Ports, trucks, and automobiles: container truck traffic in Vancouver

As Vancouver’s ports become busier so too does local container truck traffic. Additional trucking exacerbates local road congestion during peak hours, a problem projected to increase in the future. The increased time spent in congestion also creates environmental concern as diesel trucks emit large amounts of pollutants. This study develops and assesses four policy options aimed at reducing container truck traffic in Vancouver during peak hours by using a longitudinal case study of Los Angeles. Data from Los Angeles indicate extending gate hours and charging container trucks fees during peak hours significantly shifted container truck traffic out of peak hours. Generated policy options considered in this study include: (1) continuing with the status quo; (2) initiating short-sea shipping; (3) extending terminal hours with and (4) without peak hour fees. These options are assessed and the study recommends Vancouver's container terminals extend gate hours and with a peak hour fee.