In recent months, concerns arose regarding the long-awaited opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, as representatives from the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge in Detroit aggressively pursued trucking companies to retain their business, according to an industry spokesperson. Lak Shoan, the policy director for the Ontario Trucking Association, mentioned that the organization began hearing from a few members about the Ambassador Bridge’s outreach efforts in the spring. While contacting several Canadian trucking companies with cross-border operations, CBC Windsor found that some declined to discuss toll rate offers, and others did not respond.
A U.S. trucking union official instructed members in a now-deleted post from late July not to use the newly opened publicly-owned Gordie Howe bridge due to a contract with the Ambassador Bridge, which saved them $240,000 monthly on tolls. The toll rates and revenue played a significant role in the months-long political saga surrounding the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe bridge, fully funded by the Canadian government. The deal to open the crossing included a provision allowing the U.S. government to prevent the new bridge from reducing tolls below comparable regional crossings.
The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge since 1979, increased their political influence efforts before former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to block the bridge’s opening. Despite the delayed opening, the Gordie Howe bridge eventually commenced traffic on July 27, following the U.S. government’s request to postpone an earlier June opening. Trump faced accusations of attempting to hinder the new bridge’s opening to benefit the Morouns.
While the Ambassador Bridge representatives did not respond to inquiries before publication, their website indicated a more cost-effective toll program for certain trucking companies. Shoan mentioned that although the exact details of the offers made by the bridge were unknown, the efforts seemed focused on retaining or attracting fleets to use the Ambassador Bridge. The competition between the bridges was welcomed by the trucking association as it could lead to reduced toll costs for companies.
Barrett’s Facebook post outlined the financial aspects of the contract between FCA Transport and the Ambassador Bridge, which involved a flat monthly rate of $160,000. Stellantis, the parent company of FCA Transport, refrained from confirming the exclusive toll contract status of its drivers with the Ambassador Bridge. Stellantis expressed anticipation for utilizing the Gordie Howe bridge to enhance logistics operations, emphasizing their policy of not disclosing proprietary information.
Shoan highlighted that the uncertainty surrounding the Gordie Howe bridge’s opening likely made the deals offered by the Ambassador Bridge appealing to trucking firms seeking stability amidst economic turbulence.