Toronto, December 15, 2017
High volumes and bad weather are slowing the movement of freight out of the Port of Vancouver and across Canada. Significant delays are being reported at the Port of Vancouver, where the peak season for inbound containers has come early and shows no signs of slowing.
Many customers are experiencing on-dock dwell times of up to two and, in some cases, three weeks for containers destined to inland terminals via rail. Once rail equipment is available and trains are moving, they face winter conditions – meaning shorter trains and delays due to freezing and snow (see CN’s excellent video).
Heavy traffic and increasing wait times are being reported at rail terminals in Edmonton and Calgary, similar to issues experienced at Toronto and Montreal rail terminals since the spring.
We will continue to monitor this situation closely, as we approach the Christmas holiday season and Canadian cargo volumes remain very strong.
If you have any questions concerning shipments booked with Universal Logistics and how they may be impacted by the above, please call (905) 882-4880, ext. 207 – David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services.
