In light of the growing uncertainty regarding the highly anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, officials from the privately-operated Ambassador Bridge across the Detroit River have been reportedly “aggressively” courting trucking companies to secure their business, as noted by an industry source.
Lak Shoan, who serves as the director of policy for the Ontario Trucking Association, mentioned that his organization began receiving feedback from a “small number of members” regarding the bridge’s outreach efforts starting in the spring.
“It wasn’t something they initially approached us about,” he stated. “It would appear in conversations, such as, ‘Have you heard that the Ambassador Bridge has been reaching out to more companies?’ That’s when we started getting feedback from additional members about this activity.”
Lak Shoan is the director of policy for the Ontario Trucking Association. He noted that his organization began hearing from a “small number of members” about the bridge’s outreach efforts during the spring. (Submitted by Lak Shoan)
CBC Windsor reached out to multiple Canadian trucking firms engaged in cross-border operations to inquire if the Ambassador Bridge had made them any toll rate proposals. Those who responded indicated they could not disclose details of private business arrangements, while others chose not to reply.
However, a post that has since been removed from late July revealed that a U.S. trucking union leader instructed members to refrain from using the new publicly-owned crossing due to an agreement with the Ambassador Bridge that was reportedly saving them $240,000 monthly on tolls.
“If we intended to start using the Gordie Howe bridge, we would first need to notify the Ambassador Bridge of our decision to terminate the existing contract,” wrote UAW Local 212 Chair JT Barrett, who represents drivers from FCA Transport (Stellantis).
-
Gordie Howe bridge will cut deep into truck traffic at competing Ambassador Bridge: DHS
-
The Ambassador Bridge has lost its spot as the busiest U.S.-Canada trade corridor
Toll pricing and revenue were significant elements in the lengthy political saga surrounding the launch of the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe bridge, fully funded by the Canadian government. The agreement for the bridge’s opening includes a clause allowing the U.S. government to prevent toll reductions “below the average of comparable regional crossings.”
The affluent Moroun family of Michigan, which has owned the Ambassador Bridge since 1979, intensified its political lobbying in the months leading up to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s unexpected threat to block the new crossing from being operational.
Although the bridge finally opened to traffic on July 27, this followed the cancellation of a June opening at the U.S. government’s request, as reported by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
A poster attributed to UAW Local 212 Chair JT Barrett published in late July 2026, after the opening of the Gordie Howe bridge. (Screenshot/Facebook)
Trump has faced allegations of attempting to obstruct the opening of the new bridge to favor the Moroun family.
Ambassador Bridge representatives did not respond to inquiries prior to publication. However, a notice on their website indicates that a lower toll program may be available for certain trucking firms.
“Commercial clients expecting over 150 monthly crossings are eligible for new A-Pass Subscription Accounts,” the website states. “These accounts feature fixed monthly rates, tailored to anticipated crossings.”
-
New bridge, same traffic: Why is the road to the Ambassador Bridge still packed with trucks?
-
Michigan Senate candidate accuses Trump of keeping Canada-U.S. bridge closed to help donor
Shoan mentioned that the trucking association is unaware of the exact terms being offered to companies by the bridge, but he believes “it was focused on retention or attracting fleets to utilize the Ambassador Bridge.”
He expressed that his organization supports “healthy competition” between the two bridges, which could potentially lead to reduced toll charges for trucking companies.
Barrett’s social media post shared specific financial details regarding the agreement he claimed FCA Transport has with the Ambassador Bridge.
“According to that contract, we pay a flat fee of $160,000 monthly, no matter how many crossings occur,” he explained.
The first wave of vehicles cross the newly-opened Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, Mich., on July 27, 2026. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
“Prior to this agreement, we were incurring costs of over $400,000 per month based on the number of crossings,” he added.
Barrett did not provide a response to a request for comment. Stellantis opted not to confirm if its FCA Transport drivers are bound by an exclusive toll contract with the Ambassador Bridge.
“The launch of the Gordie Howe International Bridge fortifies the most crucial border crossing in North America,” stated the global automotive manufacturer. “We look forward to utilizing this new route to enhance our just-in-time operations across our manufacturing facilities in both countries, streamlining logistics for an integrated industry that relies on seamless operations. As a company policy, Stellantis refrains from commenting on proprietary information.”
Shoan noted that the uncertainty surrounding the Gordie Howe bridge’s opening likely made any offers presented by the Ambassador Bridge attractive to trucking companies.
“In the current economic environment, which has been quite unpredictable in recent months, businesses are seeking certainty wherever possible,” he stated. “If there’s a chance to achieve stability from a cost perspective, […] most business owners would certainly welcome that assurance.”