Breakbulk and project cargo

The Port of Vancouver serves as the Pacific Northwest’s major consolidation centre for breakbulk cargo such as forest products, steel and machinery.

Breakbulk cargo is handled through one of two terminals at the port – the closest and most competitive gateway for project cargo bound for western Canadian resource projects.

The port offers flexibility with cargo handling options and reliable and efficient vessel loading and discharging services. We offer easy access to extensive road connections, as well as established corridors for overweight and over dimensional project cargoes.

CN and CP railways service on-dock rail facilities at all 29 terminals and provide service to key destinations across North America. BNSF and Southern Railway of British Columbia (SRY) links further enhance these networks.

 

Breakbulk and project cargo terminals Location Operator Description
DP World Fraser Surrey Surrey, Fraser River DP World Fraser Surrey DP World Fraser Surrey is a multi-purpose marine terminal handling containers, and breakbulk commodities such as general cargo, logs, steel, machinery and project cargo.
Lynnterm North Vancouver,  North Shore Burrard Inlet Western Stevedoring Lynnterm is the consolidation centre for forest products, steel and other breakbulk commodities in the Pacific Northwest. It handles wood pulp and paper, lumber, panel products, steel products, project cargo, and machinery.

Weight and dimension guidelines

Rail

Generally, shipments outside one or more of the guidelines below will require official approval by the railway as oversized and dimensional cargo.

CP Rail CN Rail
> 12 ft. high > 12’ or exceeds 15’6” ATR
> 10’6″ wide > 10’8” wide
> 52 ft. in length Gross weight exceeds track capacity on a standard railcar
Weighing more than 150,000 lbs Combined CoG equals or > 98”
Overhang the rail car Requires a 6 axle car or greater

Please note railways are able to accommodate larger dimensions than stated above, which will be classified as oversized and dimensional cargo. More information on dimensional loads and approval processes can be found at the railway’s respective websites:

Truck

Actual limits will depend on seasonal conditions, routes and equipment used, and for oversized and/or overweight load a permit must be issued by the Government of British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and infrastructure, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Branch prior to transportation.

Permit Type Overall Length Overall Width Overall Height Gross Combination Vehicle Weight
AB and BC Tractor and Semi-Trailer Combinations 23.0m (75’5”) 2.60m (8’6”) 4.15m (13’7”) 47,000 Kg
(103,617 lbs)
AB and BC Double Trailer Combination 26.0m (85’4”) 2.60m (8’6”) 4.15m (13’7”)

63,500 Kg

(140,000 lbs)

AB, Special Permit, Alberta High Load Corridor 36.0m (118’) 7.3m (24’) 7.3m (24’)

155,000 Kg

(340,000 lbs)

BC Pre-approved Project Cargo Corridors* 45-50m
(147’7” – 164’)
5.00m (16’4”) 4.88m (16’)

Up to 125,000 Kg

(275,577 lbs)

BC Oversize-Overweight Permit: Extraordinary Load Approval** 60.0m (196’10”) 7.32m (24’) 5.33m (17’6)

Up to 125,000 Kg

(275,577 lbs)

 *Together with the Port of Vancouver, industry, and several municipalities, the Province of British Columbia has worked to create project cargo corridors that simplify the permit approval process, which will saves time and reduces risk.

These corridors allow for non-reducible loads on pre-approved configurations to obtain permits to travel between Fraser Surrey Docks or Lynnterm East Gate, and the BC/AB border at Highway 16, without requiring them to complete the traditional extraordinary load approval process.

Maximum dimensions for these pre-approvals are noted above and pre-approved length varies by vehicle configuration and route. Please note that interaxle spacings and axle spreads are controlled for these pre-approved vehicles.

To determine if your 8-13 axle configuration is eligible for pre-approval; or to find out more information on the corridors and directions on how to apply for permits, please go the MoTI’s Project Cargo Corridors Website.

**Other vehicle combinations, interaxle spacings and axle spreads, or for variations to the pre-approved routes are possible under the Province’s existing Extraordinary Load Approval process.

Government of Alberta  Ministry of Transportation
Government of British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Branch
British Columbia Trucking Association – Specialized Trucking Services Locator