Trucking in BC

Posted by Daniel on Nov 10, 2012

I apologize for ignoring the blog for several months. Other projects have required attention, but I plan to start posting regularly again.

Let me start with one of those projects, a new book about trucking in BC that has just been published by Harbour Publishing. It is an illustrated history of the first century of the industry, from the earliest delivery vans in Vancouver and Victoria to the mighty 18-wheelers (and more) that you pass on the highway every day. Lots of historical photos and some marvellous contemporary shots taken by photographer David Nunuk specially for the book. (That's his cover shot above.)

Trucking poses a bit of a paradox. On the one hand it is the fifth largest industry in the province. Something like 90 percent of all the goods moved within Canada depend on truck transportation. In other words, trucking is highly visible. On the other hand, the industry is almost invisible, in the sense that we don't really think much about its economic impact or its history.

It has been 40 years since the last book was written about BC trucking. Our timing seems to be right; the new book has been on the bestseller list for the past three weeks.

Look for it in bookstores everywhere in the province.