Trucking regulation as a critical chain asset in port complexes

This paper argues that port trucking regulation is an increasingly important arena of supply chain governance in maritime ports. While all ports fulfill similar functions for the different categories of cargo, the ways in which ports are inserted into supply chains, as well as the ways in which supply chain segments are integrated through technology, management and regulation do differ from one port complex to another. To illustrate our proposition, we discuss and contrast recent developments in the Southern California and Vancouver ports with respect to the regulation, integration and governance of port container trucking. The successful accumulation of value within port-related supply chains is increasingly vulnerable to disruption and inefficiency in port trucking. On the west coast of North America, this is due to both labor related issues as well as issues of asset management. In response, governments, port authorities and operators have taken on a more active role in ensuring that the supply chain has adequate equipment and land to deal with significant congestion-related bottlenecks. These actions represent expanded areas of responsibility beyond traditional notions of port governance.