Intermodal Transport Directory

Connect with trusted intermodal service providers for seamless transport and logistics solutions.

Discover Canada’s
Best Intermodal Transport Solutions

Intermodal transport is the backbone of efficient and cost-effective logistics. By combining rail, truck, and sometimes sea or air transport, intermodal services optimize freight movement across long distances. Our directory features top-rated companies in Canada offering intermodal services designed to meet your logistics needs.

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Discover Canada’s Best Intermodal Transport companies in Canada

Top Intermodal Transport Companies in Canada

Explore the best intermodal freight and logistics companies. Each provider is vetted for reliability, safety, and excellence.

TFI International, Inc.

TFI International is a major Canadian transport company, serving North America through multiple subsidiaries. They offer a variety of intermodal trucking solutions, along with other services like package delivery, less-than-truckload (LTL), and last-mile logistics.
bison transport

Bison Transport

Bison Transport offers both over-the-road and intermodal trucking services in partnership with Canadian Pacific Railway. Their intermodal services include dry and refrigerated containers, temperature-controlled shipping, and rail transport across Canada and the U.S.

TransX Group of Companies

The TransX Group is Canada’s largest private transportation company, offering intermodal trucking along with a variety of logistical services. They provide customized solutions for all shipping needs, including intermodal transportation.

NATS Canada

NATS Canada offers comprehensive intermodal transportation services, providing cost-effective and reliable shipping solutions across multiple modes, including trucks, trains, ships, and planes. Their services are customized to meet the needs of various industries.

NFI Intermodal

NFI Intermodal offers reliable intermodal transport services across North America. They specialize in cross-border services, providing refrigerated rail solutions and working closely with Class I rail lines for timely deliveries.

RailGateway

RailGateway is a top-tier intermodal transport specialist, offering rail services across Canada. They partner with major intermodal rail carriers like Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway, providing cost-effective shipping solutions with advanced tracking technology.

FASTFRATE Group.

Fastfrate provides intermodal services from Ontario and Quebec to Western Canada. Their Frate Express service offers expedited rail shipping with additional container capacity, reduced transit times, and sustainable transportation solutions.

Groupe Robert

Groupe Robert is a North American logistics leader offering intermodal transportation services. They specialize in providing supply chain support for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and agriculture.

Why Choose Intermodal Transport?

Intermodal transport provides several key benefits for businesses looking to optimize their logistics processes:

Cost-Effective:

Reduces long-haul trucking costs by leveraging rail transport.

Environmentally Friendly:

Rail transport significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to road transport.

Reliable & Scalable:

Secure containerized freight handling and a nationwide network of terminals ensure your goods move efficiently.

How to Choose an Intermodal Provider

When selecting an intermodal transport company, consider these key factors:

  • Service Area & Capabilities
  • Customer Service & Communication
  • Rates & Flexibility
  • Equipment & Technology (Tracking, GPS, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Intermodal Transport

What is intermodal transport?

Intermodal transport refers to the movement of goods using multiple modes of transportation, such as trucks, trains, and ships, without handling the cargo itself when changing modes. In Canada, intermodal transport is commonly used due to the country’s vast geography and its reliance on efficient logistics to connect remote regions with major cities and international markets. For instance, goods may be shipped by rail from Vancouver to Toronto, and then transferred to trucks for local delivery. This seamless process helps improve efficiency, reduce handling times, and lower costs

What types of freight are best suited for intermodal transport?

ntermodal transport in Canada is well-suited for a wide variety of freight types, including:

  • Consumer goods: Products like electronics, clothing, and appliances are often transported via intermodal containers.
  • Raw materials: Items like timber, metals, and agricultural products, which are crucial to Canada’s economy, can be efficiently shipped across long distances.
  • Automotive parts: As Canada is a major player in automotive manufacturing, transporting car parts between factories or to assembly plants via intermodal transport ensures timely delivery.
  • Bulk goods: Materials like chemicals, grain, or building materials are also commonly shipped using this method.

The combination of rail and trucking is especially useful for goods that need to cover long distances efficiently, while also offering flexibility for last-mile delivery.

What are the cost benefits of using intermodal transport?

Intermodal transport provides several cost-saving benefits for businesses in Canada:

  1. Lower fuel costs: Rail transport is more fuel-efficient than trucking, particularly over long distances. This can lead to significant savings, especially for bulk shipments across the country.
  2. Reduced handling and damage: Since cargo remains in containers, there is less need for loading and unloading at transfer points, which reduces the risk of damage and labor costs.
  3. Increased capacity: Trains can carry much larger loads than trucks, which makes intermodal transport more cost-effective for high-volume shipments.
  4. Economies of scale: Shipping in bulk through intermodal methods allows businesses to take advantage of lower per-unit transportation costs, which is beneficial for Canadian businesses shipping goods to or from international markets like the U.S. or Asia.

How does intermodal transport help reduce environmental impact?

Intermodal transport is more environmentally friendly compared to road-only freight transport, especially in a country as vast as Canada. Some key environmental benefits include:

  1. Lower carbon emissions: Rail transport generates significantly fewer greenhouse gases per ton-mile compared to trucking. For example, trains in Canada are about four times more fuel-efficient than trucks, reducing the overall carbon footprint of long-distance transport.
  2. Decreased road congestion: By moving a portion of freight traffic off highways and onto railways, intermodal transport helps reduce traffic congestion, which can lower emissions from idling vehicles and improve air quality.
  3. Energy efficiency: The energy efficiency of trains helps conserve fossil fuels, an important factor given Canada’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and meeting climate goals.
  4. Sustainability initiatives: Many intermodal providers in Canada are investing in greener technologies, such as electric cranes and more fuel-efficient locomotives, further contributing to environmental sustainability.

In summary, intermodal transport offers Canadian businesses an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible way to move goods across the country and beyond.

 

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