Index SSA to discuss eliminating standby freight Cape based truckers will have another opportunity to be unhappy with the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship authority next Wednesday, as a proposal to eliminate standby freight is discussed. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at the Hyannis terminal to discuss requiring reservation-only trips out of all SSA ports. Truckers now have the opportunity to stage their vehicles at SSA lots, generally off-site, and wait until a slot opens up.
Trucks can wait days for such a spot to open.
According to Barnstable's member on the board of governors, Bob O'Brien, the authority is looking at eliminating the current standby policy as a starting point to force an off-Cape port. The authority is presently booking reservations for next year. Past complaints about the SSA's freight policies include the inability to gain access to freight space. Other shippers, especially those in the construction business, have said flexibility in the freight schedule is an important aspect of their service to the islands.