Port of Montreal drayage guide: container terminals, access and planning

The Port of Montreal is the main container gateway for Quebec and a major one for Ontario and the US Midwest. This guide covers its container terminals, what a trucking company needs to get in, and how to plan a smooth pick-up or delivery.

Last updated: 24 October 2026

The port at a glance

Montreal is an inland port on the St. Lawrence River, with direct rail links to both of Canada’s Class 1 railways. The port authority reports that in 2023 its facilities handled 1.5 million TEUs, of which 40% moved by rail and 60% by truck. Most containers that come through Montreal leave by truck at some point, either straight from the port or after a rail move inland.

Transport Canada reports that in 2024, 50% of inbound containers at the port were destined for Quebec, 31% for Ontario and 8% for Western Canada. The remaining 11% passed through to the United States.

Container terminals

The Port of Montreal lists four international container terminals, run by two operators, plus one domestic terminal. According to the port, each international terminal can berth two post-Panamax ships at once and has dockside access to the rail networks.

Terminal	Operator (per the Port of Montreal)
Maisonneuve	Termont Montréal Inc.
Viau	Termont Montréal Inc.
Cast	Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership (MGT)
Racine	Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership (MGT)
Bickerdike (domestic)	QSL. Mainly domestic container traffic between Montreal and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, plus breakbulk and Ro-Ro.

Your arrival notice or the shipping line’s tracking shows which terminal your container is at. The two operators have different booking and registration systems, so ask your carrier which terminals it is set up for.

What a trucking company needs to access the terminals

Port access card

Drivers need a port access card issued through the Montreal Port Authority. Both terminal operators mention it. Termont lists a port access card as required equipment for truckers, and MGT’s registration process includes a request for a port access card submitted to the port authority.

Termont (Maisonneuve and Viau)

Appointments are mandatory. Since 4 March 2024, all truckers need a confirmed appointment to enter Termont’s Maisonneuve and Viau terminals. Bookings are made in RDV Termont, Termont’s online vehicle booking system. Each appointment covers one container move and one time slot, and late arrivals may be refused.
RFID tags have been mandatory since 27 May 2024.
Personal protective equipment must be worn throughout the terminal.
Hours: Termont’s truck page says its terminals are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and that traffic is generally lighter after 5 p.m. Holiday hours differ, so check Termont’s notices.

Montreal Gateway Terminals (Cast and Racine)

Company registration: trucking companies that haven’t done business with MGT since March 2012 must complete its company registration form.
Driver registration: new drivers register in person with MGT security by appointment. MGT’s procedure says the Montreal Port Authority charges a $50 fee (after taxes) for a new trucker.
Shipping line requirements: per MGT, carriers collecting import or empty containers for Hapag-Lloyd, OOCL, CMA CGM and APL must subscribe to the UIIA (Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement) and be approved by the line. For Maersk, carriers follow Maersk’s own registration procedure.
Terminal rules: MGT publishes safety rules for drivers, including a 20 km/h speed limit and required safety gear. Drivers who don’t comply can be suspended from both MGT terminals.

These requirements are why it pays to use a carrier that already works at your terminal regularly. A new carrier may need days to get registered.

Rail and the Montreal area ramps

Containers leave the port on trains made up right on the wharves. Port locomotives take them to a rail interchange zone on port land, where they are handed over to CN or CPKC. Some Montreal-area importers collect containers at inland rail terminals rather than the port. CN lists its Montreal intermodal terminal at 4500 Hickmore Street in Saint-Laurent, open 24 hours a day, with gate appointments, Speed Gate, driver registration and CN Express Pass. CPKC’s Montreal-area terminal is at Lachine. Under the CPKC 3 tariff (effective 1 November 2025), steamship-line containers in import and export service get 24 hours of free time at Lachine.

Looking ahead: Contrecœur

The Montreal Port Authority is building a new container terminal at Contrecœur, on the south shore of the St. Lawrence about 45 km northeast of Montreal. It is planned to add 1.15 million TEUs of annual capacity, with its own rail yard and truck gate. The port’s timeline shows completion and commissioning in 2030. Transport Canada notes that the operator agreement with DP World was not yet final in early 2026. Until it opens, all international container traffic uses the existing terminals on the Island of Montreal.

Planning a Montreal drayage move

Identify the terminal (Maisonneuve, Viau, Cast or Racine, or a rail ramp).
Check the carrier’s access at that operator: Termont appointment account and RFID, or MGT registration and any UIIA or line approval.
Clear customs and get the line release before booking the appointment.
Send delivery details: receiving hours, live or drop, weight, and any dangerous goods or reefer needs.
Confirm where the empty goes back and how much free time the shipping line allows.

FAQ

Do I need an appointment to pick up at the Port of Montreal?

At Termont’s Maisonneuve and Viau terminals, yes. No truck enters without a confirmed RDV Termont appointment. For Cast and Racine, ask your carrier about MGT’s current procedures.

What is the UIIA and why does it matter in Montreal?

The UIIA is the standard interchange agreement for intermodal equipment. MGT says several shipping lines require carriers to subscribe to it, and to be approved by the line, before they can collect import or empty containers.

How much Montreal port traffic goes to Ontario?

According to Transport Canada, 31% of inbound containers at the port in 2024 were destined for Ontario.

When will the Contrecœur terminal open?

The port’s project timeline shows commissioning in 2030. Check the port’s project page for updates.

Find Port of Montreal drayage carriers

See the carriers in our directory that name the port: Port of Montreal drayage carriers. You can also browse all drayage carriers in Greater Montreal, or carriers in the Toronto area for Ontario deliveries. To request a quote, open a carrier’s page and contact that company directly.

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