Obstructive roadwork could force surcharges in Montreal

MONTREAL – The president of the Quebec Truckers Association (QTA) says trucking companies may have to impose a surcharge on customers for deliveries in the Montreal region due to the closing of the Mercier Bridge.

Marc Cadieux told the Montreal Gazette the bridge closure will raise the cost of trucking in the region, forcing delays in deliveries as well as increased fuel and manpower costs.

The bridge was closed Wednesday because of weaknesses in its steel supports and the Quebec Transport Department does not expect it to reopen before September at the earliest.

Last December, Quebec barred truckers from crossing the Mercier Bridge, forcing an additional 4,000 trucks a day onto the Champlain Bridge. Now, carriers are staring at even more time lost on Champlain as that bridge takes the overflow from the Mercier, Cadieux said.

He said obstructive roadwork adds to fuel and manpower costs as many companies are forced to put more trucks on the road.

Surcharges could be as high as $125 a trip, Cadieux predicted – as it is on Manhattan Island in New York City.