Montreal Strike Remains Indefinite

Though we had hoped for an agreeable resolution to the situation in Montreal, as it stands, the strike is still indefinite. The Vice President of the Port of Montreal circulated an update last night stating that, due to the strike, berthing and cargo handling services at the port are still suspended.  All terminals are still closed and ocean carriers are diverting their vessels to Halifax and St John, NB, or Philadelphia/New York ports.

Our offices in Canada have advised that Halifax and St John ports, with only CN Rail connection to Ontario and Quebec, are completely congested now, with containers sitting at the port anywhere from 7 to 14 days before they start moving by rail.

Based on this situation, we advise that if your cargo is destined to the USA (Midwest), but moving via Canadian ports, please change the carrier, or the routing.  It may take weeks before this situation improves.

We will continue to provide updates on this situation, and please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.