CN RoadRailer trains begin regular Toronto-Montreal service

TORONTO (Sept. 15, 1999) — Canadian National commenced its truck/train freight service between Toronto and Montreal with new dual-mode RoadRailer equipment.

The 53-foot RoadRailer trailers — capable of using bogies for using rails or highways — have air ride suspensions, 110-inch interior height, more than 4000 cubic feet of capacity and maximum payload of 70,000 pounds.

CN said its RoadRailer service will help the railroad compete with over-the-road transport in corridors of 250 miles or longer. CN spent $13 million to acquire 200 RoadRailer Mark V trailers and 130 RoadRailer railroad bogies for the five-day-a-week, door-to-door service between Toronto and Montreal. Trains of up to 60 RoadRailers depart Toronto and Montreal at 9 p.m., arriving next morning at 5 a.m. Train length will increase as demand warrants. The trailers carry consumer goods, including foods, beverages, paper and building material.

CN’s Toronto RoadRailer terminal is at its Malport Terminal, at 7675 Torbram Road in Mississauga, Ont. In Montreal, the service operates from Taschereau Terminal (East Yard) at 8050 Cavendish Blvd. The cut-off time for trailer terminal deliveries is 7:30 p.m., with trailers available for over-the-road movement after the their overnight trips by 6 a.m.

CN’s RoadRailer service is owned and operated by Ecorail, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CN.