In recent months, as concerns grew over the long-anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, representatives from the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge in Detroit were actively reaching out to trucking companies to retain their business, according to a spokesperson from the industry.
Lak Shoan, the director of policy at the Ontario Trucking Association, mentioned that they were informed by a few members about the Ambassador Bridge’s efforts during the spring. This communication arose organically in discussions among members.
Several Canadian trucking companies operating across borders were contacted by CBC Windsor to inquire about any toll rate offers from the Ambassador Bridge. Some declined to discuss private agreements, while others did not respond.
A U.S. trucking union official, JT Barrett, instructed members in a now-deleted post to avoid using the newly established public crossing due to a contract with the Ambassador Bridge, saving them $240,000 monthly in tolls.
Toll rates and revenue played a significant role in the political saga surrounding 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 toll reductions below comparable crossings’ average.
The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge since 1979, intensified their political lobbying efforts before former President Donald Trump threatened to block the new bridge’s opening. Though the bridge eventually opened on July 27, a previous June opening was canceled at the U.S. government’s request.
Allegations have been made that Trump aimed to thwart the new bridge’s opening to favor the Morouns. The Ambassador Bridge representatives did not respond to inquiries before publication, but their website hints at a cheaper toll program for certain trucking companies.
The Ontario Trucking Association was not privy to the exact details of the Ambassador Bridge’s offerings to companies, but they see healthy competition between the bridges as potentially leading to reduced toll costs for trucking companies.
Barrett shared financial specifics regarding the contract between FCA Transport and the Ambassador Bridge, highlighting the significant savings achieved through the agreement.
Stellantis, the parent company of FCA Transport, did not confirm the exclusive toll contract status of its drivers with the Ambassador Bridge. However, they expressed support for the Gordie Howe International Bridge’s opening and the benefits it brings to cross-border operations.
Shoan emphasized that the uncertainties surrounding the Gordie Howe bridge’s opening made the deals offered by the Ambassador Bridge attractive to trucking firms seeking stability in a turbulent economic environment.
