Hey Laurie, I hear your frustration with the backups at the Blue Water Bridge . It’s a daily grind for many of us, and I get why it’s so annoying to see a truck pull a move that looks like they’re just trying to cut in line.
Hey Laurie,
I hear your frustration with the backups at the Blue Water Bridge. It's a daily grind for many of us, and I get why it's so annoying to see a truck pull a move that looks like they're just trying to cut in line. But as a trucker who runs this route often, I can tell you there’s a bit more to it.
What you're most likely seeing is the FAST lane. This isn't just for cars; it's a dedicated lane for commercial vehicles that are part of the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program. It's not a free-for-all for every truck. The drivers and their companies have to go through a lot to get approved for it.
Think of it like the NEXUS lane for cars. It's a special lane for people who are pre-approved and trusted by customs. For us truckers, this system is a game-changer. Our loads are often super time-sensitive—we're talking about parts for a factory production line that can't stop. A few minutes' delay can cost a company thousands of dollars, so these programs are essential for keeping things moving. The trucks in that lane aren't cutting; they're following the rules of their specific program.
You're spot on about the backups starting all the way back at Airport Road. The construction on Modeland Road doesn't help, but the real issue is that more and more trucks are being rerouted here from the Ambassador Bridge because the tolls there have gotten out of control. It's pushing a ton of extra traffic onto our route. And the electronic billboards recently included the use of left-hand most lane to include the FAST lane indefinitely.
Also, all the unprecedented weight from CMVs has caused damage in the pavement on the bridge on the way back into Canada.
It might look like a regular truck is trying to be a smart aleck, but they're just following the lane they're supposed to be in. Trying to block that lane is not only dangerous but can cause a serious accident. We're all just trying to get across safely and efficiently.
I hope this clears things up a bit. It’s a messy situation for everyone, whether you're in a car or a truck.
Sincerely,
The Logbook Legend (Al Herman)
