In recent months, the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge faced uncertainty as representatives of the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge in Detroit aggressively sought trucking companies to retain their business, according to an industry official.
Lak Shoan, director of policy for the Ontario Trucking Association, mentioned that they were informed by some members about the Ambassador Bridge’s efforts during the spring. The outreach by the Ambassador Bridge to trucking companies was not directly reported to the association but rather surfaced in discussions among members.
CBC Windsor reached out to Canadian trucking companies with cross-border operations regarding toll rate offers from the Ambassador Bridge, but most declined to comment or did not respond. However, a U.S. trucking union official, in a now-deleted post from late July, instructed members not to use the Gordie Howe bridge due to a contract with the Ambassador Bridge providing substantial toll savings.
The toll rates and revenue played a significant role in the prolonged political saga to open 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 toll reductions below those of comparable crossings.
The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge since 1979, increased their political activities leading up to President Donald Trump’s threat to block the new crossing. Despite the delay, the Gordie Howe bridge finally opened on July 27 after the initial June opening was canceled at the U.S. government’s request.
Allegations have been made against Trump for attempting to hinder the Gordie Howe bridge’s opening to benefit the Morouns. The Ambassador Bridge representatives did not respond to queries, but their website hints at a cost-effective toll program for certain trucking companies.
According to Shoan, healthy competition between the bridges could result in reduced toll expenses for trucking companies. The financial specifics of the exclusive toll contract between FCA Transport and the Ambassador Bridge were disclosed in a Facebook post by JT Barrett.
Stellantis, FCA Transport’s parent company, refrained from confirming the toll contract details. The company expressed support for the Gordie Howe bridge, emphasizing its importance for seamless logistics in the automotive industry.
Shoan highlighted that amid the uncertainty surrounding the Gordie Howe bridge’s opening, the offers from the Ambassador Bridge could have been enticing for trucking firms seeking stability in a fluctuating economic climate.