Vancouver, June 18, 2025 — Canada’s busiest port is once again feeling the strain. New data from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority reveals growing rail congestion across key container terminals, raising concerns over extended dwell times and potential supply chain disruptions as we head into peak season.

📈 Terminal Congestion Snapshot (as of June 17)

According to the Daily Import Rail On-Dock Footage report:

  • Centerm: 77,567 feet (64,251 CP + 13,316 CN)
  • Deltaport: 53,030 feet (21,037 CP + 31,993 CN)
  • Vanterm: 40,920 feet (16,995 + 23,925)
  • FSD: 13,877 feet (CN only)

That’s a total of 185,394 feet of inbound rail containers on docks — a significant volume pointing to sustained yard pressure.

🕒 Dwell Times and Alert Levels

The port’s alert system for container dwell times uses color-coded thresholds:

  • 🟢 Green: 0–3 days
  • ⚪️ White: 3–5 days
  • 🟡 Yellow: 5–7 days
  • ⚫️ Black: 7+ days

As of mid-June, Centerm and Deltaport are at risk of tipping into yellow or black status, signaling operational stress that could delay inland delivery.

Kuehne+Nagel’s latest data shows:

  • Vancouver average dwell time: 6–8.5 days
  • Montreal: ~10 days
  • Halifax: ~6 days
  • Prince Rupert: ~7 days

This points to a national pattern of lingering congestion, though Vancouver remains the most constrained.

🚆 CN and CPKC Rail: Split Performance

  • CN Rail has added longer trains and more frequent service, reportedly reducing the volume of delayed containers at Centerm.
  • CPKC, however, is still under pressure — over 111,000 feet of containers at Deltaport have been idle for more than 7 days, a major red flag for shippers relying on time-sensitive cargo.

🔍 Why It Matters

  • Delays in intermodal transfers disrupt downstream distribution schedules.
  • Higher risk of demurrage and detention fees for shippers.
  • Potential blank sailings or rerouting if port capacity is overwhelmed during the upcoming seasonal volume spike.

✅ What Carriers and Shippers Are Doing

  • Port of Vancouver has extended gate hours and implemented digital appointment systems to accelerate container flow.
  • Shippers and 3PLs are relocating overflow containers to off-terminal storage to reduce yard congestion.
  • Rail operators are coordinating closely with terminal operators to prioritize longer-stay containers and reduce backlogs.

📦 Recommendations for Importers

  1. Track daily footage reports for early visibility into terminal congestion.
  2. Plan bookings early to secure space and avoid last-minute rate hikes.
  3. Diversify inland strategies, including off-port depots or alternative ports like Prince Rupert or Saint John.
  4. Increase communication with CN and CPKC to optimize rail availability and prioritize high-turnover cargo.

As Canada’s supply chain continues to adapt to post-pandemic volumes, rail congestion remains a key bottleneck. Proactive logistics planning and real-time visibility are essential for companies navigating the Vancouver–Toronto corridor and beyond in summer 2025.