The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) appeared at a public hearing hosted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to speak about the current proposal to remove route restrictions for the transport of Class 3 and 8 hazardous materials that remain in place at the Ambassador Bridge.
At the hearing, OTA staff reaffirmed its position that although the proposal to remove these long-standing restrictions on Class 3 and 8 hazardous materials is welcomed by our members, the association does not support the proposed use of escort vehicles as a condition for the transport of class 3 and 8 shipments across the bridge.
“Escort vehicles are not used to move these commodities at other high-volume ports of entry, and there are thousands of these shipments that move safely across the border daily, so we strongly encourage MDOT to consider revising the proposal,” said Geoff Wood, Sr. VP, OTA.
Other comments made by OTA highlighted the comprehensive joint Canada-US regulatory regimes governing drivers and vehicles engaged in the transportation of hazardous materials that are constantly reviewed and enhanced, including the security screening of drivers and the critical need to ensure parity with other border crossing points at the northern border.
“Our organization and its members have consistently supported and exhibited the upmost commitment to safety on our roadways, and we will continue to uphold this standard to secure and enhance the supply chains in southeastern Michigan and southwestern Ontario that rely on truck transportation,” continued Wood.
Members that would like to learn more about the proposal or would like to submit written comments before March 31, can visit MDOT’s website here.