The Canadian government said Thursday it is contributing $3 million to reduce trucker wait times by using new technologies to better link operations across Port Metro Vancouver's four terminals.

According to a release, the Common Data Interface project will help to better coordinate and schedule container truck movements by providing the technological capabilities to:

Collect data on gate and terminal activities, which will help to coordinate multi-shift operations, especially necessary now given the terminal's recently announced extended hours pilot;

Develop an enhanced common reservation system, such as a centralized appointment scheduler for container trucks, which will reduce wait times and enhance efficiency of truck movements; and

Measure operational performance and enforcement through the collection of location data via GPS technology, which will help the port develop and enforce appropriate standards.

The project, which costs approximately CA$6 million, will receive CA$3 million over two years under Transport Canada's Clean Transportation Initiative on Port-Related Trucking, with the port contributing the other half.

The implementation of the CDI project was a commitment with the Province of British Columbia, the port and other partners, developed to bring stability to the container trucking industry at Port Metro Vancouver, according to the Canadian government.

Significant parts of the enhanced common reservation system are set to be in place before next year.

Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest port. In 2013, the port handled a record 135 million ton of cargo, an overall increase of 9% over 2012. Approximately 2,000 Port Metro Vancouver licensed trucks serve the port.