Transportation & Logistics

Kamloops is a vital transportation hub in Western Canada providing a diverse range of logistics solutions with direct links to the rest of Canada, United States, Europe and the Pacific Rim by road, rail and air. Located in the heart of the Interior of B.C., Kamloops is meeting place for the North and South Thompson Rivers and four of the province’s major highways; the Coquihalla (Highway 5), TransCanada (Highway 1), Yellowhead (Highway 5), and Highway 97. Kamloops’ strong transportation and logistics network is one of the keys to the city’s ability to attract business, but also provides visitors and residents with the connections they require to enjoy and explore the beauty of British Columbia and beyond.

 

Competitive Advantages

 

Highways & Trucking: There are over 25 trucking and transport companies located in Kamloops that ship goods throughout British Columbia, across Canada, and into the United States. Kamloops is strategically located at the intersection of Western Canada’s four major highways: Coquihalla (Hwy 5), TransCanada (Hwy 1), Yellowhead (Hwy 5), and Highway 97. Funding of $42.8 million has been approved for the expansion of the Trans Canada Highway 30 km east of Kamloops.

 

Warehousing, Logistics & Land: Kamloops enjoys these advantages:

• Established warehousing centre with bonded and public warehouses

• 8 industrial parks, some with both rail and highway access

• Over 2,200 acres of land zoned for industrial use, much of which is still vacant

• Home of NRI Distribution, one of Canada’s largest distributors catering mainly to the active sports apparel and equipment industry

Kamloops Airport:
The Kamloops Airport (YKA) is one of the fastest growing regional airports. It is operated by YVR Airport Services Ltd. and is the main airport in the Thompson Nicola Regional District, providing air service connections to virtually every part of the world. The airport handles both passenger transport and air cargo. There is a solid industrial base, including aircraft sales, parts and maintenance, nearby at Fulton Field. Charter operations, forest service protection branch, air traffic control, ground transportation and storage hangars all operate as airport tenants. Aircraft re-fuelling, Customs and Border Services are available.

 

Railways:
Both the Canadian National Railway (CNR) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) service Kamloops with their railways intersecting in the city.

 

• Canadian Pacific Railway is a transcontinental carrier operating in Canada and the U.S. It serves the principal centres of Canada, from Montreal to Vancouver, and the U.S.’s Northeast and Midwest regions. Alliances with other carriers extend its market reach throughout the U.S. and into Mexico.

• Canadian National Railway’s network is a connection to North America and the world with more than 34,000 kilometres of track. CN assists in customers shipping their goods globally through the many ports they service on three coasts, or leveraging the 19 strategically located intermodal terminals across their network.

Skilled Labour Force:
The labour force in Kamloops is one that is highly skilled and many programs are available to help facilitate the specific training required to support the transportation and logistics industry. Thompson Rivers University, School of Trades & Technology offers programs such as Logging Truck Driver Training, Class 1 Truck Driver and Professional Driver Training.

 

Incentives for the Transportation & Logistics Industry

 

Machinery and Equipment Investment: Purchase of eligible machinery and equipment is exempted from Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Eligible expenditures include machinery and equipment used in manufacturing, software development, mining and mineral exploration, petroleum and natural gas production and logging.

 

FortisBC Heavy-duty Natural Gas Vehicles Incentive Program: Following the Government of B.C.’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction regulation announcement, FortisBC has an incentive funding program to assist qualifying heavy-duty fleet operators to purchase natural gas vehicles which will allow companies to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and see fuel savings. 

 

Transportation & Logistics Resources

 

Thompson Rivers University Driver Training: Thompson Rivers University, School of Trades & Technology, has announced three new programs. The programs are a result of a growing need of skilled workers in the logging and mining industry and to provide a solution to the shortage. Programs range from Class 1 Truck Driver courses to Logging Truck Driver courses.

 

School District #73 Driver Training: School District 73 (Kamloops/Thompson)  and the BC Trucking Association (BCTA) are partnering to develop and deliver a Professional Driver Training Program through NorKam Secondary School’s new Trades Centre of Excellence, with enrolment of students in Grade 10 targeted for September 2014.

 

Transportation & Logistics Organizations

 

BC Trucking Association (BCTA): BCTA is a province-wide, non-partisan, non-profit motor carrier association formed solely to advance the interests of British Columbia motor carriers. Founded in 1913, BCTA includes among its members for-hire and private carriers hauling every conceivable type of freight including manufactured goods, heavy specialized commodities, bulk products, household goods and general freight. They also represent motor coach, courier, and waste management companies and suppliers to the industry. 

 

Testimonials

 

vk-testimonial-temp “We move approximately 15 million pieces through NRI Distribution in a year. From a regional distribution standpoint, we can be in Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton overnight. I certainly have a lot of pride in Kamloops and how it’s developing.”

 

— Peter McKenna | Co-Owner NRI Distribution