VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure have launched a new tipster service to help drivers make their voices heard. 

“This initiative is one of the many steps being taken as a part of the Joint Action Plan to solve long-standing problems in the container trucking sector,” said Peter Xotta, vice president, Planning and Operations for Port Metro Vancouver. “Truckers should feel confident that their concerns are being heard and acted upon.”

The service is accessible online, through a 24/7 phone line, fax or mail. The service, called Drayage ConfidenceLine, is designed to allow drivers to quietly report issues with company compliance concerning Joint Action Plan remuneration rates, driver harassment and truck licensing.

The toll free hotline (1-877-713-5109) is run by an independent third-party organization that will forward driver concerns to the appropriate agency for further action and follow-up. The service is offered in English and Punjabi and callers may remain anonymous if they so choose.

Todd Stone, British Columbia’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure said that a tipster service like this is vital to maintaining smooth PMV operations, ensuring that goods keep moving across Canada.

“This reporting program provides a mechanism for driver complaints to be dealt with effectively and I’m confident that penalties will be issued accordingly,” Stone said.

Driver remuneration issues will be investigated directly by the Container Dispute Resolution Program, an organization that conducts audits on behalf of PMV to determine if companies are paying independent operators the minimum required remuneration rates.

Expedited audits will be conducted in upcoming weeks to ensure employers are paying truckers the rates agreed upon in the Joint Action Plan. PMV may deny port access to non-compliant companies.