Intermodal Network Update

Network Conditions

Extreme cold weather has expanded across Alberta, the Prairies, and Northwestern Ontario, resulting in reduced rail speeds and mandated train length (footage) restrictions.

These conditions are expected to continue over the next several days, and in‑transit delays of 24–48 hours are anticipated through the weekend.

With temperatures forecasted to remain well below seasonal norms through the next 48 hours, we recommend temporarily planning for one additional day of transit for the next 7 days. This proactive adjustment will help mitigate the impacts of weather-related rail operating restrictions.

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 –   Monitoring for Level 1

• SK  – Level 2 Monitoring for Level 3 

• MB –  Level 1 Monitoring for Level 2

• NW ON –  Level 1 Monitoring for Level 2 

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

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