How the cross-Canada rail strike will impact Canadian Importers

Please be advised that effective 12:00am on August 22, 2024, Canada’s Largest railways has locked out their workers as part of an ongoing labor dispute between the union representing conductors, engineers and railyard workers.

What you need to know:

Canada’s railways will be not be operational and as a result will create significant delays in any goods scheduled for transport by rail.

• Cargo currently on trains at the time of the lockout will be held in place

• Cargo arriving in Canada by air and sea that is destined for inland rail transport will require alternative transport. Such as truck, barge or domestic air. Please reach out to your freight forwarders to see if alternative transport arrangements can be made

• Cargo without alternative transport will be held at ports or rail junctions and will incur demurrage charges and are the responsibility of the importer to pay.

We strongly encourage importers to contact your freight forwards as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements for your cargo to be transported by truck, barge or air. The industry is bracing for significant congestion across Canadian and American ports and rail terminals, including a shortage of railcars and chassis availability.  Any backups could result in longer than expected storage times at ports and inland rail terminals thus incurring demurrage and detention fees on shipments. 

While all reasonable efforts will be made by Link+ to mitigate, when possible, Link+ will not accept liability for storage and demurrage charges as a result of any strike activity.

Link+ will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Please refer to our news section on our website or reach out to your Account Manager.