The Port of Montreal is currently experiencing heavy congestion negatively affecting operations in and around the port. This has been further exacerbated by recent weather conditions.
- On-dock dwell times have increased significantly, to the extent that some dray carriers are declining service to the Port of Montreal.
- CN Rail has advised they have been limiting empty in-gates into the Port as a result of production challenges that have led to a surplus of cars and limitation to inbound containers.
- In an effort to offset some of the additional costs associated with the Port’s heavy congestion, Maersk and OOCL have announced a Congestion Fee Destination (CFD) surcharge for cargo discharging at Montreal, with implementation set for this month. Other carriers are expected to follow suit.
- The Maritime Employers Association has announced that hearing dates have been scheduled in February 2019 regarding Port of Montreal labour disruptions. The hearings are set to determine whether Montreal port workers have the right to strike, following the expiration of their collective agreement with the Maritime Employers Association in December 2018 and the launch of talks on a new agreement. At this point, because of the request to maintain essential services, the parties do not have the right to strike or lockout.
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and advise accordingly.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 207.
