United truckers protest in downtown Vancouver

Hundreds of commercial truck drivers are gathering in downtown Vancouver to protest the long line-ups they face to pick up their cargo at Metro Vancouver ports.

The truckers, many of whom operate as independent contractors, are gathering at Canada Place. Many have reportedly brought their trucks downtown for the protest.

Leaders with the United Truckers Association says they have to wait several hours each day just to get into the port facilities to pick up a load, and it is costing them money.

A spokesman for Port Metro Vancouver says the delays are caused by construction, which should be complete by the end of this year, and they are addressing delays through their smart fleet program.