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Intermodal Logistics Canada: Freight Across Rail and Road

Modern supply chains depend on speed, efficiency, and reliability. At Metropolitan Logistics, our intermodal logistics solutions in Canada connect every mode of freight transport—from port terminals to CN and CP rail networks to last-mile trucking—with complete visibility and control. Whether you’re moving cargo across Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary, we ensure smooth transitions between rail and road with minimal dwell time and maximum accountability.

What Is
Intermodal Logistics?

Intermodal logistics involves the strategic use of multiple transportation modes—primarily rail and truck—to move freight in standardized containers without direct handling of the cargo during modal transfers. This approach reduces handling costs, accelerates transit, and increases operational flexibility.

In Canada, where long-haul distances between urban centers and ports dominate the freight landscape, intermodal transportation is a core solution. Using intermodal trucking to connect with rail container shipping allows for faster, more efficient movement of goods across provinces and borders.

intermodal freight shipping

National Intermodal Coverage

We operate within all major Canadian logistics corridors, ensuring container pickup, routing, and delivery

All operations are directly connected to CN and CP networks, ensuring fast handoffs, real-time tracking, and regulatory compliance.

Toronto:

Intermodal Logistics Services in Canada

Seamlessly connecting rail, road, and port infrastructure, our intermodal logistics solutions optimize container transport across Canada — from major coastal ports to inland hubs.

Rail Container Shipping

Rail Container Shipping

We move thousands of containers monthly across Canada using both CN and CP rail networks. This service is ideal for long-distance freight where reliability and cost control are essential. We handle container bookings, routing, documentation, and real-time coordination.

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Intermodal Container Trucking

Intermodal Trucking

Our fleet handles the first and last legs of the journey—from port or customer facility to rail terminals and final destinations. We operate standard dry van chassis, refrigerated reefer units, triaxle chassis for overweight containers, and drop trailers for warehouse flexibility.

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Truck-to-Rail Transfers

Truck-to-Rail Transfers

Our transload and drop-yard teams facilitate seamless handoffs between truck and rail. We coordinate gate times, validate container condition, and prepare loads for optimized train departure, minimizing detention and improving turnaround time.

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cross docking warehouse Canada

Port-to-Warehouse Routing

From inbound vessel to shelf-ready distribution, we manage the full routing path. Our logistics team optimizes container flow, reducing unnecessary dwell and rerouting costs. Whether moving to a DC in Toronto or a final-mile site in Calgary, we make every step count.

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Multimodal Logistics Planning

Multimodal Logistics Planning

We offer container delivery for 20′, 40′, 45′, and 53′ units, including reefers, flat racks, and open tops. Our fleet features triaxle chassis for overweight loads, gensets for refrigerated cargo, and drop trailers for flexible live unloading. From port to final destination, our container hauling is built for any cargo, any condition.

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Real-Time Tracking & Visibility

Real-Time Tracking & Visibility

We provide full shipment visibility via GPS-enabled trucking and rail-linked EDI systems. Clients receive automated status updates, exception alerts, and access to a secure tracking portal to monitor performance at every step.

Industries That Rely on Intermodal Logistics

Our intermodal logistics services in Canada are trusted by organizations across diverse sectors, each with specialized freight requirements and time-sensitive delivery needs:

Manufacturing & Industrial

Manufacturing & Industrial

We handle raw materials, components, and finished goods for industrial manufacturers. Our intermodal solutions reduce transit times and improve reliability for long-haul, high-volume shipments between plants, warehouses, and project sites.

Medical & Pharmaceutical

Medical & Pharmaceutical

For temperature-sensitive and regulated cargo, our intermodal network provides secure, compliant transport. From pharmaceuticals to lab equipment, we offer seamless coordination between ports, rail terminals, and distribution centers.

Education, Research & Biotech

Education, Research & Biotech

We support academic institutions, research labs, and biotech companies by transporting lab materials, scientific instruments, and exhibit freight to campuses and events nationwide.

Construction & Infrastructure

Construction & Infrastructure

From steel and concrete panels to modular components, we move construction freight using rail-to-truck transitions that cut down costs and streamline delivery to remote or urban development zones.

Freight Forwarders & Logistics

Freight Forwarders & Logistics

As a trusted partner to freight brokers and 3PL providers, we enhance supply chain resilience with scalable intermodal services and real-time visibility across CN and CP rail corridors.

Retail Fixtures & Installations

Retail Fixtures & Installations

We transport bulk store fixtures, display systems, and installation kits to distribution centers or retail sites on tight schedules—ideal for national rollouts and seasonal setups.

Retail & E-commerce

Retail & E-commerce

With port access and last-mile capability, we enable rapid containerized delivery to fulfillment centers, ensuring product availability and fast order fulfillment for online and physical retailers.

Government & Military

Government & Military

We offer secured and trackable container movement for federal, provincial, and defense-related shipments, including equipment, supplies, and mission-critical cargo.

Event & Exhibition Logistics

Event & Exhibition Logistics

Our intermodal delivery solutions support trade shows, exhibits, and special events by moving large, delicate, or custom-built displays between Canadian cities, ports, and venues.

Why Businesses Choose Metropolitan Logistics

We deliver more than transport — we provide intelligent intermodal logistics solutions in Canada backed by technology and experience.

metropolitan logistics canada

CN & CP
Rail Integration

Direct access to Canada’s key terminals for faster rail bookings and seamless drayage coordination.

Flexible
Intermodal Fleet

From triaxles to reefers and genset chassis — we match the right equipment to every container.

Terminal Expertise

Our on-the-ground teams navigate port and rail yards efficiently to minimize delays and misrouting.

Real-Time Tracking

Get full visibility with GPS, EDI updates, and custom shipment dashboards — anytime, anywhere.

Get Started with Drayage Services Canada

If you’re looking for reliable, responsive, and fully integrated drayage services in Canada, we’re here to help. Reach out to our logistics team to get a custom quote or discuss your intermodal container needs.















    Frequently Asked Questions about Intermodal Logistics in Canada

    Intermodal logistics refers to the use of multiple transport modes—such as rail and truck—to move freight in a single shipping unit, typically a container. Unlike traditional freight, where cargo might be unloaded and reloaded, intermodal keeps goods sealed and secure throughout. It reduces handling risks, optimizes cost, and enables longer-range shipment planning.

    Canada’s geography favors long-haul rail. By using rail for the bulk of the distance and trucks for local delivery, you reduce fuel costs, carbon emissions, and the need for multiple transloads. This multimodal approach is more economical for interprovincial and cross-border freight.

    Yes. Our intermodal trucking services in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver are backed by local dispatch, certified rail access, and proactive scheduling with CN/CP. We mitigate terminal congestion with optimized pickup windows and real-time tracking.

    Absolutely. We provide genset-equipped chassis and temperature-controlled solutions for reefer containers during both rail and road transit. Ideal for food, pharmaceuticals, and perishable cargo.

    No. We manage all CN/CP coordination, including bookings, gate times, customs, and documentation. You work with one point of contact, and we handle the rest.

    Average rail transit is 4 to 6 days, with additional time for pickup and final delivery. We provide full ETA transparency and adjust routing dynamically to meet your deadlines.

    Yes. Our system integrates GPS truck tracking and rail data feeds (EDI) so you can see every stage of the journey via a client portal.

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