Freight Services in Montreal

Freight Transportation in Montreal: Gateway to Canada's International Trade

Montreal, the second-largest city in Canada and the Francophone metropolis of North America, represents one of the most strategic logistics hubs on the continent. With its largest inland port in North America on the St. Lawrence River and its privileged position as a diversified industrial hub, Montreal connects Canadian trade with global markets. At Control Terrestre, we offer comprehensive FTL freight transportation solutions designed to meet the demands of this dynamic and sophisticated economy.

The Montreal metropolitan region generates more than 50% of Quebec's GDP and is distinguished by its industrial diversity, ranging from aerospace to video games. Our cross-border logistics expertise enables us to facilitate the flow of goods between Montreal, the United States, and Mexico, leveraging the benefits of the USMCA to optimize our customers' supply chains.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Major Highways

• Highway 401/20: Main corridor toward Toronto and western Canada, a vital artery of interprovincial trade
• Highway 40 (Trans-Canada): East-west connection crossing the entire island of Montreal toward Quebec City and the Atlantic provinces
• Highway 15: Direct route to the United States border at Champlain, connecting with I-87 toward New York
• Highway 10: Link to the Eastern Townships and the Vermont border
• Highway 30: Outer ring road that facilitates heavy traffic bypass and connects industrial zones to the south
• Highway 25: A25 toll bridge connecting Laval with the north shore, alleviating congestion

Port and Multimodal Infrastructure

The Port of Montreal is the second largest in Canada and the most important inland port in North America, handling more than 40 million tonnes annually. Its location on the St. Lawrence River provides direct access to the Atlantic, while CN and CP intermodal terminals connect with the entire continental rail network. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport complements the infrastructure with significant air cargo capabilities.

Key Industries and Sectors

Aerospace and Aviation

Montreal is the third-largest aerospace industry capital in the world, home to Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada, CAE, and Bell Helicopter. The aerospace cluster employs more than 40,000 people and generates exports exceeding $15 billion annually. The transportation of aeronautical components requires absolute precision in timelines and handling conditions that our specialized services guarantee.

Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

With more than 600 companies in the sector, including Pfizer, Novartis, and GSK, Montreal is the pharmaceutical heart of Canada. Our temperature-controlled refrigerated units ensure the integrity of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, and biological materials throughout the entire distribution chain.

Technology and Video Games

Montreal is home to studios such as Ubisoft, EA, Warner Bros Games, and more than 300 video game companies, making it the fifth-largest hub in the world for the sector. The technology industry in artificial intelligence, with institutions such as Mila, also demands specialized logistics for sensitive electronic equipment and components.

Manufacturing and Food

The manufacturing sector includes machinery, transportation equipment, metal products, and textiles. The food industry is robust, with dairy, meat, and maple product processors requiring reliable refrigerated transportation to export markets.

Our Solutions for Montreal

FTL Transportation Services

We offer dedicated full truckload capacity with optimized transit times between Montreal and the major industrial centers of North America. Our FTL service guarantees cargo exclusivity, enhanced security, and predictable delivery times for just-in-time operations.

Specialized Fleet

• 48- and 53-foot Dry Vans: For manufacturing, retail, and general cargo with maximum capacity
• Refrigerated Units: Temperature control from -20°C to +25°C for pharmaceuticals and food products
• Flatbeds: Transportation of industrial machinery, aerospace components, and oversized cargo
• Chassis: Seamless link with Port of Montreal operations
• Tankers: For chemicals and industrial liquids with Responsible Care certification

Cross-Border Services

As specialists in Canada–United States–Mexico trade, we facilitate efficient border crossings by leveraging our C-TPAT and FAST certifications. Our drivers are well-versed in customs procedures and maximize the benefits of the USMCA to reduce time and costs on your exports and imports.

Certifications and Compliance

• C-TPAT: Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program for expedited border crossings
• FAST: Free and Secure Trade program for pre-approved drivers
• SmartWay/Clean Transport: Environmental commitment with fuel efficiency
• Responsible Care: Safe handling of hazardous materials and chemicals

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the transit times from Montreal to the United States and Mexico?

From Montreal, average transit times are: 1–2 days to New York and Boston, 2–3 days to Chicago and Detroit, 4–5 days to Texas, and 5–7 days to destinations in Mexico. We offer expedited services for urgent shipments that can significantly reduce these times with dedicated equipment and team drivers.

Do you handle hazardous materials transportation from Montreal?

Yes, we hold Responsible Care certification and have trained operators for the transportation of hazardous materials (Hazmat) under Transport Canada and U.S. DOT regulations. This includes industrial chemicals, classified pharmaceutical products, and materials for the aerospace industry that require specialized handling.

Do you offer intermodal services connecting with the Port of Montreal?

Absolutely. We coordinate intermodal operations integrating over-the-road transportation with Port of Montreal terminals and CN and CP rail connections. This allows cost optimization on long-haul shipments to western Canada, the U.S. Midwest, and Mexico, maintaining complete cargo visibility at all times.