The main drayage and intermodal trends in Canada for 2026 are port capacity expansion, a push for rail and labour reliability after years of disruption, shifting trade flows caused by US tariffs and new trade agreements, wider use of digital appointment and tracking tools, and early adoption of low-emission trucks around ports.
Key takeaways
- Capacity: new terminal projects on both coasts aim to relieve congestion.
- Reliability: shippers now plan for rail and labour disruptions rather than treating them as rare.
- Trade diversification: Canadian businesses are expanding trade with Europe and Asia beyond the US.
- Digital tools: appointment systems, tracking and electronic proof of delivery are becoming standard.
- Cleaner trucks: ports and cities are testing electric and low-emission drayage.
1. Port capacity projects
Both coasts are investing in container capacity:
- West Coast: projects around the Port of Vancouver, including the planned Roberts Bank Terminal 2, and continued growth at the Port of Prince Rupert.
- East Coast: the Port of Montreal's planned Contrecoeur container terminal and ongoing upgrades at Halifax and Saint John.
More capacity should reduce vessel queues over time, but construction periods can bring their own disruption. See carriers near each gateway in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, Halifax and Saint John.
2. Rail and labour reliability
In recent years Canadian supply chains have faced port labour disputes, rail stoppages, wildfires and floods. The lesson for 2026: build contingency into every plan.
- Keep more than one routing option (for example Vancouver and Prince Rupert, or Montreal and Halifax).
- Work with drayage carriers that have yard space for pre-pulls and storage.
- Watch rail service advisories in winter.
Read more in Canadian port dwell times and rail congestion at Vancouver terminals.
3. Trade and tariff shifts
The 2025 tariff disputes with the US pushed many Canadian businesses to diversify. Expect:
- More trade with Europe under CETA and with Asia under CPTPP, supporting volume at Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
- Closer attention to CUSMA rules of origin ahead of and during the 2026 CUSMA joint review.
- More demand for customs expertise and flexible cross-border capacity.
See how tariffs affect North American freight and cross-border container shipping.
4. Digital drayage
Terminals increasingly require online appointments, and shippers expect real-time tracking. Drayage carriers are adopting:
- Transportation management systems (TMS) built for containers
- Terminal appointment integrations
- Electronic proof of delivery and automatic status updates
Compare tools in our drayage software guide.
5. Low-emission drayage
Short, repetitive drayage routes are well suited to battery-electric and other low-emission trucks. Port authorities and governments are funding pilots and charging infrastructure, although most Canadian drayage is still diesel.
6. Costs and accessorials
Carriers are pricing more accurately for waiting time, chassis and storage. Shippers who reduce terminal dwell time and unload faster get better rates. See container storage and demurrage fees.
What shippers should do in 2026
- Get quotes from several carriers in your city through the ContainerIntermodal.ca directory.
- Share arrival notices early and clear customs before containers land.
- Keep a backup port and routing plan.
- Track accessorial charges and fix the causes (slow unloading, late empty returns).
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest challenge in Canadian drayage in 2026?
Reliability: rail congestion, labour disruption and weather can delay containers and add storage and per-diem costs.
Which Canadian ports are expanding?
Projects are underway or planned at the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Montreal, with upgrades at Halifax and Saint John.
How are tariffs affecting Canadian logistics?
The 2025 tariff disputes increased uncertainty for cross-border freight and encouraged more trade with Europe and Asia.
Are electric drayage trucks used in Canada?
They are being tested around ports and cities, but most drayage trucks in Canada still run on diesel.
How can shippers reduce drayage costs?
Clear customs early, pick up containers inside free time, unload quickly and return empties on time.