Intermodal Network Update

Network Conditions

Overnight temperatures for the next 48 hours continue to impact the Canadian network, resulting in reduced rail speeds and shorter train lengths. Delays of 48-72 hours are expected for Vaughan outbound shipments due to decreased footage over the past week. Initiatives to resolve the backlog, using the FIFO method, are in progress.

Weather conditions are forecasted to improve over the weekend, which may allow for the removal of current restrictions.

Monitoring & Communication

The Intermodal Tracing Team will monitor all Bison departures and arrivals and promptly inform Customer Service about any loads affected by delays. Temporary service adjustments will be communicated as needed to minimize disruptions.

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  –  Level 1

• MB –  Level 1

• NW ON –  Level 1

• GTA –   Level 1

• Montreal –  Level 1

• US Network  –  No restrictions

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.

Thank you, we appreciate your business!