Teamsters Freight Transportation Museum, Port Coquitlam

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This 1937 Mack Truck's most prominent feature is its bulldog hood ornament as seen at the Teamsters Freight Transportation Museum.

Founded in 1996, the Teamsters Freight Transportation Museum in Port Coquitlamn's industrial section houses an impressive collection of vintage trucks ranging from 1914 to the 1950s which have all been restored and are on display for the public to enjoy. Visitors can come inside, peruse through the collections of old books, truck models and photos and then see the Museum's fantastic collection (and even step inside one of these restored vehicles!) Come see this interesting hidden gem Museum and its restored trucks.

*The Teamsters Freight Transportation Museum in Port Coquitlam has been closed due to lack of funds: link*

Located in an industrial section of Port Coquitlam, the Teamsters Freight Transportation Museum is a true hidden gem. Inside this unassuming building is a large collection of beautifully restored trucks ranging in age from 1914 to the 1950s as well as photos, license plates, tools, magazines, books and other trucking related paraphernalia.

The Museum was founded by Norm Lynch, a member of the Teamsters Union Joint Council 36. In 1996 he started the collection with a small group of trucks which had fallen into disrepair after they were displayed in the 1986 World Expo hosted by Vancouver (the theme was transportation and communication). The trucks were originally on loan for two years to the Museum by the government of British Columbia, however eventually they became a permanent part of the collection. These were once owned by trucking magnate Bob King (1920s - 1950s) who amassed a large collection of trucks which he housed in an old warehouse in Vancouver and were donated to the government in 1974 after his death.

Today, the Teamsters Museum has expanded its collection with donations of old vehicles and sometimes even just a pile of parts which are lovingly restored to their former glory. The detail to attention and careful documentation allows visitors to flip through photo albums chronicling the restoration of these gorgeous vehicles. One of the Museum's most interesting pieces is the 1935 Dodge K52 Airflow Tanker as it is one of 249 which were built and the only one in Canada.

One of the most impressive 'collections' in the Teamsters Freight Transportation Museum are the group of retired men (most of them seasoned truckers or mechanics with decades of experience) who bring their skills, knowledge and passion to continue the restoration of the growing collection of vehicles. Lucky visitors can get a guided tour through the maze of trucks and hear amazing stories of how the pieces were acquired and even some highlights of their own days on the job, helping build British Columbia's major infrastructure.

It is highly suggested to stop by the Teamsters Freight Transportation Museum to see its trucks and to meet its friendly volunteers. Don't be shy, ask questions and in return, you will get amazing stories. You can also see pieces of the Museum's collection when some of its trucks participate in the annual Port Coquitlam May Day parade, the Santa Clause parade and other local events.

*Special thanks to Norm Lynch who took the time to tell VentureVancouver his stories and the history of the Museum*