Ocean and rail freight movements to, from and through Canada are currently being disrupted by a series of port strikes which have affected operations at all ports.
The Port of Montreal is the most impacted, where indefinite strike action started at two of its terminals on October 31st. The port had already experienced delays, with an overtime strike imposed by unions in place since early last month and a full port walkout for 24-hours on October 27th.
Containerships have already formed queues as they wait to unload at one of the berths and a spokesperson for the port admitted they were “experiencing a major slowdown” this week.
The impact of the Montreal strike has led to two major rail terminals suspending operations yesterday, which will undoubtedly lead to delays on movements within Canada and to and from the US Midwest. Even the port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been impacted with congestion recently on Canada’s eastern coast.
Both Vancouver and Prince Rupert Ports, on the west coast, have also been hit by an indefinite strike that started Monday and has led to vessel, rail and truck operations closing down. While vessels are starting to form queues at Vancouver, it may just be a matter of time before they are rerouted to US ports.
Currently, there is no immediate end in sight, but the team at Global Freight Services are monitoring developments closely and hopeful that the situation can be resolved soon. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
