Toronto, November 6, 2024
The following message was issued by the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) on Wednesday, November 6, 2024:
Canadian Port Update
East Coast
Port of Montreal Update
Container handling operations at the Port of Montreal are experiencing a major slowdown. As a result, these activities require only 45 longshore workers to complete tasks on the docks. The MEA continues to apply mitigation measures to limit the effects of the longshore workers’ strikes.
Read more in the November 5 update from the MEA.
Partial Strike by Port of Montreal Dockworkers: Court Rejects MEA Request
The Federal Labour Court has once again rejected the request of the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) to have the partial strike by dockworkers at the Port of Montreal affecting the Termont company declared illegal. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ruled on the principle of res judicata, since it had already ruled on the previous partial strike affecting the same two Termont terminals.
The Council ruled on a virtually identical request after hearing the parties on September 29, said the court. The only difference is that this time the partial strike is unlimited, whereas it was limited to three days in September. The union is therefore entitled to exercise the right to strike, even partially, without breaching its obligation to negotiate in good faith, it ruled.
Read more in an article from Radio-Canada (translated from French).
West Coast
Port of Vancouver Operations Update
The coast-wide labour dispute involving the ILWU Local 514 and BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) continues to impact operations at some Port of Vancouver terminals. The current job action started November 4.
There is currently limited anchorage capacity at the port due to recent inclement weather and seasonal demand, including grain exports being in their peak shipping period.
Port of Vancouver anchorage utilization (occupied + assigned) – November 5, 0600 PST
- Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (English Bay, Inner Harbour, Indian Arm): 74%
- Southern Gulf Islands: 83%
Read more in the November 5 update from the Port of Vancouver.
Canadian Rail Update
CPKC Intermodal Network Update – Week of November 4
Service highlights this week
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail (CPKC) expects operating conditions to remain seasonal across its network this week. CPKC is monitoring the labour dispute between the BCMEA and the ILWU at the Port of Vancouver. CPKC terminal gates are currently closed to all export loads and pre-billed empty containers destined to Vanterm, Centerm, Deltaport and Fraser Surrey docks with the exception of the Bensenville terminal, which will remain open to exports and pre-billed empty containers until it reaches capacity. Customers are advised to monitor FastPass for updates on gate status for all terminals.
CPKC is also monitoring the ongoing labour dispute between the MEA and CUPE at the Port of Montreal. CPKC gates were closed to all export loads and pre-billed empty containers destined to the Port of Montreal as of 23:59 local time on Monday, November 4. Customers are encouraged to monitor FastPass notifications for updates on gate status for all terminals.
Asset forecast this week
- Dry domestic containers are tight in Vaughan and Lachine to start the week
- Reefer equipment is tight in Vaughan and Lachine; customers should consider CPKC’s equipment guarantee program to ensure supply
- Heated equipment and DRP supply is good in Vaughan and Lachine
- No container supply concerns in the United States and Mexico
- Chassis remain in high demand in western Canadian terminals; customers are encouraged to return equipment as quickly as possible
Operational performance
CPKC key metrics for the week ending November 2.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.
