Intermodal Network Update

Network Conditions

Predicted extreme cold conditions through the Prairies, and NW ON, are expected Wednesday through Saturday. Intermodal service may experience some in-transit slowness during this period. Current reports show that delays are minimal, <24hrs; with Saskatchewan & Manitoba potentially experiencing some Service Delays for both inbound/outbound.

Monitoring & Communication
The Intermodal Tracing Team will track all Bison departures and arrivals and promptly notify Customer Service of any loads impacted by delays. Where necessary, temporary service adjustments will be communicated to minimize disruption.

Customer Recommendations

• Priority Freight: Please call out as soon as possible.
• Early Loading: If feasible, load shipments one day earlier to expedite ingate and improve departure timing.

Service Alerts by Rail are reporting the following:

• BC – No restrictions
• AB – No restrictions
• SK  – No restrictions
• MB – Level 1 Monitoring for Level 2 adjustments into Wednesday 
• NW ON –  Level 1 Monitoring for Level 2 adjustments into Wednesday

What do these levels impact?

• During cold temps, a train’s maximum speed must be reduced by 10-30% when the temperatures drop below – 25C.
• Train Speeds are adjusted incrementally based on temperatures and conditions. 
• These speed decreases can also impact inbound placement when traffic arrives to terminals out of scheduled slot time.
• Cold temps may also restrict footage, which is adjusted in Level 2, 3 & 4 at outbound from terminals. This can increase terminal congestion, impacting operational performance within rail yards.
• Footage reductions would be applied at originating  terminals so terminal congestion could also impact PQ & ON

Reminders

Please make necessary arrangements have been made for snow clearing on containers within your pools. Safety is most important, and containers must be cleared of snow and ice when ready for pickup.

If you have any questions or require more information, please reach out to your Customer Service Representative or Account Manager.