01
Report
04
·
Q3 2026
Signal conditions in Atlantic
supply chains.
Container dwell time at Saint John rose 14% against the four-year mean in the second quarter, while inland rail bookings fell 6%. The divergence is the signal; neither series alone indicates it.
Two series that normally move together came apart in the second quarter. Container dwell time at Saint John rose 14% against its four-year mean. Inland rail bookings fell 6% over the same window.
Why the divergence matters
Read on its own, either series is unremarkable. Dwell time moves with weather, labour and vessel scheduling. Rail bookings move with demand. Read together, they describe cargo arriving and not leaving at the usual rate.
What the run covered
Public port notices, carrier schedules, regional news and freight commentary across the quarter. The engine was asked one question: where do the series stop agreeing?
Figure 01
Tidal outflow at low water. The direction is legible only once the series are read together.