INTERMODAL
SHIPPING GUIDE
CP INTERMODAL SHIPPING GUIDE 1
At CP, we not only offer a number of shipping options to suit
customers shipping needs, but also pride ourselves on building
partnerships. We work with our customer, wherever they are
to identify their needs and help meet their objectives, while
providing the best service along the way. CP is your full supply
chain solutions provider that gets your goods to where they
need to be.
CP INTERMODAL SHIPPING GUIDE 2
OUR MARKETS
Whether you need to ship industrial products, paper, ethanol or food, CP handles an
array of different commodities. Through our network and partnerships, we move your
goods more quickly, safely, efficiently and conveniently than ever before. 4 PORTS
WHERE YOU NEED US TO BE
CP’s main network is just the starting point. CP has the partnerships and connections
to get you anywhere on the continent you need to be. Utilizing 11 strategically located
terminals, servicing all major centers across North America, we’ve seamlessly bridged
11 TERMINALS
Canada, the United States and Mexico with each other and the rest of the world. Serving SERVED ON WEST AND
4 major ports, Canadian Pacific Intermodal service is the leading provider of rail access to EAST COASTS
overseas container railway. We offer the shortest and most direct route between the Port
of Vancouver and Chicago. And, for customers whose business extends beyond North
America, we deliver to a transportation network that spans the entire globe.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Your Account Manager can assist you with pricing and rates. If
Credit and Rates you do not have an Account Manager, please contact the Sales
Every new customer must have established credit with CP Rail and Pricing Department by phone at 1-877-225-5277 or by email
prior to shipping. You can apply for credit by following the link at IM_PricingDomestic@[Link], IM_PricingInternational@[Link],
below. Standard credit terms are 15 days from invoice date. IM_PricingUSA@[Link].
[Link]
credit-application-form Onboarding Team
Once credit and rates are established, your Account Manager will
connect you with our Onboarding Team where they can assist you
with your shipping requirements, CP processes, and registration
set up to CP’s online tools.
CP INTERMODAL SHIPPING GUIDE 3
Our Fleet
To satisfy the varied transportation needs of all our customers, CP Intermodal railcars are
able to move all ISO certified containers. Container types vary between dry, reefers and
heaters. Container sizes vary between 53’, 40’ and 20’. The maximum cargo weight on
shipments varies by province and state. See the chart below for general equipment types
and specifications:
CP 53-Foot Dry Container – Useable Cube 3,805
Interior Dimensions Maximum Payload
Length: 52’4” Tandem Chassis: 48,000 lb
Width: 8’2” Tridem Chassis: 60,000 lb
Height: 8’11”
CP 53-Foot High Container – Useable Cube 3,885
Interior Dimensions Maximum Payload
Length: 52’4” Tandem Chassis: 48,000 lb
Width: 8’2” Tridem Chassis: 60,000 lb
Height: 9’1”
CP 53-Foot Reefer Container – Useable Cube 3,390
Interior Dimensions Maximum Payload
Length:49’8” Tandem Chassis: 46,000 lb
Width: 8’1” Tridem Chassis: 58,000 lb
Height: 8’5”
CP 53-Foot SlimLine Reefer Container – Useable Cube 3,430
Interior Dimensions Maximum Payload
Length: 50’5” Tandem Chassis: 46,000 lb
Width: 8’1” Tridem Chassis: 58,000 lb
Height: 8’5”
CP 53-Foot Heated Container – Useable Cube 3,760
Interior Dimensions Maximum Payload
Length: 52’3” Tandem Chassis: 47,000 lb
Width: 8’1” Tridem Chassis: 59,000 lb
Height: 8’9”
Steamship 40-Foot High Container – Useable Cube 2,733
Interior Dimensions Maximum Payload
Length: 39’6” Tandem Chassis: 48,000 lb
Width: 7’10” Tridem Chassis: 60,000 lb
Height: 8’10”
Steamship 40-Foot Standard Container – Useable Cube 2,380
Interior Dimensions Maximum Payload
Length: 39’6” Tandem Chassis: 48,000 lb
Width: 7’8” Tridem Chassis: 60,000 lb
Height: 7’9”
Steamship 40-Foot Reefer Container – Useable Cube 2,270
Interior Dimensions Maximum Payload
Length: 38’ Tandem Chassis: N/A
Width: 7’6” Tridem Chassis: 54,000 lb
Height: 7’11”
Steamship 20-Foot Standard Container – Useable Cube 1,170
Interior Dimensions Maximum Payload
Length: 19’5” Tandem Chassis: 47,500 lb
Width: 7’8” Tridem Chassis: n/a
Height: 7’9”
Note: Subject to all weight and axle load restrictions (Canada and USA).
CP INTERMODAL SHIPPING GUIDE 4
CP Domestic Intermodal Service Schedule (Ramp – Ramp)
We are committed to provide you with scheduled service. In order for us to meet our
commitment to you, it is imperative that your shipment in-gates the CP Origin terminal
before in-gate cutoff time and leaves on the train coinciding with your RAD (Requested
Arrival Date).
Availability mentioned in the grid is an estimate and depending on which day of the
week you ship it could vary. For a more accurate ETA please check Customer Station
to track and trace your shipment. If the information you require is unavailable please
contact Customer Service at 1-888-333-8111.
Please visit [Link]
shipping-guide for the most current up to date version.
Service Plans
CP offers various service plans and your Account Manager can assist you with the best
service plan that meets your needs.
Service plans include:
Door Direct Service - We provide you with the economies of rail service for the
long-haul and the flexibility of truck service for either the pickup and/or delivery in one
complete service package.
Terminal Direct Service - Whether in a CP owned container or your own private
container, we provide reliable and efficient ramp-to-ramp service.
CP Logistics Service - Customized solutions for your unique business needs.
Supplemental Services
Supplemental Services are those that go beyond the standard hauling of freight. This can
include detention, extra deliveries, re-consignment, overweight shipments, and other.
We have worked hard to simplify and consolidate our rules and tariffs for Supplemental
Services. For complete regulations and Supplemental Services rates, please see Tariff
3 on our web site at [Link]
supplemental-tariffs/tariff-3. If you require further information, please contact your
Account Manager.
CP INTERMODAL SHIPPING GUIDE 5
Important Cutoff Times and Requirements
Whether you are ordering CP owned equipment for your door service, sending in your dray to pick up an empty
container from one of our yards or in-gating your own private equipment, it is imperative that you comply with
CP’s cut off times and requirements.
• D
omestic Dry equipment must be ordered by 4pm (local time) • A
ll Electronic Bill of Lading should include a Requested
the business day prior to when the unit is required Arrival Date (RAD). For a ramp customer when the shipment
is required at the terminal, for a door customer when the
• D
omestic Temperature Controlled equipment must be ordered
shipment is required at the consignee.
by 12:00pm (local time) the business day prior to when the
unit is required • If providing your own dray, CP requires that a current up to
date Interchange agreement is on file, for gate access at the
• Crossborder Dry units must be ordered by 4pm (local time) the
terminal we require all drivers to utilize our FastPass app. Please
business day prior to when the unit is required
visit [Link]
• R
eleasing your loads for CP to pick up – must be released at [Link] to get set up on our FastPass app
least 4 hours prior to requested pick up time*
• A
ll units are required to be sealed with a ISO 177712
• Destination Door deliveries – must be appointed at least certified seal
24 hours in advance to requested delivery appointment*
• A
ll paper work required at destination, must be put inside the
• Electronic Bill of Lading is required for all shipments and back of the container
MUST be submitted prior to the driver in-gating the CP
• Proper Blocking and Bracing
origin terminal
*These times are subject to change based on location.
Depending on the service plan you require, our Onboarding Team and our EB-Support Team will assist you with
using CP’s customized website on how to:
• Order the equipment required
• Release your loads for pickup
• Submit your electronic billing prior to in-gate
• Track and Trace your loads
• Appoint your loads at destination
• Release empties for pick up
• Customize reports
CP INTERMODAL SHIPPING GUIDE 6
Safety
Safety is of primary concern at Canadian Pacific and we are committed to ensuring that
all shipments are safely loaded and secured for the benefit of the railway, the customer
and the community in which we operate. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) must
be followed with regard to safe and secure loading of cargo for transport.
As a common carrier, CP accepts and transports dangerous goods and hazardous
materials, provided all applicable regulatory requirements governing their transportation
are met. You are responsible for ensuring that such shipments are in full compliance
(properly classed, packaged, blocked, braced, labelled, documented and placarded) with
all applicable regulations including CP policies listed in Tariff 8, and Item 114 in Tariff 1,
Intermodal Safety Standards. Generally, the following apply:
• The shipper is responsible for identifying whether there are any dangerous or
hazardous goods in their shipment.
• T he shipper must provide a shipping document, which contains legible and accurate
descriptions of all dangerous goods.
• A copy of the required documentation must accompany the shipment.
• The shipper shall affix the appropriate safety placards on the unit.
• The receiver must ensure that all placards are properly removed.
The foregoing is for reference only, please refer to Item 114 in Tariff 1 for a full outline
of our Intermodal safety standards. The shipper is responsible for ensuring compliance
to all applicable regulatory requirements. Severe civil and/or criminal penalties may result
in the event of an incident. Canadian Pacific assumes no responsibility for the shipper’s
failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements. Please refer any questions you
may have to your Account Manager.
Please find Tariff 1 and Tariff 8 on our website: [Link]
resources/pricing-and-tariffs/supplemental-tariffs
CP INTERMODAL SHIPPING GUIDE 7
E-Business and Communication
E-Business with CP is fast, inexpensive, and safe. Our Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
is an application-to-application transfer of business documents, allowing us to easily
and securely transfer documents such as bills of lading, invoices, purchase orders and
shipping notices. These are sent through a common carrier called a value added network
(VAN). EDI software supports national, international, and industry-specific EDI standards
including X12 and EDIFACT.
Conduct E-Business with Canadian Pacific
When becoming a trading partner with CP, together we’ll decide on which standards to
use, the information to be exchanged, and the VAN. Once this is done, the documents
we exchange are automatically translated, secured and delivered via the VAN.
EDI transactions currently offered include, 404 Bills of Lading, 410 Freight Invoice and
820 Payment Advice to name a few.
CP Customer Station is your very own customized website. Designed specifically for
you the customer, it provides instant access to the information you need to manage
your shipments.
For more information please contact our eBusiness Support team.
eBusiness Team
Winnipeg, MB
PH: 1-888-333-8111
Email: eb_support@[Link]
CP INTERMODAL SHIPPING GUIDE 8
[Link]
CP INTERMODAL SHIPPING GUIDE 9
