January 3, 2008

Corporate Amalgamation Announcement

Please be advised that Western Stevedoring will be undergoing a corporate amalgamation that will become effective February 1st, 2008, in order to meet our fiscal year end requirements.

The amalgamation will comprise the merging of Westcan Stevedoring, Westcan Terminals and Western Stevedoring as Western Stevedoring Company Limited.

We are taking this opportunity to advise our employees, customers and unions that we are undertaking this restructuring in order to harmonize administration and operations and address the significant changes that have taken place in our business:

• the decline in break bulk terminal volumes
• withdrawal of significant carrier services in the stevedoring sector.

It is essential that we respond to the challenges of present and future market conditions and we are confident that this step will assist us in meeting these challenges.

As the planning for the amalgamation is completed, we will keep you advised accordingly. If you have any questions at this time, please contact:

Brad Eshleman, Vice-President, Finance & Administration
John Milligan, Vice-President & General Manager, Westcan
Keith Moger, Vice President Operations

T.J. CHAPMAN
President

November 15, 2007

Best Employer Award
North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
Business Excellence Awards

Western Stevedoring was honoured on November 15, 2007 as the winner of the 'Best Employer' Award by the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce at their 10th Annual Business Excellence Awards.

"The Best Employer Award is given to an employer, who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit through fairness, support, leadership and a commitment to the professional development of their staff.

• Solid leadership skills
• A commitment to the development of the employees of the company
• Employee benefits
• A commitment to the empowerment and professional advancement of all employees through communication, support education/training and encouragement of the individuals"

The nomination for this Award gave us cause to pause and reflect on our qualifications for this recognition and provided us the opportunity to take stock of the things that add value to the employee work experience at Western. The list includes benefits provided by the Company, activities organized by both the Company and staff, committees and initiatives proposed by management and staff alike. We realized the initiatives that qualified us for this recognition were not driven by any grand design to achieve recognition, but simply a genuine desire to be a "good employer" and provide a positive environment for employees to work. This desire is reinforced and shared by our shareholders who endorse the support of these initiatives.

We are very honoured to accept this Award and are committed to creating and improving a culture that promotes excellence throughout our workplace and the community. A positive culture and work environment is created by all, from proponents, organizers and participants. I thank all of you for your contribution towards this culture. On behalf of everyone at Western, I accepted this Award with humility and a renewed focus to be a "good employer" and to continue to be worthy of this recognition and echoed the points above in my acceptance speech.

If you have any questions, please contact myself, Brad Eshleman or Jeanette O'Brien.

Thank You

Tim Chapman
President

December 28, 2006

Contact Change - Terminal Rate Quotations

After 35 years Tim Burrows, Contract Administrator is retiring! We wish Tim all the very best in his retirement.

All enquiries for terminal rate quotations should be made through terminalquotes@westeve.com or contact Paul Mckay, Marketing Manager at 604-904-2853.

Keith Moger
Vice-President, Operations

May 22, 2006

Valued Customers and Stakeholders

RE: Re-Bar: Inventory Management at Lynnterm

The management of re-bar inventories remains a key concern for Lynnterm. Multiple high volume shipments received at the terminal are in many instances, not being matched by the rate of delivery to receivers and consignees. During peak periods inventory levels on the dock threaten to seriously impede our ability to function efficiently as a terminal in meeting the throughput requirements of all our customers and stakeholders.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind receivers and consignees that it is essential to have a programme in place to receive volumes landed on the terminal and that inventories must be reduced to an acceptable level before subsequent orders are received. Lynnterm will work extended shifts, nightshifts and weekends in order to facilitate deliveries and in many cases this can be done at no additional charge as long as a minimum number of trucks can be presented for loading.

For ocean carriers we strongly recommend that prior to booking re-bar volumes for Lynnterm discharge that terminal staff be contacted to ensure that sufficient space will be available to receive the proposed volume.

Stowage issues: We are becoming increasingly concerned at the deterioration in vessel stowages experienced in recent months aboard vessels loaded in China. The following issues have been identified:

• Overloading of pre-slings in the stow
• Sling eyes incorrectly tied off.
• Sling eyes trapped in the stow and not accessible for hook-up.
• Mixed lengths and dimensions within the stowage tiers and sometimes within pre-slung lifts.

The terminal receiving operation sorts re-bar by length and diameter as required by the receivers. Poor stowage issues severely restrict discharge production since many lifts require re-sorting on the dock prior to binning. Recent poor production experiences have added cad$3 - $5/mt to terminal receiving costs. Additionally, the extra handling and re-sorting required as a result of the mixed stows is leading to product damage and claims.

Previously, Lynnterm has received zero claims against handled re-bar volumes.

We are committed to being a high-quality, high-throughput terminal focused on the efficient movement of steel products between ocean carriers and their customers. In order that we are able to maintain the highest quality of service we urgently request that all stakeholders take the necessary actions to ensure that their volumes are managed in the most efficient manner.

If you require any further information or clarification please contact:

Ross Thompson
Paul Mckay
Dave Lucas

Thank you for your support.

Keith Moger
Vice-President, Operations

October 3, 2006

North Vancouver District Public Library Media Release

Library’s New Chapter Campaign off to a $30,000 start

The New Chapter Campaign for North Vancouver District Library’s new Lynn Valley Main Library is off to an excellent start, with a pair of major contributions announced on September 26th.

At a presentation ceremony held at the construction site at the corner of Ross Road and Mountain Highway, where the new library is rapidly taking shape, District Library Board Chair Maureen Black accepted a cheque for $25,000 from Tim Chapman, President of local business Western Stevedoring.

Chapman congratulated the District for its vision and the Campaign Committee on its initiative in creating this exciting development for the community. "Western is proud to be associated with this project and to be the first corporate donor," he stated. Western supports local business initiatives through active participation in the North Shore Chamber of Commerce and the North Shore Industrial Association and supports a number of community ventures, local youth, school sports and educational programmes through sponsor donations. "Western is pleased to be a part of this exciting new initiative and welcomes the opportunity to work with the District in an endeavor that will add value to the local community and its citizens for many years to come", said Chapman.

The second presentation, of a cheque for $5000, was made by Brenda McEwan, Secretary of the Friends of the North Vancouver District Public Library. The volunteer Friends group is a major supporter of the library through advocacy, helping with programmes, and raising funds through such projects as the Book Sales. McEwan said that the Friends have asked that this special donation should be used to provide special touches in the Young Adult department of the new library.

The New Chapter Campaign is an initiative of the Library Board’s Fund Development Committee, a group made up of library trustees and enthusiastic community members. Chair Gail Hulnick explained that up to now all funding has come from the municipal and federal governments. “The New Chapter campaign is intended to develop a new network of support in other sectors of the community, to carry the library into the future”, said Hulnick. “The funds raised will be spent on more books and other materials for the entire system, and on enhancements for the new Main Library, such as high-end display shelving, upgraded sound equipment for use in the Community Meeting Room, and special furniture and equipment for the reading lounges and the Teen and Children's areas.”

Hulnick emphasized that the New Chapter Campaign provides a chance for all library users to make a positive impact on the quality of their library service. “A library can be a focal point for the entire community - a home away from home,” she said. “This fundraising campaign is an opportunity to get involved in creating an outstanding place where District residents can come to read, to borrow books, CDs and videos, and to connect with the online world."

Details on the New Chapter Fundraising campaign and donation options are posted on the library’s webpage at www.nvdpl.ca, or in a brochure available at any branch of the North Vancouver District Public Library.

Wendy Metcalf Roy
Public Relations Librarian
North Vancouver District Public Library
604 990 5807
wendym@nvdpl.ca

July 4, 2006

North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce

Business Excellence Award

NVCOM Newsletter - April 16, 2006

May 18, 2006

To Our Valued Steel Customers

RE: Steel Delivery Constraints

As you are no doubt aware the recent, dramatic increases in steel imports through the West Coast have put a strain on most parts of the transportation and supply chain.

Western Stevedoring has taken many steps to deal with these increased volumes in an effort to continue offering the highest level of service to our customers and their truckers, brokers and Shipping Companies. These steps include but are not limited to;

• Investment in significantly increasing the size of our lift truck fleet and the number of specialized steel handling attachments;
• The rental of additional lift trucks on an as needed basis;
• Increases to our complement of Regular Workforce Employees at both Lynnterm East and West working exclusively in our steel operations;
• Increases to our office staffing levels to handle customer enquiries and the processing of truck deliveries;
• Offering to work weekday nightshifts and Saturday dayshifts at no additional cost to reduce weekday dayshift congestion.

We are currently at the height of an inventory spike the result of a record volume of import steel being received in the month of May, 68% higher than a typical month at Lynnterm. We are anticipating a tapering off of our receiving volume in the month of June which should help normalize our inventory levels.

In the meantime we are doing everything possible to attempt to deliver steel products on our customers desired timeframe but are experiencing delays and constraints on occasional dayshifts due to the rapid increase in volume, congestion on the Terminal and significant strains on labour supply in the Port. We continue to look for means to increase our deliveries and have in fact set records this past week for steel volumes delivered to trucks.

In an effort to smooth out the delivery of steel during these busy times Western Stevedoring is offering to load trucks on nightshifts during the week and on Saturday dayshifts at no additional cost to our customers.

These additional shifts would be subject to a minimum volume level of 12 trucks per shift and would be based on the trucks being pre-booked the day prior.

We hope that our customers will take advantage of these additional loading shifts to help alleviate the current congestion issue. We will make every effort to make this a short term problem and ask that you advise Lynnterm of your longer term anticipated import volumes so that we can continue to improve our operations to meet your requirements.

Should you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact myself or Ross Thompson.

Regards,

Dave Lucas
Assistant Manager, Terminal Operations

February 3, 2006

Notice to import customers Re: CN Rail's North Vancouver Distribution Centre

Western Stevedoring and CN are pleased to advise our valued steel customers of a joint initiative to service inland destinations by rail.

Western's expertise, capabilities and productivity will be enhanced with an efficient and coordinated access to CN rail service. By moving their import steel products through CN's North Van Distribution Centre (NVDC), customers gain the benefits provided by CN, as well as access to the company's expanded distribution network in Northern British Columbia and Alberta. This new service offering will allow forward placement of inventory closer to market in a distribution center.

The NVDC is a fully paved and fenced 13 acres facility containing 35 rail spots and a covered 42 truck bays, 20,000sf cross-dock. Specially equipped to handle forest products and steel products, the experienced NVDC staff provides railcar loading expertise, ensuring safe product handling and maximum railcar tonnages (85-95T/car).

To strengthen its offer, CN has just recently expanded its distribution capabilities in the Edmonton area. An additional 45 acres have been acquired to complement CN's existing metals distribution centre - Edmonton Distribution Centre (EDC) - and being developed as a steel inventory and distribution centre.

Working together, CN and Western Stevedoring will be pleased to develop inclusive through-rates for customers wishing to take advantage of this service.

For further information please contact the following:

October 11, 2005

Notice To Our Valued Lumber and Panel Board Customers, Suppliers and Truckers

Lynnterm has been experiencing serious lumber truck service issues due to trucks arriving at the site without prior notification.  This has caused inconsistent service with all parties suffering as a result.

In an effort to more accurately predict our daily receiving activities, Western Stevedoring will be implementing a Lumber and Panel Board Truck Reservation System effective October 17, 2005.  This system will be phased in to allow users the time to familiarize themselves and their truckers with the necessity to book in the day prior to delivery.  The process will be as follows;

• The Supplier or Mill Shipper will be expected to contact the Lynnterm Receptionist at (604) 904-2800 by 2:30 p.m. to make a reservation for the next working day.  Information required will be the supplier name and the number of trucks expected;
• The Receptionist will assign a unique Reservation number that will apply to only that supplier’s trucks for that day;
• The truck driver will be expected to present the Reservation Number at the Lynnterm Truck Receiving gates in order to be processed;

For a period of 3 weeks effective October 17, 2005 to November 4, 2005 trucks that are not booked in will be treated as follows;

• The truck(s) will be pulled aside and serviced when a break in receiving activity arises;
• The Trucker will be given a handout advising of the requirement to make a reservation prior to arrival;
• The Trucking Company and the Supplier or Mill Shipper will be advised of the Reservation System and its requirements.

Effective November 7, 2005 trucks that are not booked in will be treated as follows;

• The truck will be pulled aside and only serviced on that day if a clear break in receiving activity arises.  All booked in trucks will be processed and serviced prior to any trucks that do not have a reservation;
• The Trucker, Trucking Company and Supplier will be informed of the Reservation System and its requirements.

All of these measures are being implemented in an effort to improve the consistency of our service to our customers.  This system is not intended to penalize or harm any Trucker or Supplier but to assist those who use the system.

Should you have any feedback or comments please do not hesitate to contact either;

• Dave Lucas – Assistant Manager, Terminal Operations:  (604) 904-2836
• Jim Gregerson – Traffic Manager:  (604) 904-2826

Western Stevedoring
Lynnterm

June 28, 2005

Notice to Import Customers Re:
“Product Marking”

Valued Customers,

Western Stevedoring at Lynnterm is experiencing enormous growth of imported cargo (primarily steel) from many new sources in the last few years. Many of the Ocean Bills of Lading are being issued with no lot identification/mark, and this creates great difficulty in ensuring all the cargo is properly sorted for delivery. Western Stevedoring would like all of our valued customers to understand how we physically sort one Ocean Bill of Lading from another.

Lynnterm receives and sorts (to the Ocean Bill of lading) all imported cargo as the Vessel discharges, seven days a week, twenty four hours a day. We do this for the following reasons:

1) Quality & Safety – Handling the cargo once results in less chance of cargo damage and personal injury.
2) Productivity & Accuracy – Cargo is discharged and available for delivery earlier and trucks/railcars are loaded in a timely manner with improved accuracy.

In order to achieve these objectives, we require all imported cargo to have a Main Mark. A Main Mark is a unique marking on the cargo by which a particular Bill of Lading quantity can be identified from other Bill of Lading quantities. This mark is in addition to any other package numbers, order numbers, brands or other sub-marks. If no Main Mark is provided on the Ocean Bill of Lading, Western Stevedoring requires the importer to provide a detailed packing list with the Main Mark information to Lynnterm no later than three business days prior to the Vessel’s arrival.

If the Main Mark information is not provided prior to the vessel’s discharge or is not marked on the cargo, the party responsible for payment of terminal charges may incur additional handling charges.

Western Stevedoring trusts this letter will help clarify the requirements for cargo marking. We encourage all customers to consider a tour of the facility to familiarize themselves with our terminal operation and procedures.

For tour arrangements or if you have any questions, please contact Ross Thompson at 604-904-2837 or email rthompson@westeve.com.

Yours truly,

Keith Moger
Vice-President, Operations

April 21, 2005

CHANGE OF SHAREHOLDER
CARRIX INC. / SSA MARINE

We are pleased to announce that Seaboard Shipping Company Limited has agreed to sell its interest in Western Stevedoring and its affiliates to Carrix, Inc..  General Steamship International, Ltd., who has been a shareholder and partner with Seaboard in Western for over 50 years, will continue their ownership interest in the Company.

Carrix is a family owned business that started 56 years ago in Bellingham , Washington and has been fortunate to grow throughout the US and Internationally, primarily due to the efforts of their great employees and partners, including General Steamship, with whom they have been working and partnering in various ventures for over 50 years. Over the years, their operations and investments have broadened throughout North America and Internationally to include a large number of conventional and container terminal operations, rail and trucking operations and a technology services division developing and selling information systems and software solutions to their operations and the industry at large.

Western has benefited from the long-term relationship with Seaboard Shipping both as a shareholder and a customer.  The experience of handling the millions of tonnes of Shareholder/Shipper forestry products over the years has made us one of the leading forestry products handling companies in the world.  We look forward to continuing to service their cargo needs.

We believe that the diverse experience of the Carrix/SSA Marine Group in breakbulk handling in many areas outside of British Columbia, as well as their extensive involvement in container terminal operations and related transportation services, will complement Western's ability to continue to service its core breakbulk business and enhance our ability to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the future.  Please join me in welcoming Carrix Inc. as an investor in Western Stevedoring.

Any questions you may have may be directed to Keith Moger, Brad Eshleman or myself.  If you are interested in more information on Carrix/SSA Marine please refer to their websites at www.carrix.com and www.ssamarine.com.

Yours truly,

T.J. Chapman
President

December 8,2004

Notice to Steel Customers

Lynnterm is currently experiencing severe dock congestion due to the exceptionally high inventory of steel cargoes at the terminal. Significant volumes are remaining on the dock long after the expiry of the “free time” period and inbound volumes continue to arrive at the Lynnterm facility faster than customers are able to take delivery.

In order to ensure that we are able to continue to operate in an efficient manner we are  advising that with immediate effect, steel customers must provide 20 days advance notice of inbound cargo bookings and must ensure that arrangements are made to take delivery of their cargo within the “free time” period.

Arrangements may be  made for overtime truck loading operations during night shifts and weekends and please contact Ross Thompson (604) 904-2837 or Dave Lucas (604) 904-2836 in this respect.

Western Stevedoring reserves the right to block stow, shift or remove cargoes remaining beyond their “free time” storage allowance . Such action to be for the expense of the party responsible for terminal charges and to be free of risk to Western Stevedoring.

We look forward to working together to resolve this critical situation.

Yours truly,

Keith Moger
Vice-President, Operations

November 17, 2004

Hall of Fame Award

Western Stevedoring, along with 15 other companies, was nominated for the Hall of Fame Award, sponsored by the North Shore Credit Union. On November 17, 2004 we were awarded with the Hall of Fame Award at a ceremony that was held by the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. This award is given to established businesses of over 10 years which, over the years, have made a difference in the community for one or more of the following:

• Staying power, a substantiated history as an established business
  
• Demonstrated reputation for providing superior service
  
• Long-term commitment to its employees
  
• Commitment to the community
  
• Respected position within its trade and the local business community
  
• An active member of the business community over a number of years
  
  

We would like to thank each of our employees for their contribution to this success and recognize the collective efforts it takes to present a positive image in the business community.

Security Notice

July 23,2004

Western Stevedoring received certification by Transport Canada for compliance with ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code and MTS (Marine Transport Security) Regulations in order to meet new Port Facility Security Regulations that came into force on July 1, 2004.

As of July 1, 2004, access to Lynnterm will only be permitted to persons having the appropriate identification and a valid reason for being at the Terminal. Appropriate identification consists of either a valid Vancouver Port Authority Access Permit or an authorized Contractor’s or Visitor’s Pass. A Visitor Pass may be obtained from the receptionist at the East Gate office, Monday - Friday between the hours 0800-1700 and on weekends by prearrangements. These passes must be exhibited above the belt at the front of each pass holder. Failure to follow these rules will result in the expulsion from the site.

For further Port Pass information or to apply for a Port Pass, click the following link:

http://www.pacificgatewayportal.com/pgpsite/static/secform.aspx

Attention all Truck Drivers coming to Lynnterm!

All persons accessing the Terminal are required to have a valid Port Vancouver Access Pass and wear it above the waist for easy identification. If you have this pass you must wear it at all times. If you are waiting for your pass to be issued you must obey the following rules in order to be allowed on the Terminal. You MUST remain in your cab at all times. The only time you will be allowed out of the cab is to secure or unlash your load. If you are reported for being out of your cab without a valid Pass it may result in your expulsion from the Terminal. This exception is only for drivers waiting for their passes and will remain in force only until B.C. Trucking Association is able to catch up with the back log.

Customers please contact the following for further information:

Chamber of Shipping
#100-1111 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6E 2J3
Phone: 604 681-2351
Fax: 604 681-4364

Truckers please contact the following for further information:

British Columbia Trucking Association
20111 93A Avenue
Langley, B.C. V1M 4A9
Phone: 604 888-5319
Fax: 604 888-2941

Western Stevedoring Acquisition of Seaboard International Terminal

January 1, 2002

Western Stevedoring is pleased to announce the expansion of Lynnterm through the acquisition of Seaboard International Terminal (SIT), effective January 1, 2002. The operation of the adjacent facilities will be consolidated and operated as Lynnterm with access designation as follows:

The expanded complex will comprise:

• 7 berths totalling 4,974 ft. in length (1,516 m) -minimum depth alongside from 12-15m
• 145 acres (59 hectares)
• 8 warehouses totalling 876,000 sq. ft. (81,750 sq. m.)
• 122 acres (50 hectares) for outside storage
• linked Internet accessible Cargo Tracking System
• direct service by CN Railway and interchange with all major railways
• convenient access to Trans Canada Highway #1
• over 200 pieces of specialized equipment for handling a wide range of cargoes

This acquisition will accommodate the consolidation of a wide range of forestry products, shippers and ocean carriers servicing the breakbulk trade to facilitate the efficient and cost effective movement of Western Canada’s forestry products to offshore markets. This reaffirms Western’s commitment to servicing the forestry sector, steel as well as breakbulk cargoes in general.

Seaboard International Shipping Company will continue as a customer of the facility with regular services and cargo shipments.

Western has been providing ship stevedoring services in British Columbia since 1948 and operated Lynnterm since 1977. In addition, Western has been labour and equipment contractor to SIT since 1971 and labour contractor to Dow Chemical since 1979.

The main administration and coordination of cargo services will be conducted from Lynnterm head office, 15 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver, BC, V7J 2J9. For more information about our services, please contact us at phone 604-904-2800 or fax 604-904-2801 or visit our website at www.westeve.com.

Vancouver Terminal Change for Forest Products Cargoes

December 3, 2001

Westwood Shipping Lines’ vessels will begin calling Lynnterm to load breakbulk forest products cargoes including lumber, panel products and pulp, effective January 2002. Lynnterm will be the consolidation point for all lumber and panel products loading to Westwood ships from mainland B.C. (Currently loading over Centerm).

Westwood’s vessels will call at Lynnterm West Gate, Berths 1, 2 and 3 (formerly S.I.T.), operated by Western Stevedoring. Please contact Western Stevedoring’s Ross Thompson (604-904-2837), our designated lumber and panel products Cargo Coordinator, for your bookings to Westwood vessels.

Service at Lynnterm will commence with the Westwood Jago094W voyage having a cargo cut-off of Thursday, January 10th, 2002. Lynnterm is prepared to accept bookings and receive cargo for this first vessel beginning December 10th, 2001.

A 3:00 P.M. Thursday cargo cut-off will be maintained for both Service 1 and Service 2 vessels in Vancouver.

This announcement results in no changes to Westwood’s container business at Centerm.

For further information, please contact:

Westwood Shipping Lines
Phone: 253-924-3528
Toll-Free: 1-888-539-5154

Mr. Rick Triplett
Director, Forest Products Sales
rick.triplett@wsl.com

Mr. Rob Towne
Forest Products Logistics Manager
rob.towne@wsl.com

Links of Interest

VANCOUVER PORT AUTHORITY – PORTFAX NEWSLETTER

• www.portvancouver.com/shipping_trade/portfax.html

BCMEA – BRITISH COLUMBIA MARITIME EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION

• www.bcmea.com

...