A Newfoundland and Labrador businessman is leasing a barge to move goods from southern Ontario to eastern Newfoundland. A Newfoundland and Labrador businessman is leasing a barge to move goods from southern Ontario to eastern Newfoundland. (CBC)

A private initiative to ship goods to eastern Newfoundland from central Canada can't start quickly enough, a local trucker said.

Greer Hunt, a Mount Pearl-based trucking company owner, is leasing a barge for the next three years to ensure speedier shipment of goods from central Canada.

Chris Howlett, who owns Akita Equipment and Auto Transport, is applauding the move.

"I'm sure he's not looking to go into competition with ... Marine Atlantic," said Howlett. "But maybe some day someone will, and then we'll see what we've got for a ferry system."

Like Hunt, Howlett has has problems with the reliability of Marine Atlantic's commercial reservations system and with chronic waits and delays.

Howlett tried to land a spot on Greer's barge immediately, to no avail.

"He was booked up for this week's sailing but hopefully in the future maybe sometime I might be able to secure some space," said Howlett, whose company is also based in Mount Pearl.

Howlett said Hunt is sending a strong message about the quality of service that truckers require.

Marine Atlantic declined a formal interview, although an official said the corporation wishes Hunt well.

The barge can move about 50 trailers at a time, and will ship goods from Hamilton, Ont., to a dock in the Long Pond area of Conception Bay South.