Port/Container Work

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Brieredisp

New Member
Dec 8, 2023
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Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Hey all,

We are an asset based carrier out of Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada and were looking into Port work doing containers.

Just wondering if anyone has experience with this and if it's worthwhile to try and dip our heels in.

Thank you.
 
Brieredisp said:
Hey all,

We are an asset based carrier out of Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada and were looking into Port work doing containers.

Just wondering if anyone has experience with this and if it's worthwhile to try and dip our heels in.

Thank you.
Click to expand...

I dont think the port is issuing any more port tags for new carriers, if you can buy an existing company then that would be the best way, won't be cheap though, in the millions.
 
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Thanks very much for the reply. Do you happen to know if container work is good business to get into? Or how abouts we could get associated with the ports to be a carrier that hauls the containers once or if we are able to secure a port pass?
 
If @EricG is correct you'd be better off servicing that market with airfreight pickups and maybe x-docking show freight (vs draying it). I wouldn't waste money in the port, you probably pay your guys a fair wage, would be tough to compete even if you got it. PNW is tough for good show guys though!
 
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Brieredisp said:
Thanks very much for the reply. Do you happen to know if container work is good business to get into? Or how abouts we could get associated with the ports to be a carrier that hauls the containers once or if we are able to secure a port pass?
Click to expand...

Whether it's a good business or not that's something you would need to determine, I can speak for some friends that do local port work and they say it's a dirty and cutthroat business, exploited drivers, horrible equipment maintenance, etc. If you believe in fair wages and top-notch equipment it might not fit you. Do the research and run the numbers.
 
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LrgCar said:
Whether it's a good business or not that's something you would need to determine, I can speak for some friends that do local port work and they say it's a dirty and cutthroat business, exploited drivers, horrible equipment maintenance, etc. If you believe in fair wages and top-notch equipment it might not fit you. Do the research and run the numbers.
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^^^ That's just about as accurate a description as there ever was.
If you haven't been established at the ocean ports since the 80's/90's, you don't stand much of a chance of gaining any traction there now without purchasing an already operating entity.
UNLESS ... you have a fleet of new electric or hydrogen powered trucks looking for a place to work. The ocean ports are under the gun to fulfil the green promises they have made.
 
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Many years ago, (before the port pass system) I met someone who worked at a 3PL warehouse company in management / sales, he wanted a career change and decided to start a trucking company based on container work in the lower mainland.

He believed there were either top end or bottom end carriers servicing the ports (rates reflecting the quality of service / trucks / drivers) and there was room for an intermediate level carrier -- he believed customers would pay for mediocre service.

The new company shut down in a few years, maybe less, it was a long time ago.

Apart from taxi drivers and Chohan, container drivers are some of the worst on the road.

@LrgCar and @Michael Ludwig have given sage advice, as usual
 
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LrgCar said:
Whether it's a good business or not that's something you would need to determine, I can speak for some friends that do local port work and they say it's a dirty and cutthroat business, exploited drivers, horrible equipment maintenance, etc. If you believe in fair wages and top-notch equipment it might not fit you. Do the research and run the numbers.
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Yeah I heard as well, been just trying to get some feedback from people that have been involved or currently involved to get a sense of viability. Thanks!
 
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Michael Ludwig said:
^^^ That's just about as accurate a description as there ever was.
If you haven't been established at the ocean ports since the 80's/90's, you don't stand much of a chance of gaining any traction there now without purchasing an already operating entity.
UNLESS ... you have a fleet of new electric or hydrogen powered trucks looking for a place to work. The ocean ports are under the gun to fulfil the green promises they have made.
Click to expand...
Yeah no "green" vehicles yet, dont know about those either ... the infrastructure is severely lacking.
 
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AgentSmith said:
Many years ago, (before the port pass system) I met someone who worked at a 3PL warehouse company in management / sales, he wanted a career change and decided to start a trucking company based on container work in the lower mainland.

He believed there were either top end or bottom end carriers servicing the ports (rates reflecting the quality of service / trucks / drivers) and there was room for an intermediate level carrier -- he believed customers would pay for mediocre service.

The new company shut down in a few years, maybe less, it was a long time ago.

Apart from taxi drivers and Chohan, container drivers are some of the worst on the road.

@LrgCar and @Michael Ludwig have given sage advice, as usual
Click to expand...
Thanks and agreed, appreciate the response.
 
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