systemic inefficiencies, rising costs, and the need for climate adaptation. The lack of coordinated infrastructure investments and declining reliability of supply chains directly affect truck operators, increasing costs and reducing competitiveness.

By attending this webinar and reviewing the Compass Report, BCTA reaffirms its commitment to addressing these challenges and advocating for solutions that enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of BC’s trucking sector.