In recent months, concerns have arisen regarding the anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, leading to aggressive efforts by the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge to retain trucking companies’ business along the Detroit River. Lak Shoan, the policy director for the Ontario Trucking Association, disclosed that they were informed by several members about the Ambassador Bridge’s outreach to companies starting in the spring.
Various Canadian trucking companies with cross-border operations were contacted by CBC Windsor to inquire about potential toll rate offers from the Ambassador Bridge. Some declined to discuss private business agreements, while others did not respond at all.
A post from late July, now removed, by a U.S. trucking union official advised members not to use the new publicly-owned crossing due to a contract with the Ambassador Bridge providing significant toll savings.
Toll rates and revenue played a crucial role in the long process leading to the opening of the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe bridge, fully funded by the Canadian government. The agreement for the bridge’s opening includes a provision allowing the U.S. government to prevent the new bridge from lowering tolls below the average of similar regional crossings.
The influential Moroun family of Michigan, owners of the Ambassador Bridge since 1979, intensified their political efforts before former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to halt the new bridge’s opening. Despite the delay, the Gordie Howe bridge finally opened to traffic on July 27 after the U.S. government requested the cancellation of an initial June opening.
Allegations have been made that Trump attempted to obstruct the opening of the new bridge to benefit the Morouns. Representatives of the Ambassador Bridge did not respond to queries before the article’s publication, but their website mentions a cost-effective toll program for eligible trucking companies.
The Ontario Trucking Association appreciates the competition between the bridges, believing it can lead to reduced toll costs for trucking companies. Specific financial details of the contract between FCA Transport and the Ambassador Bridge were highlighted in a Facebook post by JT Barrett, shedding light on substantial toll savings.
Barrett did not provide further comments, and Stellantis declined to confirm the exclusive toll contract for FCA Transport drivers. Stellantis expressed excitement about using the Gordie Howe bridge to enhance their cross-border operations.
Shoan emphasized the appeal of deals offered by the Ambassador Bridge to trucking firms amid uncertainties surrounding the Gordie Howe bridge’s opening, citing the desire for cost certainty in the current economic climate.