FAQs

FAQs2025-03-24T10:36:01-07:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us to submit a question.

What is a “container”?2025-03-20T12:54:26-07:00

A “container” is defined in the Regulation to mean “a metal box furnished or approved by an ocean carrier for the marine transportation of goods.”

Some of the indicators of a “container” may include:

  • markings consistent with International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
  • a four-letter prefix followed by a six-or seven-digit identifier (e.g., TXCU123456).
  • A valid CSC Plate issued in accordance with the International Convention for Safe Containers as adopted by the International Maritime Organization which permits the container to be used for the marine shipment of goods.
  • Containers or similar containers having been observed or identified as being on an ocean vessel in close proximity to the dates they were in the Lower Mainland.
  • Ownership by companies in the business of shipping containers by ocean or supplying containers to companies that do.

Reference Decisions – CTC Decision No. 20/2016, CTC Decision No. 9/2023, CTC Decision No. 11/2024

How are “container trucking services” defined?2025-03-20T12:54:28-07:00

In the Container Trucking Act, “container trucking services” are defined as the transportation of a “container” by means of a truck.

Why is a non-licensee able to move an off-dock container in the Lower Mainland without a CTS licence?2025-03-20T12:54:54-07:00

Section 2 of the Regulation only requires a person who performs container trucking services that require access to a marine terminal in the Lower Mainland to have a licence. If a person performs container trucking services that do not require access to a marine terminal, they do not require a CTS licence.

Reference Decision – CTC Decision No. 12/2020

Why do licensees have to pay the minimum regulated off-dock rates when non-licensees do not?2025-03-20T12:56:00-07:00

Licensees have exclusive access to marine terminals, and in exchange for this they are required to pay the regulated off-dock rates for off-dock container trucking services in the Lower Mainland.

Reference Decisions – CTC Decision No. 20/2016; CTC Decision No. 12/2020; CTC Decision No. 9/2023; CTC Decision No. 11/2024

When do licensees have to pay their drivers a minimum regulated rate?2025-03-20T13:05:07-07:00

Licensees are required to pay their drivers the minimum regulated rates anytime the driver is performing container trucking services within the Lower Mainland.

How is Positioning Movement Rate (PMR) calculated?2025-03-20T13:32:46-07:00

The PMR is $25 per on-dock or off-dock trip rate if the I/O moves 1 container on a single chassis, and 1.5 times the same amount if the I/O moves 2 containers using multiple chassis.

Licensees are required to identify and separately account for the PMR payment on all eligible drivers pay statements.

Why are Independent Operators (I/Os) paid the PMR?2025-03-20T13:32:23-07:00

The Positioning Movement Rate (“PMR”) is paid to I/Os to compensate them when they are “positioning” their truck without a container. You can access the Rate Order here.

How do licensees determine what regulated rate they must pay their drivers?2025-03-20T16:16:37-07:00

Licensees should determine the applicable regulated rate by referring to the Rate Order published on the OBCCTC website. The Rate Order sets out the minimum regulated rates for different types of drivers and services.

You can access the Rate Order here for detailed information on applicable rates and remuneration.

Are licensees required to pay overtime rates?2025-03-20T13:32:29-07:00

Licensees must pay overtime to company drivers and indirectly employed operators at 1.5 times the hourly rate if the driver has performed more than 9 hours in a day, and/or more than 45 hours per week.

See the Rate Order here for more details.

What is a “business cost”?2025-03-20T13:41:20-07:00

Business Costs are defined in the CTS licence as:

The costs of operating a business for which a Licensee is responsible and includes, but it is not limited to, chassis rental, wear and tear on tires, cargo insurance, Smart Phone costs, bridge or road tolls, loading fees, Access Agreement charges, fees related to the Terminal Gate Compliance Initiative, GPS-related expenses, (unless the Sponsored Independent Operator has unreasonably failed to cooperate in the return of the GPS unit to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority or to the Licensee).

Other costs than those in the definition have been considered “business costs” for the purposes of the CTS licence, including  chassis repairs, red light camera tickets, administration fees for gas cards, and fees for failure to follow company procedures

Reference Decisions – CTC Decision No. 14/2016, CTC Decision No. 08/2023, CTC Decision No. 21/2017

How do licensees know if an I/O is on the I/O List?2025-03-20T13:42:18-07:00

The I/O List is not published. If a licensee has a question about the status of an I/O on the I/O List, they should contact the OBCCTC.

I am looking at selling my company. What should I be aware of?2025-03-20T13:42:51-07:00

Section 6.27 of the CTS licence provides that the licence terminates upon the change of control of the licensee unless the Commissioner has expressly consented to the change in control in advance.

See the OBCCTC change in control policy here.

I want to sell my business, can I transfer the CTS licence as part of the sale?2025-03-20T13:43:27-07:00

Section 6.25 of the CTS licence provides that CTS licences and truck tags are non-transferable, meaning that they  may not be sold as assets in an asset sale.

For share sales, please review the OBCCTC change in control policy here.

Can I sell my CTS licence or truck tags?2025-03-20T13:47:22-07:00

No. CTS Licences and truck tags are not transferable. See Section 6.25 of the CTS licence.

How is the Fuel Surcharge calculated?2025-03-24T13:56:59-07:00

In each calendar month, if the reference price of diesel for an I/O is more than $1.05, a licensee must pay the I/O a fuel surcharge, calculated in accordance with the following formula:

(A – $1.05) x B x 2%

$0.05

where:

A = the reference price of diesel, in dollars

B = the minimum compensation payable by the licensee to the I/O in that month, as determined by the required rate payment (exclusive of the PMR), in dollars

Reference price of diesel means the lower of the following:

a) the average retail price per litre, including taxes, of diesel in Vancouver as reported by Kalibrate (formerly the Kent Group) for the month immediately before the date on which a fuel surcharge is calculated, rounded down to the nearest $0.05

b) if an I/O obtains diesel at a discount from the ordinary retail price for the purposes of providing container trucking services, the amount paid per litre by the IO, rounded down to the nearest $0.05

Should I get paid for my lunch break?2025-03-20T15:23:12-07:00

Drivers who eat while in line at a marine or other terminal are working and are entitled to be paid for their work.

Drivers must actually take the break before a licensee is entitled to deduct the time.

Am I entitled to vacation pay, statutory holiday pay and/or sick pay?2025-03-20T15:26:36-07:00

Employees are entitled to vacation pay, statutory holiday pay and sick pay under the Employment Standards Act.

For more information, you can contact the Employment Standards Branch here.

Why do I/Os need a Sponsorship Agreement?2025-03-24T13:25:52-07:00

A Sponsorship Agreement is required to ensure that the CTS licensee (sponsor) and the I/O understand and comply with their respective obligations under the Container Trucking Act, Regulation and CTS licence. A Sponsorship Agreement also helps the OBCCTC monitor compliance.

To whom does a truck tag belong?2025-03-20T15:28:23-07:00

The truck tag belongs to the OBCCTC and issued to licensees. Truck tags cannot be transferred, bought, or sold.

Can I/Os move from one licensee to another?2025-03-20T15:31:17-07:00

I/Os can move to a licensee who has a vacant truck tag.

How can I/Os be added to the I/O List?2025-03-20T15:40:13-07:00

The OBCCTC closely monitors industry needs and determines when it is necessary to add more I/Os to the I/O List. The OBCCTC will open applications for the same on the OBCCTC website. Interested I/Os can then submit their applications.

I am an I/O on the I/O List but not currently sponsored by a licensee. What steps should I be taking?2025-03-20T15:35:25-07:00

Review the OBCCTC Truck Tag policy to understand how the process works generally. Contact the OBBCTC for additional guidance.

Visit the OBCCTC Contact Us page here

How do I know if I am on the I/O List? Where can I find the I/O List?2025-03-20T15:38:32-07:00

The I/O List is not published. If an I/O has any questions about their status on the I/O List, they can contact the OBCCTC.

Visit the OBCCTC Contact Us page here.

Will I need to acquire a new truck if I leave my current company and sign a Sponsorship Agreement with another company as an I/O?2025-03-20T15:41:59-07:00

There is no minimum truck age requirement set by the OBCCTC. However, you should contact the TLS Administrator at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) to confirm their truck age requirements to access port property, at 604-665-9333.

Can I subcontract container trucking services work to a non-licensee?2025-03-20T15:44:22-07:00

No. Licensees cannot subcontract container trucking services work to a non-licensee or perform on-dock or off-dock container trucking services for a non-licensee who performs container trucking services in the Lower Mainland. See sections 6.2 and 6.3 of the CTS licence.

What is the OBCCTC’s role?2025-03-20T16:01:20-07:00

The OBCCTC plays a key role in regulating the container trucking industry in the Lower Mainland. Its primary responsibilities include issuing Container Trucking Services (CTS) licences and truck tags, rate regulation, compliance and enforcement, and complaint management.

Does the OBCCTC Fuel Surcharge apply to each licensee?2025-03-20T16:01:14-07:00

No. Only licensees with I/Os are required to pay the fuel surcharge.

Here is the list of the CTS licensees that currently have I/Os.

How can my company get a CTS licence?2025-03-24T13:01:02-07:00

The current CTS licence expires December 1, 2026. The OBCCTC will open applications for companies to apply for the next CTS licence period in or around June, 2026. Information will be posted on the OBCCTC website.

When can my company apply for a CTS licence?2025-03-24T13:46:46-07:00

Interested applicants should watch for communication with specific details and dates on the OBCCTC website. Applications are likely to open in June 2026.

I am an unlicensed company performing off-dock container trucking services in the Lower Mainland. Can I contract a licensee to move containers in the Lower Mainland or to a marine terminal on my behalf?2025-03-24T13:07:14-07:00

No. Licensees must not agree to perform on-dock or off-dock container trucking services for a non-licensed company that performs off-dock container trucking services in the Lower Mainland. See s. 6.2 of the CTS licence.

Licensees are also prohibited from subcontracting non-licensees to perform container trucking services in the Lower Mainland. See s. 6.3 of the CTS licence.

I am looking at buying a company with a CTS licence. What should I be aware of?2025-03-24T13:12:33-07:00

If you are considering purchasing a company with a CTS licence, it is crucial to review the OBCCTC change in control policy. As set out in the policy, the Commissioner’s express consent to a change in control of a licensed company must be obtained in advance of the change.

For more information, read the OBCCTC change in control policy here.

I want to have a container moved from the Port of Vancouver, can the OBCCTC help me?2025-03-24T13:16:21-07:00

The OBCCTC is the regulator and does not directly deal with customers of container trucking companies. You can find a list of licensed companies here.

* These FAQs are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.

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