Government red tape, new security measures at North American borders and a soaring loonie are choking the livelihood of Canadian truckers, industry officials warn.
The Ontario Trucking Association says the factors have significantly increased wait times at border crossings for tractor-trailers hauling goods.
The delays are costing Canada between $500 million and $1 billion a year, the group says.
"It is a huge concern and should be a huge concern for Canada," says association president David Bradley.
"It's imposing a huge cost on the distribution and the supply chain in this country."
Bradley says new security measures being implemented by the U.S. government "it seems every month" are crippling Ontario truckers, who transport 80 per cent of the province's trade south of the border.
Bradley says truckers crossing into the U.S. from Ontario now see average wait times of one hour, and that's on a good day.
On weekends, when many Canadians are going south to shop to take advantage of the strong loonie, he says wait times are longer.
Bradley says American companies are already looking at using local suppliers because it is getting more difficult for Canadian trucking companies to guarantee deliveries will arrive on time.
The Ontario Trucking Association is discussing the problems at its 81st annual convention in Toronto on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. said the delays at border crossings could turn them into parking lots.
Michael Wilson told the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the agency should review and reduce excessive security measures.
Wilson said idling trucks on both sides of the border aren't secure or profitable.
With a report from CTV's Roger Petersen
