The rail workers for Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have voted to pursue labor action beginning as early as May 22, 2024. Additionally, the associated unions for the Port of Vancouver and the Port of Montreal are also able to take labor action at any time should their current mediations fall through.

This is a courtesy notice to inform you that if these companies and their associated labor organizations fail to come to an agreement, it will dramatically impact the flow of goods across, into, and out of Canada. Rail junctions and ports are the expected locations for significant delays, congestion, and additional costs. 

If you are expecting goods to be transported by train in the days leading up to and after May 22 or through Vancouver or Montreal ports at any point in the near future, you are encouraged to investigate whether this labor action will impact your shipments and, if necessary, arrange other transportation. 

As a reminder, shipments warehoused at port for extended periods are subject to demurrage fees - fees that are the sole responsibility of the importer. 

In the face of such disruptions, you can count on PCB’s freight management team to have the resources and contacts needed to adjust or adapt your supply chain as the situation unfolds.