Marine Atlantic suspends truck reservation system

ST. JOHN’S – After months of complaints from angry truckers over the controversial ferry reservation system, Marine Atlantic says it will return to load and go – at least temporarily.

The Embattled Crown Corporation said last week it had little choice to suspend the policy after the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association withdrew its support at the group’s annual meeting last month.

As of November 14, 2010, the ferry service will no longer take reservations and spots on the ferries will once again be given out on a first-come, first serve basis.

Recent mechanical problems with two of the vessels further exposed problems with the commercial reservations, said president and CEO Wayne Follett.

"Commercial reservations have significant benefits for our commercial customers and their clients; however, the approaching severe winter weather and the need to make the transition from the current vessels to the new fleet are important considerations," he said in a press release.

"The APTA confirmed that the industry was greatly challenged by the reduced capacity while the MV Joseph and Clara Smallwood was out of service. The APTA also stated that there was a strong belief in the commercial trucking industry that the system should be suspended until the new capacity is in place."

Many small fleets and owner operators spent the last eight months steaming over the reservations system, which, they complained, allowed larger carriers to block book reservations and cancel them in the last hours before the ferry set sail.

It’s clear, though, that Marine Atlantic hasn’t given up on the reservation policy. Follett said it could be re-launched when two new larger ferries enter service next summer.

“With the peak season behind us, we can temporarily suspend commercial reservations while we implement additional capacity and improve the commercial reservation processes," said Follett. "We know there are commercial carriers who will be unhappy with this decision, as well as their customers as there have been many silent supporters of commercial reservations."

There are likely just as many, if not more, that couldn’t be happier.