Intermodal FAQ
RailGateway Intermodal Freight Shipping Most Commonly Asked Questions
Welcome to RailGateway’s comprehensive FAQ page! Whether you’re new to intermodal shipping or a seasoned logistics professional, this page answers your most common questions about our rail freight services in Canada.
Our goal is to help you understand how RailGateway can streamline your shipping with reliable, cost-effective intermodal freight solutions. From account setup and payment options to shipment tracking and industry insights, discover everything you need to know about shipping smarter with RailGateway.
FAQ: Your Account with RailGateway
No, there is absolutely no fee to use RailGateway’s intermodal shipping services. We offer a pay-as-you-go model, so you only pay for the shipments you book with no monthly or annual commitments. This means no hidden fees or surprise charges – just straightforward, affordable rail freight services designed for Canadian businesses of all sizes. Our transparent pricing model helps you manage shipping costs effectively without sacrificing service quality.
Setting up an account with RailGateway is a fast and hassle-free process. Simply fill out our credit application form online, agreeing to our standard net 15-day payment terms.
Once your application is approved, you can start booking intermodal rail shipments immediately. Our account setup is designed for efficiency, so you can focus on moving your freight while we handle the logistics. Having an account also grants access to exclusive discounted rail rates and shipment tracking.
RailGateway accepts multiple payment methods for your convenience. You can pay for your intermodal shipments via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or using major credit cards.
We strive to provide flexible payment solutions that suit your business needs, ensuring a smooth and seamless shipping experience.
If you have specific payment requirements or questions, our support team is ready to assist.
FAQ: Our Rail Intermodal Shipping Offer
RailGateway has established direct partnerships with Canada’s top rail carriers – Canadian National Railway Company (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP). These strategic alliances allow us to negotiate highly competitive intermodal shipping rates and priority service on your behalf.
By leveraging these relationships, RailGateway provides you with the best possible pricing and service quality across Canada’s extensive rail network.
Absolutely! Having an account directly with CN or CP does not affect your ability to use RailGateway. We maintain strategic partnerships across Canada’s intermodal supply chain and ensure there is no conflict of interest.
RailGateway acts as your trusted logistics partner, coordinating shipments and rates to complement existing accounts you may have with rail carriers, offering an integrated, streamlined service.
RailGateway covers the entire Canadian intermodal network, servicing destinations North, South, East, and West, including all major urban and industrial hubs. Beyond Canada, we also coordinate shipments to and from the United States with key intermodal terminals in Memphis, Tennessee, and Chicago, Illinois, serving the Mississippi corridor and connecting you to a broader North American market.
For a full list of Canadian intermodal terminals, check out our detailed blog post.
No, there is no minimum shipment size to benefit from our discounted intermodal freight rates.
RailGateway supports small, medium, and large businesses alike. Whether you ship one container or multiple full loads, we guarantee competitive pricing tailored to your freight volume and needs.
This flexibility makes intermodal rail shipping accessible and affordable for businesses of every size across Canada.
Yes, the standard cut-off time for submitting intermodal shipment orders is 2 pm on the previous business day. For example, shipments scheduled for Tuesday pick-up must be booked by 2 pm on Monday. Meeting cut-off times ensures your shipment is scheduled properly and moves efficiently through the rail network.
Early planning and booking help RailGateway secure the best transit times and rates for your freight.
FAQ: Your Intermodal Freight Shipments
RailGateway specializes in full-load 53’ and 40’ container intermodal transportation across Canada, from coast to coast, and into the U.S. via the Mississippi corridor railway. Whether you are shipping industrial equipment, retail goods, or agricultural products, we can pick up from any dock or port and deliver to any freight terminal.
Our service is designed to accommodate diverse cargo types that fit within standard intermodal containers.
Yes! Depending on the city and terminal location, RailGateway provides 24-hour trailer drop-off services at both origin and destination terminals free of charge for intermodal shipments. This means you can drop off or pick up containers outside regular business hours, increasing convenience and reducing wait times.
We recommend confirming drop availability when booking your shipment to ensure smooth logistics.
Whether your shipment requires a single container or multiple containers, RailGateway is equipped to handle your needs. When requesting a shipping quote, specify the number of containers you expect to ship. We schedule your freight within our regular container rotations, ensuring timely transport.
Our scalable approach accommodates everything from single shipments to large volume freight.
We transport dry, non-perishable merchandise, including boxed goods, palletized cargo, and loose freight. Our services are not suitable for personal belongings or temperature-sensitive products, such as refrigerated or frozen goods.
RailGateway ensures that all shipments comply with industry regulations and that cargo is safely packed for transit within intermodal containers.
RailGateway provides comprehensive shipment tracking via daily status reports. These updates include pick-up and delivery locations, container numbers, appointment details, drop-offs, and transit milestones.
Our online tracking portal consolidates all your freight information in one place, giving you full visibility and peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
FAQ: Understanding Intermodal Shipping
An intermodal shipment involves transporting cargo using two or more different transportation modes without unloading the freight from its container during mode changes. For example, your goods might move by truck to a rail terminal, then by train across the country, and finally by truck for last-mile delivery.
RailGateway specializes in the rail leg of this journey, coordinating seamlessly with trucking partners to provide door-to-door service.
Rail shipping refers to transporting goods solely by rail, while intermodal shipping uses a combination of transportation modes – most commonly truck and rail – to move freight in the same container. Intermodal shipping benefits from the cost efficiency of rail over long distances combined with the flexibility of truck for first and last-mile delivery.
RailGateway’s expertise lies in managing this combined intermodal approach to maximize efficiency.
Rail intermodal shipping offers numerous advantages: it’s more cost-effective than trucking alone, reduces carbon emissions for a greener footprint, and provides enhanced shipment security by minimizing freight handling during transit. Containers remain sealed throughout the journey, lowering the risk of damage or loss.
RailGateway leverages these benefits to deliver reliable, eco-friendly, and economical freight solutions to Canadian businesses.
Rail freight rates are set by the rail carriers based on multiple factors, including container type and size, shipment weight, distance traveled, service level, and shipping dates.
RailGateway works closely with CN and CP to negotiate competitive rates tailored to your shipment specifics. Our transparent pricing ensures you understand all costs upfront, helping you budget your freight expenses effectively.
Accessorial charges are additional fees beyond the base freight rate that cover extra services like demurrage (container detention), fuel surcharges, storage, and handling. These charges vary depending on shipment complexity and delays.
RailGateway provides detailed information on potential accessorial fees upfront and offers expert advice to help you avoid unnecessary costs whenever possible.
RailGateway partners with reputable rail carriers who follow strict safety protocols and government regulations.
All intermodal containers remain sealed during transit, significantly reducing the risk of theft or tampering. We also monitor shipments in real time, promptly addressing any issues to keep your freight secure.
Yes, RailGateway offers support for shipments crossing the Canada-US border. We coordinate with customs brokers to facilitate smooth clearance, ensuring compliance with import/export regulations.
Our goal is to make cross-border intermodal shipping as seamless as possible for your business.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of RailGateway?
At RailGateway, we’re committed to providing Canadian businesses with reliable, cost-effective intermodal freight solutions tailored to your unique shipping needs. Our comprehensive rail freight services leverage strategic partnerships with leading rail carriers to deliver seamless, eco-friendly, and efficient transportation across Canada and into the U.S. Whether you’re shipping a single container or managing large freight volumes, RailGateway is your trusted partner every step of the way.
Still have questions or ready to start shipping smarter? Contact RailGateway today and discover why so many businesses trust us for their intermodal freight needs. Our expert team is here to help you navigate the complexities of rail shipping, ensure competitive rates, and provide exceptional service.
Experience the difference with RailGateway – Canada’s premier intermodal shipping partner.
