08 Jul Canada AdvisoryRail and Truck Terminal Congestion
Further to our previous advisories regarding the current climate in Canada, we wish to advise you that we continue to experience a lack of drayage capacity in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. This has, and continues, to put tremendous pressure on the rail network in Canada, which has been under high stress already due to a series of issues over the last several months, including but not limited to: A strike by CP earlier this year, a recent strike by CN, wildfires, and flooding last summer…etc. of which the aftereffects are still being felt and having a huge impact on the rail network.
Below are the latest updates put out by the 2 major rail companies (CN / CP) this week (as announced by CIFFA on July 4th, 2022):
CN:
Due to congestion in Toronto, CN is metering the number of Toronto releases from Prince Rupert to ensure they do not gridlock its facilities. Current average dwell for Toronto-destined containers is 16 days, and some containers are sitting for more than 25 days. There is a push-on to load the longest-dwelling containers.
CP:
Due to congestion in Toronto, CP is metering the amount of Toronto volume released per day from Centerm. The current average dwell for Toronto-destined containers is 6 days. Current average dwell for Montreal-destined containers is 14 days. However, there are 80 containers that have been sitting for more than 25 days. There is a push-on to load the longest-dwelling containers. CP Montreal – Waiting time is over 4 -7 hrs at the CP terminal, and there are regular gate closures with only one gate being opened which causes huge lines at the terminal.
Truck:
Wait times at both the CN and CP rails have improved, but volume continues to arrive in Toronto and Montreal at high levels. There are fewer drivers in all cities to handle the volume, creating a backlog/congestion issue. On a YTD basis, total truck visits declined by 18.5 percent. Containers are being targeted based on the longest dwell.
- Current CN dwell: 11 days
- Current CP dwell: 12 days
Due to this ongoing situation, the lack of drivers and drayage equipment is resulting in severe congestion problems resulting in long wait times.
We are closely monitoring the situation and doing our utmost to have all your delivery needs met, however, the current situation might cause delays, and additional costs might occur.
Thank you for your support, it is greatly appreciated.