The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and the Quebec Trucking Association (QTA), submitted a joint letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding potential changes to the operating hours at the Port of Beecher Falls, Vt.
The letter outlined members concerns with the significant economic and operational issues that would occur should agency proceed with proposed change in hours from 12pm-12pm to 8am-8pm.
Beecher Falls is the only commercial gateway to Highway 253 on Canadian soil, and is widely regarded as the best route for transportation by truck from Quebec to New England. The road network is the most user-friendly access for commercial vehicles, with many companies having established their businesses along this important route.
“A change in operating hours would have a significant impact on our members, as the next closest border crossing with access to trucks would require a 40-km detour,” says QTA president and CEO, Marc Cadieux. “This would require an additional 1.5 hours of driving time in each direction, which would impact service levels to the area, leading to additional costs for carriers and businesses on both sides of the border.”
Both CTA and QTA continue to work with CBP and the local port authorities to discuss member concerns and possible solutions to these issues in greater detail moving forward.