Intermodal Shipping Services Canada

Industry-best intermodal service to Western Canada.

The greatest volume of freight we transport from Ontario and Quebec to Western Canada is by rail. For that reason, not only do we have terminals in all major centres, Calgary takes on double duty as a strategic distribution hub for all the Western Canadian provinces.

Frate Express: A premium rail service that provides faster transit times.

Frate Express is an expedited intermodal service that can reduce rail transit times by 2 days – which is comparable to a road service – but gives you additional weight capacity along with cost savings.  

Why Choose Frate Express?

Frate Express, a premium rail service through CPKC’s Demand Management that’s only available through Fastfrate, offers our customers game-changing intermodal service from Ontario and Quebec to Western Canada. Take advantage of these benefits:  

BOTTOM LINE BENEFITS

Rail moves more containers compared to a truck, which means a greater distribution of costs. You end up paying a lower cost per mile and those cost-savings directly go back into your bottom line. 

ADDITIONAL CONTAINER CAPACITY

In addition to the containers provided by our partner, CPKC, Fastfrate has invested and increased our own container capacity with 100 heated and 100 dry containers. They are standing by and ready for your goods.  

GREATER WEIGHT CAPACITY

Rail allows for shipping up to 60,000 lbs per unit, which far exceeds what is permitted on a road service. That means you need less units to ship more goods across the same distance and with comparable transit times. 

POWERFUL COMMITMENT

Fastfrate’s long-standing exclusive partnership (over 55 years) with CPKC Rail gives you access to more locations, along with greater access to yards and later cut-off times through our co-located facilities throughout Canada. 

IMPROVED TIME EFFICIENCY

This guarantees same day departure from CPKC rail and Frate Express shipments are loaded and offloaded at a priority; meaning your freight is first on the train and first off it. You get faster transit times, less congestion – which ensures your goods arrive quicker and get to market faster. 

SUSTAINABILITY

Intermodal is the more fuel-efficient shipping method. Rail transport, on average, is four times more fuel-efficient than road transport. Ensure you hit your sustainability targets and do your part to protect the environment too. 

You’re in control – choose the speed of service you prefer

EASTBOUND CANADA SERVICE

FROM WESTERN CANADA TO CENTRAL/EASTERN CANADA (TERMINAL TO TERMINAL)

Dry, heated and hazmat

We have multiple facilities adjacent to the CPKC rail yards in each of the Western provinces. Your LTL & full-load shipments of all types are delivered safe and secure throughout the West. We serve small and large businesses, industrial sites and the various big box, Canadian retailers. Commodities we ship include:

• Finished, packaged consumer goods
• Non-perishable foods
• Light industrial products
• Auto parts
• Paints
• Hardware and tools of all description
• Axles
• Flat and coiled steel
• Pumps and hydraulic parts
• Toiletries
• Footwear
• Aggregates