Port Memory: The Incredible Bulk

Throughout our centennial celebration, we have asked local community members to share their port story. This week, we are delighted to share Chris Alexander’s memory. Chris has worked on port property for more than 30 years, and is currently Terminal Manager for the Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminal. Here, in his own words, is Chris’s fascinating memory:

“Looking through the centennial website history of the port brought to mind my own experience,” Anderson said.

Anderson started in the industry as a marine surveyor in 1979.

“Some of my earliest work was inspecting various motor vehicles including Ford Courier trucks discharged from lift-off vessels at the Port of Vancouver,” he said. “I attended the vessel unloading and inspected the vehicles at the first point of rest for damages sustained during transportation and handling, primarily for needed repairs and insurance adjustment. Many of the small trucks were staged in a paved lot behind [at the time] the new sand shed building, parked in herringbone rows by longshoremen.”

This parking area is where he started his career as a surveyor, spending many hours walking up and down rows of trucks looking for the smallest scratch or dent.

Fast forward to 2012.

“I am the Terminal Manager for the Kinder Morgan Vancouver Bulk Terminal with a main office sitting on the very piece of ground I once inspected those Ford Couriers on,” he said. “Had you told me I would still be working on the very piece of property today some 33 years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.”

“It just goes to show the diversity of business and sustainability the Port of Vancouver has provided for commerce and family wage jobs in the area. Thanks Port of Vancouver for the opportunity and the support,” he said.

 

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