A Langley-based trucking firm that recently had its safety certificate yanked by the B.C. government has hit six overpasses in the Lower Mainland in two years, including two collisions in Langley.
Chohan Freight Forwarders lost its safety certificate at the order of Transportation Minister Rob Fleming, bringing the company’s 65-vehicle commercial fleet to a halt as of 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29.
“This suspension is a result of the company’s unwillingness or inability to operate safely within the province, following its sixth infrastructure crash in two years,” he said.
The company is based in Aldergrove.
“With our experienced team and exemplary fleet of vehicles and trailers, you can be confident that your cargo will arrive safely and on time,” their website says.
On Dec. 28 just after noon, a truck owned by Chohan Freight Forwarders crashed into the Highway 99 overpass at 112th Street in Delta. The impact drove a piece of steel beam, part of the cargo, into the concrete of the overpass.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Semi collides with Highway 99 overpass
The latest crash came just two weeks after Fleming had announced escalating penalties for drivers and companies responsible for repeated strikes on overpasses.
“Safety is the priority, and this issue needs to stop. That’s why we’re taking tougher action, grounding fleets through suspensions and increasing fines, so highway traffic keeps moving safely and reliably for travellers and commercial vehicles, and people can count on their commute,” Fleming said.
Chohan Freight Forwarders has been involved in six separate incidents like this one in the last two years.
In addition to the Dec. 28 incident, they include crashes on:
• June 6, 2022 on Highway 1 in Langley
• June 1, 2022 on Highway 1 in Richmond
• Feb. 17, 2022 on Highway 99 in Delta (the same overpass struck on Dec. 28, 2023)
• Feb. 12, 2022 on Highway 1 in Langley
• Dec. 10, 2021 on Highway 1 in Surrey
Earlier this year, a truck owned by Chohan plowed into the side of a home in Kelowna, briefly trapping two residents until they could be rescued by firefighters. In that case, an RCMP investigation determined the crash was caused by a medical issue.
The Langley Advance Times has reached out to Chohan Freight Forwarding for comment.
READ MORE: Kelowna home hit by semi owned by company involved in Delta overpass crash
- with files from Gary Barnes, Marla Poirier, and Kyler Emerson