It’s not just the US that’s having traffice problems. Ran across this article in the Montreal Gazette (I hope the link works!):
http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/news/business/story.html?id=e8f89521-e676-4cff-94f3-e6c6df59f47f
Basically, CN and CP are carrying just about what can be carried in the way of containers these days. As the article notes, the new Prince Rupert line (CN) will help some, but that’s a ways off.
Interesting view, though (not all of which I agree with by any means!) as to what factors contribute to container traffic congestion (I particularly like the guys who female dog about the Toronto area congestion – but then don’t want to come and get their containers on weekends[:(]. Go figure).
Does CN and CP run any truck service (container, trailer delivery) themselves?
I believe both do to a degree.
I have seen CN and CP tractors out on the roads, but they are always few and far between.
A 10% rate hike would cure a lot of these problems. Remember, the railroad is ALWAYS guilty.
Mac
In my pretend railroad, I bought TST Overland and Trans X so I often handle my own containers myself and deliver it to the customer for a nominal fee. I usually do it with dolly hitched 20 or 40 foot containers on chassis.