Toronto, ON Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

The Brampton Intermodal Terminal, operated by CN Rail, is Canada’s largest inland rail facility, spanning over 680 acres and handling containerized, automotive, and bulk commodities with direct connections to CN’s transcontinental mainline and CPKC’s network.

Brampton’s intermodal complex features advanced container transfer, on-dock customs clearance, and seamless truck-rail integration, supporting 24/7 operations and rapid interchange with major highways and regional distribution centers.

Market Size and Economic Impact

Brampton’s rail and intermodal infrastructure moves more than 1.2 million TEUs per year, supporting over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. The sector generates an estimated $8 billion in annual economic activity, ranking first among Canadian inland terminals.

Competitive Landscape

• CN Rail Terminals: Brampton Intermodal Terminal is CN’s flagship inland facility, with 250,000 square meters of paved yard and 10 loading tracks
• CPKC Rail Facilities: Vaughan Intermodal Terminal, 10 km east, connects CPKC’s east-west and north-south corridors for cross-border and domestic freight
• Third-Party Logistics: Major 3PLs and global forwarders operate dedicated transload, warehousing, and cross-dock facilities within the Brampton logistics cluster

Opportunities

• E-commerce Expansion: Surging online retail drives demand for rapid intermodal and last-mile distribution capacity in the GTA
• Cross-Border Trade: USMCA and proximity to US border enable growth in automotive, food, and consumer goods shipments
• Infrastructure Modernization: Planned terminal expansions and automation projects will boost throughput and operational efficiency

Challenges

• Congestion Pressures: High truck and train volumes create bottlenecks at terminal gates and regional roadways
• Trade Uncertainty: Tariff disputes and cross-border policy shifts impact freight flows and supply chain stability
• Land Constraints: Limited available land for terminal expansion challenges future capacity growth

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Containerized Imports: Steady growth in Asian imports via Vancouver and Prince Rupert, transloaded for GTA distribution
• Automotive Logistics: High-volume rail shipments of vehicles and parts support Ontario’s auto manufacturing sector
• Food and Consumer Goods: Increased intermodal movement of perishables and retail products for regional consumption

Future Outlook

• Terminal Expansions: CN and CPKC plan multi-year investments to increase yard capacity and add new intermodal tracks
• Automation Initiatives: Deployment of automated stacking cranes and digital gate systems to streamline container handling
• Green Logistics: Adoption of low-emission locomotives and electrified yard equipment to reduce environmental impact

Recommendations

• Capacity Enhancement: Accelerate investments in terminal expansion and grade separation to relieve congestion
• Digital Integration: Expand real-time data sharing and automation for improved supply chain visibility and efficiency
• Workforce Development: Partner with local colleges to train logistics and rail operations talent for future growth