The Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) gave shippers and consumers a heads up today that, once again, delays and prices could increase due to flooding.
Flooding this year in southern Manitoba is expected to "rival that of 2009, which saw Highway 75 close for 38 days," said MTA Executive Director Bob Dolyniuk.
The MTA estimated that for every week Highway 75 is shut down, the trucking industry takes on an additional $1.5 million. If 2013 does repeat 2009's flood levels, it "means that the estimated additional cost to the trucking industry will be in excess of $8 million dollars," Dolyniuk stressed. And that cost is passed along to the consumer.
"Trucks are re-routed hundreds of kilometers every time Highway 75 is shut down due to flooding. Shippers have to expect added time required for deliveries as a result," Dolyniuk explained. "Our trucks have to burn more fuel as a result of the detour, there is the added wear-and-tear on the trucks due to the extra mileage; all of those costs add up."
The flooding issue once again brings up the need for Highway 75 to be re-built to handle floods better, MTA General Manager said. "To be preparing for the closure of this highway due to flooding once again emphasises the long-known need to either better protect Highway 75 at Morris or find a reasonable and more direct alternative route," he said.
