BCTA's BC Ferries Task Force is making great strides in promoting the efficient commercial movement of goods and people on BC Ferries, including the implementation of a commercial reservation priority phone line, commitment by BC Ferries to explore a commercial fare saver rate for off-peak sailings, and deferment of the new 9’ to 13’ rate class.

While the Task Force has only met twice, significant progress has been made in promoting our sector. The following actions are being taken by BC Ferries at the recommendation of the Task Force:

• BC Ferries will not bring in the new 9’ to 13’ rate class for oversized vehicles on June 1, 2021. This will allow time for BC Ferries to work with the Task Force to identify what parameters a new rate class for oversize vehicles, if implemented, would apply on the major routes.  BCTA has a longstanding policy that all ferry users, including oversize non-commercial customers, should pay for the space they use.

• BC Ferries has implemented priority access for commercial travels on their 1-888-BC FERRY reservation line. Commercial carriers/drivers seeking to make a reservation, or amend an existing reservation, should call 1-888-BC FERRY, press “6” and then press “1” to streamline access to the first available BC Ferries Key Accounts Representative.

• BC Ferries has committed to exploring the implementation of commercial fare savers for off-peak sailings, consistent to that of passenger vehicle fare savers introduced by BC Ferries, which can be found here.  Further work is required by BC Ferries before this rate can be implemented, such as upgrading its commercial reservation system. However, once implemented, this will provide those carriers with flexibility in their delivery schedule to travel at a reduced rate for off-peak hour sailings, freeing up critical deck space for other commercial travel on peak hour sailings.  

• BC Ferries has confirmed that although its 72-hour notice requirement for oversized loads is strongly encouraged to safely accommodate loads across multiple departments, terminals and vessels, they will not turn oversized carriers away if this notice is not provided. However, to avoid lengthy delays, BC Ferries strongly encourages providing a 72-hour notice, particularly if the load is significantly oversized and will not fit within the lane makings on the vessel’s main vehicle decks. 

• BC Ferries has agreed to work with the Task Force on their reservation practice of doubling reservable deck space for oversized loads, which ties up reservable deck space that could be used by other commercial carriers.

• BC Ferries has developed a webpage that outlines current conditions, route status and real-time visibility to main-deck space, which carriers can find at https://www.bcferries.com/current-conditions/.

For the full list of recommendations being considered by the Task Force, as proposed by the commercial transportation sector, please click here.

BCTA is seeking feedback from members on BC Ferries’ oversized rate class, reservation system, and a potential implementation of a higher penalty for no-shows/last minute cancellations.  Members who frequently travel on BC Ferries but are not on the Task Force are welcome to provide feedback to BCTA Vice President Cory Paterson at 604-888-5319/800-565-2282, ext. 211, or coryp@bctrucking.com.

Updates regarding Task Force meetings and the resolution of issues will be provided to members on a regular basis through the BCTA Bulletin and BCTA’s BC Ferries distribution list.  To be added to the distribution list, please contact BCTA Policy Analyst Levana Huang at 604-888-5319/800-565-2282, ext. 219, or levanah@bctrucking.com.