Toronto has no deep-sea container port, so almost all import containers reach the GTA by rail from the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal and Halifax, then travel the last few kilometres by drayage truck. The main container rail terminals are CN's Brampton Intermodal Terminal and CPKC's Vaughan Intermodal Terminal, with other rail and container yards across the region.
Key takeaways
- Rail + drayage: containers arrive at GTA rail terminals and are delivered by local carriers.
- Busy terminals: appointments and free time are tight, so fast pick-up avoids storage and per-diem charges.
- Lanes: Montreal and Halifax serve Europe; Vancouver and Prince Rupert serve Asia.
- Compare carriers in the Toronto drayage directory.
How containers get to Toronto
| Gateway | Main trade | Typical time to the GTA |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Montreal | Europe, Mediterranean | 2–4 days by rail or truck |
| Port of Halifax | Europe, Asia via Suez | 3–6 days by rail |
| Port of Vancouver | Asia | 7–12 days by rail |
| Port of Prince Rupert | Asia | 6–10 days by rail |
Some importers also route through US East Coast ports and truck or rail into Ontario. See Vancouver to Toronto container delivery for the Asia lane.
The Toronto delivery process
- Arrival notice from the shipping line or the railway.
- Customs release through your customs broker (CARM account and security in place).
- Carrier release once ocean freight and charges are paid.
- Terminal appointment and pick-up by your drayage carrier.
- Delivery: live unload or drop at your dock.
- Empty return to the terminal or an empty depot.
Costs to expect
| Charge | What it is |
|---|---|
| Drayage base rate | By zone or distance from the terminal |
| Fuel surcharge | Percentage of the base rate |
| Chassis | Daily rental if the carrier doesn't own chassis |
| Waiting time | Billed per hour after the free window |
| Storage | Charged by the rail terminal after free time |
| Per diem | Charged by the shipping line for late empty return |
| Tri-axle / overweight | For heavy containers |
| Pre-pull | Pulling a box to the carrier's yard to beat storage |
Choosing a Toronto container carrier
The GTA has more drayage carriers than any other Canadian market. Narrow the list by:
- Equipment: reefer, hazmat, ISO tank, flat rack or heavy tri-axle
- Terminal access: regular service at both the CN and CPKC terminals
- Yard space: for pre-pulls and drop service
- Communication: tracking and quick answers on holds
Examples of carriers listed in our Toronto directory: Reliable Transportation Link (RTL) in Concord, Musket Transport and Seaport Intermodal in Mississauga, Metropolitan Logistics in North York, Compass Roadlines and I-Way Transport in Etobicoke, and Winscar Transport and Trans Plus in Mississauga.
Tips for Toronto importers
- Plan around rail congestion. Allow buffer time in peak season and winter.
- Avoid customs holds by filing accurate documents early. A hold stops pick-up but not storage charges.
- Use drop-and-pick when your dock is busy.
- Consider transloading into 53' domestic trailers if goods are going to several destinations. See our container destuffing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Toronto have a container port?
The Port of Toronto handles some cargo, but international containers almost always arrive by rail from coastal ports.
Where do containers arrive in Toronto?
Mainly at CN's Brampton Intermodal Terminal and CPKC's Vaughan Intermodal Terminal.
How long after arrival can my container be delivered?
Usually one to three business days after it is available and released, depending on appointments and carrier capacity.
How can I avoid storage charges in Toronto?
Clear customs early, share the arrival notice with your carrier right away and book pick-up inside free time.
How do I get quotes from Toronto drayage carriers?
Use the Toronto directory on ContainerIntermodal.ca to request quotes from several carriers at once.