Gordie Howe bridge opening ‘can’t come soon enough’ for carriers: OTA
The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) says carriers are eagerly awaiting the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, arguing the new crossing is needed to help ease mounting toll and operational costs in the Windsor-Detroit corridor.
As the bridge officials continue to target a spring 2026 opening, the OTA emphasizes ‘the new corridor cannot open soon enough’, as some carriers report additional monthly costs ranging from $20,000 to more than $100,000 per fleet to maintain normal shipping schedules through the corridor, according to a news release.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge represents an incredibly important milestone for North-South trade facilitation,” said Lak Shoan, director of policy for the OTA. “This corridor is a vital economic artery for thousands of commercial vehicles delivering essential goods daily. Our members simply cannot wait for the bridge to open, as it will bring much-needed, immediate operational and toll relief to carriers who are currently absorbing high border-crossing premiums.
The association said the new crossing is expected to improve capacity, freight movement and supply chain resiliency between Canada and the U.S., adding it has worked closely with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority on commercial vehicle operations, driver efficiency and customs processing ahead of the launch.
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I was in trucking myself for over 45 years and I agree with you on the OTA and CTA but I also know time is money to a driver and if he’s not being paid to sit and wait it’s not fair to him as far as toll cost to the company that’s their problem and you are also right about foreign drivers.
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Well said maybe should have a 12 person military unit at the bridge to protect it with 2 people on duty at all time a military medium duty tow truck like a 650 or 5500 unit and a all purposes security / medical rescue unit . I want the bridge open as soon as possible but in no way should gov $ be used to pay tolls going into.private ownership. Maybe any truck that crosses the border should have a fed inspector their to check and be able to see the last 6 months pay of those drivers and proof of medical insurance.?
F the Maroons open the dam bridge ban all truck traffic in the city of Windsor except local deliveries this is plain foolish .
I could careless when the bridge opens, I’ve been in trucking for over 40 years, the OTA the CTA are scammers of the system, trucking companies that are not paying them don’t get a seat at the table, but the smaller trucking companies are the ones that pay the most road taxes. cTA And The OtA cried to the federal government to bring in foreign drivers that has cost the industry it’s reputation and made a mess of drivers licensing and insurance scams.