As we move into Step 2 of BC’s Restart Plan, BCTA is strongly encouraging carriers to make reservations for their drivers that are travelling on BC Ferries.

As demonstrated by COVID-19, BC’s trucking sector is both a significant contributor to the provincial economy and a critical service provider supporting the quality of life British Columbians expect. Provincially, we transport approximately 92 percent of all consumer goods (by weight) in Canada and 49 percent of our global trade. The percentage of consumer goods transported by truck on Vancouver Island and other communities serviced by BC Ferries is likely higher than 92 percent, as all goods must be transported by barge or ferry, and then by truck to their final destination.

The transportation link provided by BC Ferries will only become more important as our population continues to grow and demand for consumer goods on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and all areas BC Ferries services increases.  From 2015-2020, the Capital Regional District showed a growth of 8.9 percent, with the City of Langford showing the strongest growth (+4.9 percent) among the larger BC municipalities[1]. When ranked by population growth during 2019-2020, six out of the top ten large municipalities were on Vancouver Island.  Ecommerce activity also continues to show steady growth as Canadians have increased their online purchases by an average of 58 percent from 2016-2018[2].  Our sector has experienced a 26 percent increase in freight being delivered to major cities,[3]  which means we are adding an average of 4,049 medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles to our road each year to meet BC’s demands.

As a result of the increased demand for deck space for passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles and commercial traffic, BCTA is encouraging all of BC’s trucking sector to utilize BC’s Ferries reservation system.  This will ensure the efficient movement of goods and promote compliance with hours of service. Additionally, BCTA is strongly recommending that BC Ferries review its investigation processes on carriers that frequently make block reservations but have a very low utilization rate. Reservations should only be made with the expectation of utilizing them. Reservations that are not used should be released at the earliest opportunity to open reservable deck space available to other carriers/commercial drivers.

Although historically carriers were reluctant to make reservations due to long wait times, we are happy to announce that this is no longer the case. The BCTA BC Ferries Task Force is making great strides in increasing the reliability and accessibility of BC Ferries reservation system in support of promoting the efficient commercial movement of goods and people on BC Ferries, including:

• Commercial reservation priority phone line: 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.
• Commercial fare saver rate: 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 on off-peak hour sailings, freeing up critical deck space for other commercial travel on peak hour sailings.  
• Current conditions webpage: 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/.

The full list of recommendations being considered by the Task Force, as proposed by the commercial transportation sector can be found 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. 214, or levanah@bctrucking.com.

For Background on the BCTA BC Ferries Task Force, see our May 31 Bulletin, BC Ferries Acts Upon Task Force Recommendations

[1] BC Stats, 2020 Sub-Provincial Population Estimates Highlights

[2] Pembina Institute. The next frontier for climate action, Decarbonizing urban freight in Canada. February 2020, updated July 2020

[3] Ibid