We facilitate access to our rail network using a few different options such as containerized services/intermodal. transload services and shortlines connectivity.

We also have space available for rent in our strategically-located logistics parks or you can work with one of our dedicated Business Development & Real Estate agents to help you build your own rail project.

You are a carload customer if your shipment includes access to rail at origin and destination and remains on a train in a railcar for the entire journey.

You are an intermodal customer if you don’t have access to rail at origin and/or destination, or if you need to use a combination of train, truck and/or vessel as part of your cargo’s journey. Your goods will then need to ship in an intermodal container in order to allow for a smooth transition between various locations and transportation modes. 

Any product that you see on store shelves can be containerized. We can also containerize some bulk products, like specialty crops (beans, lentils, chickpeas, dried peas). Some grain, metal/mineral and forest products can also be containerized.

 Services by Industry

CN’s cold supply chain service – CargoCool – is a comprehensive supply chain solution for temperature-sensitive goods. We have a fleet of 400 53-foot refrigerated containers powered by our modern IntelliGEN power packs. Each IntelliGEN powerpack  can accommodate up to 17 containers at once. A dedicated Cargo Cool team can help you build a shipping strategy that keeps your commodities cool. 

We own and operate the largest fleet of rail equipment in Canada. Finding the right equipment for your needs will depend on the type of commodity that you want to ship.

Some equipment such as tank cars can only be leased through a third party. 

 Equipment specifications and type

Yes. Customers can ship just one container.

Customers are welcome to ship just half a container full of goods, however, they are responsible for packing their container to prevent the shifting of cargo and potential damage. CN’s damage prevention team is available to help craft a safe shipping plan for customers. Consult our Damage Prevention guides for more information about loading and securing your cargo.

 Damage Prevention

Yes. You will be responsible for delivering the container to one of our 21 intermodal facilities, located in key centers across North America. To find the nearest one to you, consult our maps or intermodal terminals list.  

No. CNTL trucks are loaded only with CN containers. Our trucking fleet has ample capacity, with 8,000 containers and chassis. Our drivers will bring the container to your facility for you to load and move it to its next destination.

We go the extra mile to offer our customers value-added services to help them reach their target market. We can handle bulk cargo from rail to truck with our CargoFlo service, get a fleet of vehicles road and market-ready with our autoport facilities and even house customer cargo until they are ready to ship it with our warehousing services.

 Transload and distribution services

CN offers Custom Brokerage Services that will have you benefit from the most favorable duty rates, obtain releases for imported goods electronically for clearance before arrival and keep records of all shipments for simple tracking. 

Our team of supply chain experts are ready to build a price for you, based on the weight of your commodity, transit time and location. Prices vary by commodity, mileage and destination.

You can also consult our public carload and intermodal pricing tools to calculate the shipping cost of your shipment, view the list of our optional services or contact our sales experts.

 Prices Tariffs & Transit Times

CN does not carry living creatures, including livestock and passengers. We’re also unable to ship anything that cannot be safely moved by rail, such as an item too large for safe transport. Consult our Dimensional Loads page if you’re looking to move something large that might require height and width clearance.

CN is unable to move personal vehicles. To ship your vehicle, contact Livingston.

We do sell our surplus assets, though availability of containers varies. Please email our Sales of Surplus experts for more information.