Seamless Intermodal Transportation from Rail to Truck

Combine rail, truck, air, and ocean transport for cost-effective long-haul freight. Drayage connections at both ends with CN and CP rail partnerships.

Get a Free Quote Call 604-270-6077

What is Intermodal Shipping?

Intermodal shipping uses multiple modes of transportation—rail, truck, air, and ocean—to move freight from origin to destination. Cargo remains in the same container throughout the journey, transferring between modes at terminals and rail yards. This approach combines the strengths of each mode: the cost efficiency of rail for long distances, the flexibility of trucking for first and last mile, and the reach of air and ocean for international movements.

Canadian Alliance coordinates intermodal shipments with connections to both CN and CP rail networks. Our location just 5 minutes from the Port of Vancouver positions us as an ideal partner for intermodal logistics, providing drayage services at both ends of the rail journey.

How It Works

Origin Pickup

Truck picks up container from port, warehouse, or shipper facility

Rail Haul

Container transferred to rail for long-distance transport

Destination Drayage

Truck picks up container at destination rail yard

Final Delivery

Container delivered to final destination

Modes of Transport

We coordinate intermodal shipments across all major modes, matching the right combination to your freight requirements, timeline, and budget.

🚂

Rail

Cost-effective for long-haul distances across Canada and North America

🚛

Truck

Flexible drayage connections at origin and destination

🚢

Ocean

International connections through the Port of Vancouver

✈️

Air

Time-critical shipments requiring faster transit

Benefits of Intermodal

Lower cost than over-the-road trucking for long distances
Reduced carbon footprint vs. truck-only shipping
Consistent capacity through rail networks
Secure containerized freight throughout journey
Combines speed and cost efficiency

When to Choose Intermodal

Long-haul shipments (500+ miles)
When cost savings outweigh transit time
Predictable, scheduled freight
High-volume shipping lanes
Sustainability-focused supply chains

Intermodal Services

Canadian Alliance provides end-to-end intermodal coordination with drayage at both ends, connecting your freight to the rail network and delivering to final destination.

What We Offer

CN and CP rail network connections
Origin drayage from port, warehouse, or shipper
Destination drayage to final delivery point
All container types: 20', 40', 40' high-cube, and more
Temperature-controlled intermodal options
Hazmat-certified transport
Overweight container handling
Real-time tracking and visibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is intermodal shipping?

Intermodal shipping uses multiple modes of transport—typically rail and truck—to move freight. Cargo stays in the same container throughout, transferring between modes at terminals. It combines rail's cost efficiency for long hauls with trucking's flexibility for first and last mile.

When is intermodal more cost-effective than trucking?

Intermodal typically becomes more cost-effective for shipments traveling 500+ miles. The longer the distance, the greater the savings compared to over-the-road trucking. It's ideal for freight where cost savings outweigh the slightly longer transit times.

Which rail carriers do you work with?

We have connections with both CN and CP rail networks, providing access to intermodal routes across Canada and into the United States.

Do you handle drayage at both ends?

Yes, we provide drayage services at both origin and destination. We can pick up containers from port, warehouse, or shipper facility, coordinate the rail haul, and deliver to the final destination.