Inside Track: On the ground at TPM25

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

A report from TPM25 from Patrick Lo, President and CEO, Canaan Group.

It has been just over a week since TPM25 wrapped up, and as always, reflecting on the speakers, conversations with customers, discussions with shipping lines, and emerging technologies leaves me with plenty to consider. While there’s no crystal ball to predict 2025 with certainty, here are a few key takeaways that stood out:


– As we do every year, industry experts and economists are analyzing the delicate balance of supply and demand, factoring in new ship deliveries and the scrapping of older vessels. The consensus points to a 1-2% increase in global TEU capacity. If tensions in the Red Sea ease, rerouting vessels back through the Suez instead of the Cape of Good Hope will further increase available capacity. However, supply is only part of the equation—the real uncertainty lies in demand, especially with tariff disputes between the U.S. and its trading partners adding another layer of complexity.

– After a year of discussions, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk Gemini service officially launched in February. This week, I had the opportunity to attend Hapag-Lloyd’s ceremony for the Frankfurt Express at DP World Vancouver. Reliability as a value proposition—rather than just price—has the potential to be a game-changer, particularly for customers who depend on consistent transit times.

– Once again, TPM was flooded with visibility platform providers. However, there’s a sense that interest may be waning as companies recognize that visibility alone doesn’t change outcomes. While a few AI-driven solutions were showcased, we’re only at the beginning of seeing how AI will streamline operations, reduce headcount, and drive greater efficiency.

– The “China Plus One” strategy remains a dominant theme in 2025. Companies continue to explore alternative sourcing and manufacturing hubs such as Vietnam, Thailand, and India. While there’s ongoing interest in reshoring production to the U.S., the cost gap remains a significant barrier compared to other markets.

– With ongoing uncertainty, businesses continue to navigate the trade-off between Just-in-Time (JIT) and Just-in-Case (JIC) supply chain models. Those reliant on weekly shipments are diversifying their risk through alternative routings and suppliers—much like investors managing a stock portfolio to balance returns. This remains a key focus for North American importers in 2025.

As we move forward, these themes will continue to shape global trade. The question isn’t just about what’s changing—but how businesses will adapt to stay ahead. Once again, always appreciate Eric Johnson and Mark Szakonyi for setting up incredible speakers and organization of the event.

Inside Track: Beating the Clock on the Eve of a Trade War

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

The United States’ decision to instigate trade wars with multiple countries, including Canada, has left many businesses scrambling to avoid undue harm to their operations and bottom line. 

Canaan is committed to supporting its clients in navigating this volatility. Here’s one example of how our freight forwarding expertise has been able to help:

One of our clients reached out to us with the urgent need to ship a 300,000 USD consignment from Alberta to Idaho before the 25% tariff was implemented on March 4. The cost of not making the deadline was around $75,000 to the client. 

With many other companies facing the same predicament, having access to a reliable transportation network was critical. We had a trusted driver that we have an established relationship with who was willing to take on the job for us on short notice. 

Additionally, any delay in customs clearance could have resulted in the shipment crossing the border past the deadline. Our coordination and expertise ensured prompt, smooth customs clearance amid high volume at the border.

The result of our coordination: the shipment crossed the border with plenty of time to spare before the midnight deadline, avoiding any additional duties for our client. A reason to celebrate amidst a stressful time for many businesses!

If you need support in trying to minimize damage to your company during this time of political upheaval, please reach out to us. Our customs experts can help you verify the most current situation with regard to tariffs and our transportation experts will ensure your shipments make it to their destination as efficiently as possible even, and especially, during the busiest times. Reach out at sales@canaangroup.ca. We’re a Canadian company proudly supporting local businesses.

Inside Track: How a Freight Forwarder Pulls Off the “Impossible”

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

At Canaan, we are proud of the work we do to help our clients with the “regular” tasks of ensuring their shipments arrive on time. We also love taking on the challenging, unexpected assignments that allow our expertise and dedication to truly shine.

Among the services we provide, air freight perhaps best represents Canaan’s ability to react and adapt quickly, as cargo shipped by air is often incredibly time-sensitive. Our air freight team is available 24 hours a day to ensure a job gets done right.

A recent example:

A client needed help with an urgent air shipment to Oregon from China — normally a straightforward job, but in this circumstance, the size and timing of the shipment required special troubleshooting.

The shipment involved transporting 12 pallets of urgently needed machinery, weighing a total of 4,000 kg, to avert a potential line down situation for their client. Additionally, this needed to get from one region in China to Shanghai for export before operations shut down for the biggest holiday of the year: the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival). A crucial first tactic was splitting the shipment into two parts to make it more manageable and to create more shipping options.

As an IATA member since 1988, and with four decades of relationship building across various industries and in different countries, Canaan has the ability to procure space, liaise with airlines, and provide consistent delivery times even in peak seasons. We are proud of our Canadian roots and also of our international expertise; we have first-hand knowledge of airport capacity across North America, and particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Our expertise allows us to problem-solve quickly, without needing to wait for explanations from outside parties.

All of this informed our decision to arrange air freight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) instead of Portland, due to the latter’s limited availability of widebody international flights. This decision helped with both cost-effectiveness and scheduling — with more flights available to SeaTac, there was a higher likelihood of the freight not being bumped or delayed due to high passenger aircraft occupancy.

The first shipment of 7 pallets arrived first, followed by the 5-pallet shipment a couple of days later. To minimize costs, we arranged for the trucker to hold onto the 7-pallet shipment until the 5 pallets were picked up as well. This strategic move allowed for all 12 pallets to be delivered together to the consignee’s door at a reasonable cost, successfully averting the line down situation.

We are confident that our customer service is unmatched among logistics companies based in Western Canada, in air freight and across all our services. This dedication to delivering as promised has earned us a loyal client base, for which we are grateful. These strong, lasting relationships motivate us in achieving the “impossible” for our clients, whether it be obtaining protective equipment during a pandemic or shipping urgently needed equipment at the busiest time of the year to keep operations running. If you are in need of assistance, please reach out to us today: sales@canaangroup.ca

News Round Up for December 2024-January 2025

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Here are the industry developments we were following over the past month. 

For timely updates on current events, changes in policies and standards, and opportunities for collaboration, please follow us on LinkedIn!

Rate increases and air cargo record peak season

December rate increase on 40′ containers from China to North American and Europe

Air cargo is amidst a “record peak season” in a year that saw nine months of double-digit year-on year growth

Labour dispute and other port updates

Union at BC ports applies for judicial review

Strike at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports averted

New alliance improves service at ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Saint Johns

Lunar New Year greetings!

Canaan Group is proud of our strong connections within communities that celebrate the Lunar New Year — in Canada and across the world. We wish everyone much success and good health as we enter the Year of the Snake! 恭喜发财 , 身体健康!

Inside Track: The DeepSeek disruption — What does the A.I. revolution mean for the Supply Chain?

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

The DeepSeek disruption

The tech world and financial markets were shaken up this week by the debut of a new artificial intelligence model developed in China: DeepSeek. DeepSeek’s breakthrough seems to be in achieving a previously unattainable efficiency, shattering the status quo set by the tech giants — with their conventional big-spend strategies — who have been leading the A.I. revolution to this point.

The question we’re asking at Canaan is: What are the implications for the logistics industry?

And further: How can technology innovation be leveraged to benefit our clients?

DeepSeek is already changing our understanding of A.I. cost structures

Developing an A.I. model requires massive computational resources — datasets, hardware, and human resources, among others. By optimizing algorithms and leveraging more efficient training techniques, DeepSeek was reportedly able to build its A.I. model for around $6 million, a miniscule sum compared to the billions of dollars of funding raised by established players. 

This innovation in efficiency has implications for everything from scalability to energy consumption. DeepSeek’s methodology would allow smaller businesses, organizations, or research groups to develop their own A.I. models with much more manageable budgets and on a faster timeline than previously thought possible.

What this means for supply chains

For the logistic industry, DeepSeek’s innovations have potentially accelerated the application of A.I. technologies already in development, making it all the more important for all participants along the supply chain to understand these disruptions in order to maintain a competitive advantage.

Some of the opportunities within the supply chain from A.I. applications are predictive analysis, cost efficiency, and new areas of competition globally.

However, there are also risks. Among them:

  • Data Sovereignty: Sensitive operational data such as supplier contracts or inventory levels are of high value and will be particularly sought after by A.I. models engaging with the logistics industry. Security should be a high priority for companies as they explore which A.I. models to utilize and which to avoid.
  • Regulatory Compliance: The logistics industry has always had the challenge of regulatory differences across the various jurisdictions that a shipment might traverse. The use of A.I., which though used globally but will still have its main operations based in particular countries, will complicate regulatory compliance further.
  • Trust & Transparency: As the ongoing debate over TikTok demonstrates, skepticism over data handling practices are a concern both for governments and private users. Will some companies face challenges to adoption because of a lack of transparency in their handling of data?

How Canaan can help you stay ahead in the A.I. revolution

As an established freight forwarder with expertise spanning the entire length of the supply chain and countries around the world, Canaan Group helps its clients hold the big picture while also being attentive to critical details. Providing the very best shipping solutions for our clients enables them to focus their attention on what they do best: providing excellent products and services to their clients. 

Key questions that we have been exploring with our clients as we enter the age of A.I. are:

  • How might A.I. break previous constraints on the scalability of your operations?
  • How can you evaluate the risk of using A.I. tools in your business?
  • How can you stay ahead of your competition, as everyone tries to reorientate themselves within this new landscape?

If you’d like a conversation partner in these questions, we’d be keen to chat. Reach out to us at sales@canaangroup.ca

Inside Track: Building the Infrastructure for Clean Energy — The Challenge of Lithium Batteries

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

The complexity of innovation

As a freight forwarder that interacts with multiple industry sectors on a daily basis, we at Canaan see both the opportunity and challenges of the move toward clean energy.

The opportunities are broadly understood, with clean energy solutions often benefiting economies, the environment, and local businesses that are hoping to serve growing demand.

For those of us in logistics, the challenge we often see is that supply-chain structures and processes aren’t always able to keep up with innovation.

Whether it’s with safety regulations, or classification, or the know-how of handling and moving new machinery or parts, each jurisdiction has to work through a range of details. Once those details are determined, there’s then the additional challenge of dealing with other jurisdictions that may have very different guidelines in place.

Case Study: Lithium Batteries

A case in point is with the transport of lithium batteries, used in electric vehicles and numerous devices. While the movement of batteries might seem straightforward, it’s anything but. Treated as dangerous goods, lithium batteries are subject to many regulations and with those regulations a lot of documentation. Countries like China are regularly amending their requirements, and as a result, some shippers easily fall behind in their understanding of what documentation is required by which countries, resulting in the possibility of delays.

Adding to this complexity is the vast difference between the handling of new and used batteries. Though, according to industry experts, many used batteries still have much more life to them and should be re-used in order to reach clean energy and zero-waste goals, some jurisdictions and companies are wary of safety hazards and so the paperwork required can become a deterrent for those wanting to buy or sell used batteries between countries.

Canaan’s Expertise

Recently, we’ve taken on the challenge of managing the import of lithium batteries for one of our key customers.

The first step – securing the necessary paperwork – is not simple; we work closely with overseas vendors who may not always be familiar with the documentation requirements. In many cases, language barriers add an extra layer of complexity to the process.

Next: ensuring compliance. Compliance doesn’t just stop with us, as we need to guarantee that our third-party vendors can safely handle the cargo as well.

Packaging plays a pivotal role in this process. Lithium batteries require specific labeling and careful handling, so being attentive to detail is critical. Unfortunately, last year saw a number of accidents at some ports due to misdeclared or improperly packaged shipments. We have to get this right not just for our clients but for the safety and smooth operation of everything along the supply chain.

At Canaan, we have experts in place who understand both the big picture and the details of shipping dangerous goods, such as batteries. We help our clients strategize and then accompany the client and the shipment around each hurdle.

If you have questions about the opportunities and challenges of the clean energy sector, we’d be glad to chat with you.

Three Preparation Tips

Here are three tips that will help you prepare for the process of shipping lithium batteries:

1. Make sure you have updated information about the requirements in all the jurisdictions your shipment will travel through — the point of origin, the destination, and every potential stop in between. Don’t assume the requirements are the same — they often aren’t.

2. Different carriers have different readiness for handling dangerous goods. Working with a freight forwarder, such as Canaan, that is in constant communication with carriers, can help you find the carrier that will provide the best chance of a smooth delivery.

3. Don’t expect an expedited shipment. Items classified as dangerous goods often require planning and documentation preparation. Plan ahead by making sure you’ve given yourself enough time to absorb the unexpected.

Need more information or have more questions? Reach out to us today! sales@canaangroup.ca

Inside Track: How Canaan Group uses emerging technologies to optimize operations for our clients

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Though we are in the business of moving physical items from point to point, a crucial factor in logistics is less tangible: managing and optimizing information. This is where emerging technologies can provide a competitive advantage, creating efficiencies in decision-making that then translate into efficiencies in real-world movement along the supply chain. 

Canaan’s platforms, in particular, provide these benefits to our clients: 

Integration into a single system: Having all your information in one place allows you to prioritize tasks and stay on top of all the variables along various routes, whether that be customer restrictions, service windows, or rest stops. 

Global visibility: Knowing where a vehicle, vessel, or package is at any given time is valuable information not just for managing expectations for customers, but for evaluating the effectiveness of your processes so that you can make adjustments and decisions on future shipments. 

Canaan’s platform provides vessel tracking service, which leverages data received from several container vessel tracking providers who use different tracking technologies, including AI. Furthermore, our platform offers flexibility to customers who prefer customizing analytical dashboards, and monitoring air, ocean, and road milestone events.

If you are struggling to obtain or manage information which is critical to improving your operations, we’d be keen to help assess your situation and offer solutions that utilize technologies that have been vetted and chosen for your specific context. Reach out today at sales@canaangroup.ca

News Round Up for November 2024

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Here are the industry developments we were following over the past month. 

For timely updates on current events, changes in policies and standards, and opportunities for collaboration, please follow us on LinkedIn!

Labour disputes at multiple Canadian ports

With brief work stoppages in BC and Quebec and the threat of drawn out disruptions, we followed the labour disputes closely. 

Strike notice issued by union 

Employers respond with lock out, leading to brief work stoppage

Federal government intervenes to end work stoppage and send disputes to binding arbitration

Resumption of work at the ports

Canaan at Agri-Trade Equipment Expo in Red Deer

Grateful for the conversations we had at the 40th Anniversary of this Expo, which serves Canadian farmers, equipment manufacturers, and other core participants in the agricultural industry. Here are some key themes we were engaging with.

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Nearing Full Implementation

This system applies to all shipments bound for the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland. We’ve been following this implementation closely to ensure our clients avoid container rollover and have their paperwork in order. 

Q3 Report via the Journal of Commerce

Shipping volumes reach record highs, in large part due to continuing tensions in the Middle East.

Federal government intervenes in port disputes in BC and Quebec, ordering return to work and binding arbitration

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Update, November 14, 2024: Operations have resumed at B.C. ports, following intervention from the government in the ongoing labour dispute. The employers and the union have been ordered back to the bargaining table for binding arbitration, however it is expected that the union will challenge the government mandate. If you have questions about how this ongoing situation might affect your operations, please get in touch. sales@canaangroup.ca

Original post, November 12:

The federal government has intervened in the ongoing labour stoppages at BC and Quebec ports, ordering a return to work and sending the disputes to binding arbitration. 

The move, announced by Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon at a press conference, follows recent failed attempts to make progress at the respective bargaining tables of the two disputes. 

“I have directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order that all operations and duties at the ports resume and to assist the parties to settle their collective agreements by imposing final and binding arbitration,” MacKinnon said.

Workers at container terminals across B.C. have been locked out since Nov. 4. 

The union representing roughly 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal rejected an offer from the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) on Sunday; the MEA responded by locking out workers on Sunday evening. 

If you need support navigating the ongoing uncertainty as these labour disputes search for resolution, please reach out. We’re keen to provide solutions to safeguard your logistics operations. Email us at sales@canaangroup.ca

BC Ports shut down as BCMEA locks out union workers following strike notice

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

As of 4:30 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2024, employers have locked out more than 700 workers of ILWU Local 514, following a strike notice issued by the union. BC ports have been shut down indefinitely. No negotiations are happening at the moment to resolve a labour dispute that has been ongoing for more than a year.

Have your operations been disrupted due to this work stoppage? Contact us today for support at sales@canaangroup.ca

UPDATE: Port strike ends on U.S. East and Gulf Coasts after dockworkers and operators reach tentative agreement on wage increase

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

North American economies seem to have been spared significant damage, with International Longshoremen’s Associations (ILA) members returning to work after a strike that brought major ports on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts to a standstill for three days. The ILA and their employers have reached a tentative agreement that will increase wages for dockworkers by 62% and extend the current contract to January 15, allowing more time to reach agreement on remaining issues while keeping the ports operational.

Original post, September 25, 2024:

Major Ports on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast preparing for first work union strike in nearly 50 years

The unresolved contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Associations (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) is reaching its September 30 deadline, raising the likelihood of a major disruption to the flow of goods to and from North America beginning in October. 

The ILA is North America’s largest union for maritime workers, representing 85,000 members, and a strike would shut down a total of 36 ports, including five of the busiest on the continent.  

The White House has already stated that it would not invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to force a return to work and has stressed the importance of reaching a deal through negotiations. 

Shippers that rely on these ports have been encouraged for many months to consider alternative shipping routes, as carriers and terminal operators are already beginning to slow operations at the affected ports to avoid a pileup of containers. Even if an agreement is reached before a strike, or shortly after a work stoppage begins, a quick return to normal operations is not likely, with a day of port congestion resulting in roughly a week of delay for the arrival of shipments. 

Shippers should also begin to anticipate additional fees from carriers and demurrage charges. Hapag-Lloyd has already posted a Work Disruption Surcharge, effective October 18, 2024, of 1,000 USD per TEU.

We will continue to monitor the situation, including lag times at ports on the U.S. West Coast and in Canada and Mexico caused by an influx of diverted cargo. If you have any questions, please reach out to us sales@canaangroup.ca.

New CBSA policy: “Established business relationship” required for incoming air cargo

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

In response to recent incidents of air cargo packages causing fires at European logistics hubs, both Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have implemented new emergency measures for cargo originating from Europe and Central Asia. 

In summary, the new measures require that any air cargo coming into Canada, originating from Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), must demonstrate an “established business relationship” between the shipper and a regulated agent (such as a freight forwarder) or air carrier. Cargo that does not meet this requirement will not be allowed into Canada nor be permitted to transit through the United States.

Exceptions are made for small items (less than 16 ounces, or 453.6 grams), mail, and diplomatic and government shipments. 


This is an ongoing situation, with the global shipping industry taking extraordinary caution with the possibility that other incendiary devices may still be in circulation. Please contact sales@canaangroup.ca for more details and check our website and newsletter for ongoing updates about these security measures.

Negotiations continue for Local 514 and maritime employers as CIRB concludes hearing

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Despite securing a strike mandate from its members, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 has not issued a strike notice as both sides in the labour dispute express a desire to reach an agreement. 

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has concluded its hearing on the ILWU’s pay and manning proposal, which the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) has challenged as illegal and in bad faith. 
We will update this post with the CIRB ruling and any movement in negotiations — stayed tuned! Reach out to sales@canaangroup.ca to create a plan for maintaining your operations during potential work stoppages in the logistics industry.

Warehouse staffing and equipment efficiency allowing ports in South California to handle volume surges with ease

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Despite record import volumes, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are operating with minimal congestion in large part due to fully staffed warehouses. This is in contrast to COVID pandemic conditions, during which warehouse staff shortages created a bottleneck for the logistics industry in the region. 

In addition to a stabilization of staffing, more access to near-dock “surge yards” are providing temporary storage for containers, allowing more space at the terminal and preventing a bunching up of vessels in the harbour.

Shippers watching upcoming US and Canadian elections closely, with trade policies in the balance

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

As both the U.S.A. and Canada undergo contentious races for their respective highest governmental offices, many industries are rightly considering how best to prepare for potential changes to policies, both internal and global. 

The shipping industry, in particular, has been keeping track of discussions around trade, with goods imported from China at the forefront of campaign rhetoric regarding international economic relations. 

Recently, the Biden administration finalized its plan to raise tariffs on a range of goods coming from China, adopting hikes that it proposed in May. Product categories include electric vehicles, semiconductors, and critical minerals. Though the first of these tariff hikes are set to go into effect this month, other increases are not until 2025 and 2026 when a new administration will be in the White House. 

With the U.S. election just a few weeks away, polls point to a close contest. Should Vice President Kamala Harris win, it is not certain that she would maintain all of the policies set in place by the current administration, of which she is a part. Former President Trump has viewed tariffs as a punitive measure against China and spoken of significant increases. 

Signs point to Canada following in the same direction with regard to tariffs, with similar concerns being raised among Canadian businesses about the impact of goods imported from countries with significantly lower production and manufacturing costs. With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau struggling to maintain support for his government, amidst widespread discontentment with raising living costs, trade policies could become an increasingly significant area of debate and change in the coming year, with the Canadian federal election currently scheduled for October 2025. 


Immediately following Biden’s announcement about tariffs, freight rates began to creep downward. Was this correlated, coincidental, or related to other issues such as the possibility of a major work disruption at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports? A clearer answer might emerge in time, but the time to strategize is now. Canaan has a trade department, TradeSuccess ™, that is ready to help you prepare for ongoing success in an uncertain political environment. Please contact rezza@canaangroup.ca to schedule a conversation today.

Rail disruption update: Services restored under order from federal labour board, while unions prepare appeal

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

As of Monday morning, August 26, 2024, railways for CN and CPKC are operational again, following a decision by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) made on the weekend. 

The labour dispute, however, is far from over, with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference set to appeal the ruling in court. 

The work stoppage at both national railways began last Thursday, with more than 9,000 railway workers locked out, affecting both national freight lines and commuter lines in the Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver areas. 

We will continue to provide updates as this complex situation unfolds. If you need support navigating the uncertainty, please reach out.

August 23 Update:

Rail service at Canadian National Railway (CN) has been temporarily restored following an intervention from the federal government. However, the Teamsters union has issued a 72-hour strike notice, meaning rail workers could put up picket lines again barring a breakthrough in negotiations or a government order. 

As of Friday morning, the work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is continuing, pending an order from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). 

We will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds. If you need support navigating this complex situation, please reach out.

Original post: Rail Network Shutdown in Canada: Current Status and Alternative Solutions.

On August 22nd, 2024, the country’s largest railways—Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC)—formally locked out union rail employees, resulting in a complete shutdown of the rail network across Canada.

Discussions with industry leaders, including contacts within CP and CN, suggest that this shutdown could potentially last up to two weeks, as negotiations between the parties remain at a standstill. While we hope for a quicker resolution, Canaan Group stands ready to assist our customers with urgent cargo needs during this challenging time.

Marine Terminal Updates

  • Operational Status: Marine terminals remain open; however, some vessels are experiencing delays in receiving export cargo.
  • Vessel Diversions: Certain vessels are considering bypassing ports in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, and Halifax.
  • Import Containers: Available for pickup, though special reservations may be required.
  • Export Containers: Receiving is limited due to a shortage of empty equipment and early return dates (ERD) for vessels.

Alternate Shipping Options

  • Air Freight: Less-than-container load (LCL) cargo is being redirected to air freight.
  • Import Containers: Containers discharged in Canada remain available for pickup. Containers discharged in the U.S. will need to be trucked to Canada and cleared through customs.
  • Export Containers: While marine terminals remain open, export containers can still be received on a limited basis. However, as congestion builds, these containers may need to be rerouted to U.S. ports, including Tacoma, Seattle, and New York, for export.
  • Refrigerated Cargo: Urgent refrigerated shipments can be expedited via truck to the U.S. These shipments will require a T1 bond to avoid customs delays.

For more information or assistance, please contact your Canaan Group representative at sales@canaangroup.ca or info@canaangroup.ca.

Breaking news: Rail strike could begin as early as August 22 following CIRB ruling on essential services — UPDATED Aug. 14

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Update, August 14, 2024

In anticipation of a possible work stoppage, Canada’s two national railways have issued the following notices.

Canadian National (CN) railway:

  • CN has embargoed all Rail Security Sensitive Materials (RSSM), Poison Inhalation Hazard (PIH), Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH), and other time-sensitive commodities coming into Canada from the USA, effective August 12.
  • An additional embargo on these commodities from within Canada will take effect on August 15.
  • CN will restrict ingates for all temperature-controlled Intermodal traffic and Intermodal Hazmat traffic across its network starting August 15.
  • An embargo on all Intermodal interchange traffic from the US coming to Canada will take effect on August 16.
  • Get the latest information on embargos at the CN’s Bargaining Updates page.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC):

A formal lockout notice has been given to the union (TCRC). Should an agreement not be reached, the CPKC rail network will shut down at just past midnight Eastern Time on August 22. Additionally, CPKC has already begun embargoes on freight classified as toxic or poisonous inhalation hazards. Please find the latest information on CPKC’s update page.

Posted August 9, 2024: The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ruled today that a work stoppage at Canada’s two national railways would not cause an immediate threat to public health and safety, clearing the way for a possible strike as early as August 22. 

“Today, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled that no activities need to be maintained in the event of a strike or lockout at CN or CPKC,” Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon said in a statement. “The CIRB has also imposed a 13-day cooling off period before a strike or lockout can occur.”

Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City responded to the announcement by saying they would lock out members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference if a settlement or an agreement to participate in binding arbitration could not be reached. 

In its own statement, the union said, “Workers’ right to strike had been temporarily suspended pending today’s decision by the CIRB. This effectively robbed the union of leverage. Absent the threat of a work stoppage, neither company had been willing to compromise or show any flexibility in their demands.”

The union said it would provide a 72-hour advance notice of a strike action, as required, if no contract agreement is reached.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon released a statement saying that both sides in the work dispute have a responsibility to all Canadians to come to the negotiation table and work constructively toward a settlement. 


Businesses across the supply chain in Canada are now having to prepare with more urgency for the possibility of significant disruptions should a work stoppage begin. As a leading forward-thinking organization, Canaan Group continues to discuss with customers how to begin planning for cargo re-diversion, alternative planning, and cargo risk mitigation. Contact us today at sales@canaangroup.ca for support.

Main rail line through Jasper open, after disruptions caused by wildfire

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Canadian National Railway has re-opened its main line through Jasper, Alberta, after suspending services due to the wildfires that have ravaged the region. Parks Canada has estimated that 30 percent of Jasper’s structures were damaged by last week’s wildfire. 

CN’s main line runs through Jasper National Park before it continues west to ports in Vancouver and Prince Rupert, B.C., and east to the rest of Canada. The route handles more than 40 trains a day.

The company first suspended rail service through Jasper on Tuesday, July 23, and again on Wednesday after a brief attempt to restart services. The line was fully re-opened on Friday, following inspections.

“After inspecting its infrastructure on Thursday afternoon, CN collaborated with the Unified Incident Command center to revise and implement its operational plan allowing goods to safely resume movements Friday morning through Jasper,” CN spokeswoman Ashley Michnowski said. “CN remains in regular contact with unified command and all parties involved and monitoring weather and fire movements.”

Though shipment by rail through Jasper has resumed, passenger train operations remain suspended. 

For any questions or issues on your shipments into and out of Canada, please contact your customer service representative at Canaan (604) 873-1666 ext.3.

Logistics industry in Canada braces for two possible work stoppages in August

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Businesses in Canada are preparing for disruptions in shipments this summer as two ongoing labour disputes in the logistics industry seem to be headed toward work stoppages in August. 

In the dispute between CN and CPKC railways and rail workers, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has indicated that it will provide a decision on the safety implications of a work stoppage by August 9. A strike could be a possibility within 72 hours of the ruling, with the union, representing close to 10,000 workers, already authorizing a work stoppage. 

At the port, the BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 will resume their hearing with the CIRB from August 6 to 9, 2024, to address the legality of the Union’s manning proposal with DP World (Canada) Inc. The union plans to hold a strike vote that will be completed by August 9 following a ruling by the CIRB on July 7 that a previous strike vote and notice were illegal.

Negotiations between the union and the BCMEA have been ongoing for over a year, culminating in a meditation effort that has failed to produce an agreement. 

We will continue to provide updates on our website and in our newsletter as these situations unfold. If you have questions about how these work stoppages might affect your operations, please contact us at sales@canangroup.ca.

Dwell times trending lower as transit times continue return to pre-pandemic levels

Lucas Lee Featured, News, Uncategorized

Despite a 12% increase in cargo from Asia to North America in 2024, dwell times at most major North American ports have stayed very low, indicating minimal congestion along the supply chain. Port managers have indicated optimism that terminals are well-prepared for the upcoming peak season.

In Vancouver, laden imports in June increased 13% year over year, yet rail average rail container dwell time dropped to 4.6 days, from 6.5 days in May. Likewise, dwell times for containers leaving Los Angeles-Long Beach marine terminals by rail fell to 4.73 days in June from 6.44 days in May.

Dwell times are a helpful indicator of capacity throughout the shipping industry, and most importantly, of the reliability of published transit times. The COVID pandemic normalized congestion at the ports, with containers often stuck at the port for multiple weeks, awaiting the next leg of their journey via trucks or rail. When capacity at terminals is over 90%, further inefficiencies are created and delivery times become uncertain. 

Though indicators currently point to a generally stable environment, the possibility of a longshoremen strike along the U.S. East Coast in the coming weeks may put emphasis and strain on the western ports, increasing congestion. Businesses have been advised to plan for a work stoppage, redirecting shipments to ports not directly affected by the labour dispute. Please contact us at sales@canangroup.ca for support in navigating this situation.