Freight from Montreal to Vancouver usually moves by intermodal rail (a container or trailer on a CN or CPKC train with truck pick-up and delivery), or by long-haul truck for urgent loads. The distance is roughly 4,500–4,800 km, and door-to-door transit is typically 6–10 days by rail and 5–7 days by team truck.
Key takeaways
- Rail intermodal is the cost-effective choice for full loads that aren't urgent.
- Truck is faster and more flexible, but costs more over this distance.
- Equipment: domestic 53' containers and trailers for domestic freight; ocean containers for exports leaving through the Port of Vancouver.
- Find carriers for both ends in Montreal and Vancouver.
Rail vs truck on the Montreal–Vancouver lane
| Intermodal rail | Truck (solo or team) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transit | 6–10 days door to door | 5–7 days (team faster than solo) |
| Cost | Usually lower per load | Usually higher |
| Equipment | 53' domestic container, 20'/40' ocean container | 53' dry van, reefer or flatbed |
| Best for | Planned replenishment, heavy freight, exports | Urgent, time-sensitive or fragile freight |
Domestic freight vs export containers
- Domestic freight (goods staying in Canada) normally moves in 53' domestic containers on rail or in 53' trailers on the highway.
- Export containers going to Asia through Vancouver or Prince Rupert move in 20' or 40' ocean containers booked with a shipping line, which often includes the rail leg.
- Imports from Europe arriving at Montreal and going to BC can move west by rail in the same ocean container.
Step-by-step
- Book the linehaul with a rail intermodal provider, freight forwarder or trucking company.
- Pick-up in Montreal: a drayage carrier collects the container from your dock or the port and takes it to the rail ramp.
- Rail across Canada through Ontario, the Prairies and the Rockies.
- Delivery in Vancouver: a local drayage carrier delivers from the rail terminal or takes an export box to the marine terminal before the vessel cut-off.
Cost factors
- Rail or truck linehaul rate
- Drayage at both ends
- Fuel surcharges
- Equipment type (reefer and flatbed cost more)
- Accessorials: waiting time, storage, liftgate, appointment delivery
- Seasonality: capacity tightens in peak retail season and winter
Planning tips
- Build in winter buffers. Mountain passes and rail operations slow down December to March.
- Book export boxes against the vessel cut-off, not the sailing date.
- Protect sensitive cargo from temperature swings. Heated service or reefers may be needed in winter.
- Get all-in quotes that include drayage at both ends.
Carriers at both ends
In Montreal, carriers listed in our directory include Blueway Logistics, Nijjar Transport, Ocean AA Trucking and Transplus. In Vancouver, see Harbour Link Container Services and Olympia Transportation.
Related lanes: Vancouver to Toronto and Vancouver to Halifax.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from Montreal to Vancouver take?
About 6–10 days door to door by intermodal rail and about 5–7 days by truck, with team drivers at the faster end.
What is the cheapest way to ship freight from Montreal to Vancouver?
For full loads that aren't urgent, intermodal rail is usually the cheapest option.
Can I ship a 40ft container from Montreal to Vancouver?
Yes. Ocean containers regularly move west by rail, especially exports heading to Asia through Vancouver.
How far is Montreal from Vancouver by road?
Roughly 4,500–4,800 km, depending on the route.
How do I find carriers for this route?
Compare carriers in the Montreal and Vancouver directories on ContainerIntermodal.ca.