MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – One of the busiest international crossings in the world is the stretch of border between Windsor and Detroit. It’s so bad that some drivers will go out of their way to avoid crossing there.

Recently four levels of government – Canada, the U.S., Ontario and Michigan – proposed a study be done assessing the existing transportation network and long-range plans and needs in the region.

Truck News asked truckers at the Husky Truck Stop, on Dixie Road in Mississauga Ont., what they feel is the easiest way to solve the congestion problem.

Hauling bottled water to Minnesota on his 2001 International Eagle Diamondback for M. Bruenger, Robert Nitcher says that the crossing needs more staff and more lanes open. “I don’t cross there any more than I have to. I go through Port Huron,” says Nitcher. “It’s a nightmare down there.”

An owner/operator hauling for WTS International, Jamie Musey runs a 1999 International 9400. He feels that the Canadian side needs to improve the way they do paperwork while on the U.S. side the Customs officers need to speed up.

Another solution could be, “using the facility to its entire potential 24 hours a day,” says Musey.

Dan Fischer says that Customs officials on either side of the border seem to have a grudge match going with each other and the drivers are caught in the middle.

Fischer also feels that they should have more than one booth open at all times, as well as opening up the tunnel to take some of the heat off of the Ambassador Bridge.

“Especially when they know that concerts are happening. They should have the bridge strictly for truckers and the tunnel for four-wheelers,” he says.

A company driver for Winnipeg Motor Express, Fischer was between loads headed southwest in a 1996 Mack, Diamond Edition.

The owner/operator of a 1993 Mack CL613 running for Winnipeg Motor Express, Eva Turmel has at least a couple of ideas.

“Add another lane on the bridge for trucks only and open more booths up,” she says.

Turmel had just emptied her load and was heading back to Winnipeg.

Tom Sawatzky was out of hours and in between loads while explaining that they should build another bridge like they did in the past.

“Get Customs to get their act together,” says the driver of a 2000 Mack Vium 460. n