In recent months, amid uncertainties surrounding the long-awaited opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge over the Detroit River has reportedly been actively engaging trucking companies to retain their business. Lak Shoan, the director of policy at the Ontario Trucking Association, mentioned that they began receiving reports from a few members about the Ambassador Bridge’s outreach efforts in the spring. While Canadian trucking companies were contacted by CBC Windsor regarding toll rate offers from the Ambassador Bridge, responses were either non-disclosure due to private agreements or no response at all.
A post by a U.S. trucking union official in late July, now deleted, instructed members not to use the new publicly-owned crossing because of an existing contract with the Ambassador Bridge that saved them $240,000 monthly on tolls. The contract required notification to the Ambassador Bridge for termination before considering using the Gordie Howe bridge.
The toll rates and revenue played a significant role in the prolonged political saga of opening 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 lowering tolls below the average of comparable regional crossings.
The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge since 1979, intensified their political influence efforts before former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to block the new crossing. Despite the delayed opening, the Gordie Howe bridge eventually welcomed traffic on July 27, following the U.S. government’s request to postpone the June opening.
Allegations have surfaced accusing Trump of attempting to impede the new bridge’s opening to favor the Morouns. While representatives of the Ambassador Bridge did not respond to queries, their website hints at a discounted toll program for certain trucking companies with high monthly crossings under the A-Pass Subscription Accounts.
Shoan mentioned that the Ontario Trucking Association was unaware of the specific details of the Ambassador Bridge’s offers but believed they aimed at retaining or attracting fleets to use their services. The association views healthy competition between the bridges as beneficial, potentially leading to reduced toll expenses for trucking companies.
Financial details shared by JT Barrett, chair of UAW Local 212, revealed a flat monthly rate of $160,000 under the contract with the Ambassador Bridge, a significant reduction from previous monthly costs based on per-crossing fees. Stellantis declined to confirm the exclusive toll contract status of its FCA Transport drivers with the Ambassador Bridge.
Stellantis expressed optimism about utilizing the Gordie Howe International Bridge to enhance logistics for its operations in both countries. The company refrained from disclosing proprietary information as a matter of policy.
The uncertainties surrounding the Gordie Howe bridge’s opening may have made offers from the Ambassador Bridge appealing to trucking firms seeking stability in a fluctuating economic climate. Businesses are inclined to seek cost certainty in such uncertain times, making attractive propositions for trucking companies looking for peace of mind.