The following guides are mandatory general loading requirements that we
require in every shipment offered for movement on our lines. By following these requirements, you will reduce or eliminate any damage to your product during shipment.
Loading, blocking and bracing of freight in closed trailers and containers
These rules apply to shipments transported in Canada, U.S., and Mexico for both trailers and containers, regardless of the shipping plan used.
AAR Circular 43-E "Rules governing the loading, blocking and bracing of freight in closed trailers and containers for TOFC/COFC service"
Air Bag requirements
We have, in association with the AAR, set a standard on air bags or disposable inflatable dunnage bags that must be met for shipments moving in Intermodal.
AAR Circular 43-E "Rules governing the loading, blocking and bracing of freight in closed trailers and containers for TOFC/COFC service"
Sealing requirements
We have formalized our rules on seals and support of our customer's use of ISO 17712 security seals for all shipments. Read our Tariff 1 – Guide to Products and Services or the General SOP for Seals Guide.
Wood packaging material enforcement
This rule requires WPM, such as pallets, crates, boxes, and dunnage used to support or brace cargo, to be treated and marked. In cases of noncompliance, the WPM will be subject to immediate export along with the accompanying cargo.
The approved treatments for wood packaging material are:
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Heat treatment to a minimum wood core temperature of 56ºC for a minimum of 30 minutes or
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Fumigation with methyl bromide.
To certify treatment, the WPM must be marked with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) logo. Paper certificates of treatment will no longer be required or accepted. For more information, visit the
U.S. Customs and Border Protection website