Driving Prosperity with Velocity Truck Centres
When it comes to keeping British Columbia moving, Velocity Truck Centres (VTC) is firmly in the driver’s seat. As BCBC’s David Williams reminded us before our visit, “If it’s in your house, it came by truck.” With over 90 percent of commercial goods in Canada transported by truck, companies like Velocity are essential to our economy and an ideal feature for our Building Prosperity campaign.
Founded in 1978 as First Truck Centre in Alberta, Velocity has grown from a regional dealership into one of North America’s largest and most trusted names in trucking. With deep roots in Alberta and a strong presence in B.C., the company now operates 85 locations across the continent. During our visit to their Surrey headquarters, it became clear that their success is built on a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence.
The famous Rizon truck in action in Whittier, Alaska.
That commitment was on full display during our tour. From the warm welcome at reception to the behind-the-scenes look at their state-of-the-art auto-body shop, every detail reflected care and professionalism. Guided by their pillars of Speed, Value, and Trust, Velocity takes pride in keeping everything from firetrucks and school buses to long-haul transport vehicles safely on the road. Their approach to customer service and staff development shows how a company can grow without losing its sense of purpose.
Velocity is also at the forefront of clean transportation. They were the first company in Canada to sell a fully battery-electric Class 4/5 vehicle and the first Daimler-certified electric truck site in North America, located right here in Surrey. It’s a major milestone for British Columbia and a clear sign that innovation in the province is charging ahead.
Their newest project in Kelowna reflects that same forward-looking vision. The 41,000-square-foot facility, equipped with 19 service bays and advanced green technologies, will serve as both a customer hub and a centre of excellence. Velocity plans to partner with local colleges and universities to offer training and education programs, helping ensure the next generation of technicians are ready for the industry’s future.
Some of the Velocity team members at work.
Across Western Canada, Velocity employs more than 500 people in well-paying, skilled jobs. Their partnerships with Vancouver Community College, BCIT, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology provide ongoing training and certification opportunities, keeping their workforce at the cutting edge.
We were also impressed by how much Velocity invests in sustainability partnerships beyond their own operations. Through their work with Innovate BC and the Port of Prince Rupert, they are contributing to efforts to decarbonize port operations and reduce emissions across the transportation sector.
Velocity Truck Centres is not just keeping goods moving; they are helping drive prosperity across British Columbia and beyond. Whether through innovation in clean technology, investment in people, or their dedication to service, they are building a stronger and more sustainable future for the province. A big thank you to the team, particularly Adam Crowston, for showing us around.
BCBC’s President & CEO, Laura Jones and Velocity’s 9 Lean Principles
Did You Know?
• Velocity Truck Centres has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for eight consecutive years.
• They service the iconic yellow Thomas Built school buses seen across B.C.
• Their RIZON electric trucks come winter-ready, equipped with electric pre-conditioning that warms batteries for better performance in cold weather.