Launch All Other Support Activities for Transportation in Burnaby Today
This page walks you through starting an All Other Support Activities for Transportation business (NAICS 488999) in Burnaby. You’ll find a clear overview of what this business does, the five practical requirements you must meet, and a step-by-step path from registration to opening. We’ll cover permits, typical costs, and a realistic timeline so you can plan with confidence.
Five essential requirements include choosing your business structure and registering with BC, obtaining a Burnaby business licence (a permit), registering for GST/HST, setting up a WorkSafeBC account, and arranging basic liability insurance. You’ll also learn which permits may apply if you work from home or lease commercial space, and the rough costs you should budget—license fees typically $100–$400, insurance $500–$2,000, and initial setup and admin costs in the hundreds to a thousand dollars. Timelines vary, but most steps run 2–6 weeks.
Why Burnaby works well: this city sits between Vancouver and the Fraser Valley with strong logistics links, a growing demand for transportation support services, and a business-friendly vibe. Proximity to ports, rail hubs, and major highways makes it easier to serve clients quickly while keeping costs competitive.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This government identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency is legally required to open business accounts, file taxes, and interact with federal and provincial agencies. You cannot legally operate or issue invoices without a BN, so securing it upfront is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: These cover health and safety, as well as permits. A key item is WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, which ensures your workers are protected and your business complies with provincial safety rules. Beyond that, make sure you’re following basic safety practices for your team and any transportation-related activities, and secure any permits or licenses that may apply to your specific services in Burnaby.
Business Registration & Tax: Build on your BN by registering the name you’ll use for business activities in British Columbia. If you’re operating under a name other than your own, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration; otherwise you can work under your legal name. You’ll also need tax registrations tied to your BN: GST/HST Registration to handle sales taxes, and Payroll Deductions Registration to withhold and remit employee payroll taxes. These registrations ensure you’re compliant when you bill customers and pay staff.
Encouragement: Ready to move forward? Gather your details (business structure, name, and contact info), and start the BN application, plus the BC name and tax registrations. Once these are in place, you’ll be set to handle operations smoothly and in good standing. If you’d like, I can help you map a simple, step-by-step checklist tailored to your exact transportation support activities in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other support activities for transportation in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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