The Office of the British Columbia Container Trucking Commissioner (OBCCTC) has announced an increase in the minimum rates for container truck drivers operating in the Lower Mainland and servicing the Vancouver ports. These new rates, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, aim to ensure fair compensation while providing greater stability and predictability to the drayage sector.
Under the new rate order:
Company drivers and Indirectly Employed Operators (IEOs) with fewer than 2,340 cumulative service hours will now earn $33.85 per hour (inclusive of benefits), while those who have completed 2,340 hours or more will receive $35.29 per hour.
Independent Operators (I/Os) paid hourly will see their compensation rise to $71.54 per hour (under 2,340 hours) and $73.51 per hour (for 2,340 hours or more). Trip-based compensation will continue to be calculated based on the origin-destination charts detailed in the 2025 Rate Order.
The callout rate for independent operators will be $341 or the applicable trip rate, whichever is higher, for drivers available for four or more continuous hours within a 24-hour period.
Overtime rules remain in place for company drivers and IEOs, allowing 1.5x pay for work exceeding 9 hours a day or 45 hours a week.
Fuel surcharges will still apply using a formula tied to diesel prices over $1.05/litre, based on Vancouver’s average retail diesel cost as reported by Kalibrate.
The adjustments stem from a comprehensive rate review led by Cascadia Partners, which revealed that rates had fallen behind those in similar jurisdictions, leading to inconsistent and sudden pay hikes since 2014. The consultation process engaged a wide range of industry stakeholders and concluded that linking future rate increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) would help maintain consistency.
This marks the third consecutive year of minimum rate adjustments tied to inflation.
In a statement, Commissioner Glen MacInnes emphasized his commitment to fairness and industry dialogue, saying:
“Automatically adjusting the minimum rates paid to drivers based on the inflation rate ensures fair compensation for container truck drivers who service our ports and predictability and stability for company owners and other stakeholders in the drayage sector.”
Earlier this year, the Commissioner published the 2025 Rate Review Recommendation Report with three key proposals:
Continuing the minimum rate increases from the 2023 report.
Adjusting future rates based on CPI beginning in July 2026.
Re-evaluating the Minimum Regulated Rates (MRRs) every 30 months.
The final consultation report, released in April, concluded that these steps would keep local drayage drivers on par with industry counterparts and help avoid drastic wage changes moving forward. The report also noted that further stakeholder engagement will occur should market conditions shift.
By ensuring inflation-based adjustments and transparent consultation, the OBCCTC aims to provide long-term clarity and equity for drivers, licensees, and the wider port transportation system.
