Corridor brief,
Tariff talks still stalled as Jan. 1 nears; Midwest diesel eases for a third week
Canada–U.S. tariff talks remain stalled with the Jan. 1 auto tariff threat 10 weeks out, Midwest diesel slipped to $6.26 a gallon, and the two Detroit River bridges stayed close in September traffic.
At the border
The two Detroit River bridges remain in a close race for traffic. The Detroit News reported Monday that Gordie Howe International Bridge and Ambassador Bridge totals were close again in September, Gordie Howe's second full month of operation. Analysis: with neither bridge pulling clearly ahead, carriers should compare live waits and tolls on both before routing Detroit–Windsor loads.
We could not confirm Tuesday-morning wait figures in time for this brief. Before dispatching, check the live wait times for the Ambassador, Gordie Howe and Blue Water bridges.
Diesel
The Midwest diesel average was $6.259 a gallon for the week of Oct. 12, down from $6.286 the week before and well below the $6.680 recorded the week of Sept. 21. The U.S. average for the week of Oct. 12 was $6.179.
Analysis: prices have eased three weeks running, which should trim fuel surcharges pegged to the weekly DOE average. We have not yet confirmed this week's EIA or Ontario figures, so check the diesel page for the Windsor comparison before deciding which side of the river to fuel on.
What we're watching
- The Jan. 1 tariff threat. The U.S. charges a 25% tariff on Canadian vehicles and auto parts, with USMCA-compliant parts exempt. President Trump has threatened to raise it to 50% on Jan. 1, 2027. Talks have been frozen since August, according to an Oct. 14 market analysis. Analysis: if nothing changes by mid-November, expect shippers to pull auto-parts loads forward, which could lift border volumes in December.
- Digital issues could slow any deal. Canada's former chief trade negotiator, Steve Verheul, told The Canadian Press on Monday that the U.S. sees digital rules, including the Online News Act, as "fairly fundamental concerns." Analysis: disputes outside freight could delay tariff relief for autos and steel.
- Possible V8 work for Windsor Assembly. Automotive News reported last week that Stellantis plans a V8 Dodge Charger at the Windsor plant, adding about 12,000 units with production starting in 2027. Stellantis has not commented. Analysis: modest added volume, but a positive signal for Windsor-bound parts traffic.
- U.S. midterms on Nov. 3. A change in Congress could shift the tone of trade talks.
Sources
Bridge traffic: The Detroit News. Diesel: U.S. Energy Information Administration via FRED and WeeklyDiesel. Tariffs: RiskStock. Trade talks: The Canadian Press via CP24. Windsor Assembly: CTV News via CP24.