Question 1

What is CG Railway’s port to port transit time and vessel frequency?

Accepted Answer

CGR’s rail ferries can travel at speeds of up to 14 knots, enabling port-to-port transit in as little as three days. Depending on demand, CGR calls the port every 3 to 5 days. Check our regularly updated Sailing Schedule (Schedule | CG Railway) for the latest information.

For specific route evaluations, contact your Account Manager or the CGR Commercial team.

Question 2

Does CGR call on other ports?

Accepted Answer

Currently, CGR serves only the Port of Mobile in the U.S. and the Port of Coatzacoalcos in Mexico. These are the only ports equipped with specialized terminals for Roll-On/Roll-Off railcar handling.

Question 3

Why ship by rail?

Accepted Answer

Shipping by rail between the U.S., Canada, and   Mexico offers several advantages:

Capacity: A single railcar can carry 3-4 times more freight than a typical truck, with a load capacity of up to 100 metric tons.
Cost-Effectiveness: Rail transport is often more economical than road transport, especially for long distances and bulk shipments.
Sustainability: Rail transport has a lower carbon footprint and greater fuel efficiency than trucking, helping customers meet sustainability goals.
Reliability: Rail schedules are less affected by traffic congestion and weather compared to road transport, making it a reliable and predictable shipping option.
Turnkey Solution: One Bill of Lading covers the entire route, with all participating railroads working together to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

Question 4

What equipment does the Railferry handle?

Accepted Answer

CGR accommodates standard railcars, including:
1. Boxcars.
2. Hoppers (covered and open).
3. Flatcars.
4. Tank cars.
5. Gondolas (coil, and open).
6. Autoracks.
7. Rail specialty cars.
8. Maintenance of Way rail equipment.

CGR does not handle breakbulk, intermodal   containers (20’, 40’, or 53’), or isotanks.

Question 5

Can I track my railcars while they are in Mexico?

Accepted Answer

Yes, CGR issues Car Location Messages, and our partners in Mexico—Ferrosur, FIT, Ferrovalle, and Ferromex—also provide location messages. Railcars move seamlessly on a single waybill from origin to destination.

Question 6

How do I track my shipments?

Accepted Answer

CGR’s Customer Service team (cgrcs@cgrailway.com) can track your railcar and provide updates via email or WhatsApp. Automated daily or weekly reports are also available.

You can also use your preferred rail tracking eBusiness platform to track them.

Question 7

Can I use CGR to ship between Mexico and Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes, CGR has long facilitated shipments between Canada and Mexico through partnerships with connecting   railroads.

Example: A customer in Alberta, Canada ships forest products to Puebla, Mexico:

The boxcar is loaded in Alberta and moves via Canadian National (CN) toward the U.S.-Canada border.
After export clearance   in Canada, it enters the U.S. under a T&E in-bond status.
It travels through the   U.S. and arrives at the Port of Mobile, where CN interchanges it with CGR.
Upon CGR’s departure,   the T&E in-bond status is cleared, and the import process in Mexico   begins.
At the Port of   Coatzacoalcos, CGR interchanges the railcars with Ferrosur, where the Import   customs clearance in Mexico occurs.
Ferrosur then   transports the railcars to the final destination in Puebla, Mexico. For more   information, contact our CGR Commercial Team.

Question 8

What if my customer is not directly rail-served?

Accepted Answer

No problem! Contact your account manager or CGR’s Commercial team, and we’ll help you locate a nearby transloading facility.

Question 9

In what sailing will my railcar be assigned?

Accepted Answer

Transloaders efficiently unload railcars, store cargo, and reload it onto trucks for timely delivery with minimal environmental impact.

The vessel assignment for your railcar will be included in the Pre-Sailing notification from CGR’s Customer Service team (cgrcs@cgrailway.com). CGR’s Customer Service team sends a Pre-Sailing notice approximately 48 hours before departure and a confirmation notification 24 hours after departure.

Question 10

Can a Third Party track my railcar?

Accepted Answer

CGR does not share any information with anyone who is not participating as a party in the waybill, or you authorize them through a Letter of Authorization (LOA).

Question 11

Does hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico impact the CGR service?

Accepted Answer

CGR’s state-of-the-art rail ferries and dedicated weather monitoring team ensure we can adjust routes and schedules during hurricane season. We proactively move ahead of or behind unfavorable weather, and our Customer Service team provides regular updates to affected customers.

Question 12

Are there additional charges besides freight and fuel surcharge?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no additional charges besides freight and fuel surcharge. However, supplemental services may be available for special circumstances. Review our Tariff for details on additional costs and applicable situations.

Question 13

How does CGR calculate the Fuel Surcharge?

Accepted Answer

The fuel surcharge is   calculated by multiplying the per-mile surcharge published in the Fuel   Surcharge Tariff by the number of miles included in the rate. Consult your   Quote to determine the applicable mileage.

Example: For a   shipment from Toronto, Ontario, to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, with 2,372 FSC   miles, and a fuel surcharge rate of $0.445 per mile for February 2025:

2,372 x $0.445 =   $1,055.54

Question 14

Does CGR process Customs Clearances?

Accepted Answer

No, CGR does not handle customs clearance. Customers must work with their preferred customs broker.

Your CGR account manager or our Customer Service (cgrcs@cgrailway.com) team can provide a list of experienced customs brokers familiar with our service. You are not limited to using those listed.

Question 15

What is the “Patente” for Customs Brokers in Mexico?

Accepted Answer

In Mexico, customs brokers need a “Patente” (permit) to conduct customs clearance at specific ports of entry. Confirm with your “Agente Aduanal” that their Patente covers the port of Coatzacoalcos.

For more information, visit: ANAM. 
https://anam.gob.mx/carga/

Preguntas Frecuentes