Rail and intermodal freight.
We book intermodal rail across the CN and CP networks and arrange ramp drayage at both ends through our carrier, Setara, so one coordinator owns the whole move. It is cost-effective on the long inland lanes and a lower-emission alternative to over-the-road when timing allows.
Long-haul by rail, trucked at both ends.
Intermodal is the work of putting your container on the most economical leg for each part of the route: rail for the long inland haul, truck for the first and last mile. We book container-on-rail across the CN and CP networks and line up the drayage at each ramp, so the handoffs between modes are sequenced rather than left to chance.
Because the ramp drayage at both ends runs through our carrier, Setara, you get one coordinator on the whole move. Containers off the Port of Montreal ocean leg run to and from the major ramps without you sourcing a separate trucker at each end.
Rail is cost-effective on the long inland lanes and a lower-emission alternative to over-the-road when timing allows for it. Where a shipment is too time-critical for the ramp schedule, we will quote straight trucking instead and let you compare. Customs, when the container crosses a border, is coordinated through our licensed customs broker partner.
What intermodal includes.
Container-on-rail, CN and CP
We book your container on intermodal rail across the CN and CP networks for the long inland haul. It is the cost-effective choice on the long lanes, and a lower-emission alternative to over-the-road when the schedule has room for the ramp timing.
See all modesRamp drayage, both ends
Drayage to and from the ramps is arranged at both ends through our carrier, Setara. Containers off the Port of Montreal run to and from the major ramps with one coordinator on the move, so there is no gap between the rail leg and the road leg.
See SetaraFrom quote to proof of delivery.
Quote and book
You send origin, destination, and the container detail. We quote the intermodal lane against straight road and book the rail.
First-mile drayage
Setara collects the container and drays it to the origin ramp, timed to the rail schedule.
Rail line-haul
Your container moves on the CN or CP network for the long inland leg, with status from ramp to ramp.
Delivery and POD
We dray from the destination ramp and confirm delivery, with customs coordinated through our broker partner on cross-border moves.
Rail and intermodal FAQ.
What is intermodal rail freight?
Intermodal rail moves your container on a train for the long inland leg and on a truck at each end. We book container-on-rail across the CN and CP networks and arrange ramp drayage at both ends through our carrier, Setara, so one coordinator owns the whole move.
When does rail cost less than trucking?
Rail tends to win on the long inland lanes, where distance makes over-the-road expensive. On shorter or time-critical lanes, road can be the better call. Send us the origin, destination, and timeline and we will quote both so you can compare.
Do you handle drayage to and from the rail ramps?
Yes. Ramp drayage at both ends is arranged through our carrier, Setara. Containers off the Port of Montreal run to and from the major ramps, with one coordinator on the whole move from pickup to delivery.
Is rail a lower-emission option?
Rail is a lower-emission alternative to over-the-road on the inland legs, which can help when timing allows for it. We will flag where an intermodal lane fits your schedule so you can weigh the cost and emissions trade-off against straight trucking.
How does customs work on an intermodal move?
Customs entries are filed by our licensed customs broker partner, coordinated alongside the rail booking so clearance is ready when the container reaches the ramp. We do not file entries in-house; the broker holds the licence and files with CBSA or CBP. See customs coordination.
Related services and guides.
Moving a container down a long inland lane?
Send us the lane and the container detail. We will quote intermodal rail against straight road and coordinate the drayage at both ends.
Request a quote Talk to a logistics specialist