CN Partners With Commtrex To Boost Transloading Business, Efficiency

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
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CN has signed on with Commtrex to offer shippers one-stop access to its rail network and transloading distribution services across Canada and the U.S.

Using the Commtrex Transload Marketplace, which launched in June, shippers can quickly find and request services for handling the movement of bulk, liquids, packaged goods or oversized cargo. More than 1,000 shippers are Commtrex members, and about 50% are rail shippers.

The marketplace platform matches shippers with transload facilities in the locations they need. Shippers can then compare facilities before connecting with them through the platform to discuss terms.

The service’s value: creating “an easier experience to move more product by rail,” Commtrex CEO Martin Lew says.

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The Commtrex Transload Marketplace’s SaaS (software as a service) model is subscription-based, with each transload location paying a monthly fee.

“By using Commtrex, CN can connect customers with our team of experts to receive the best transload solutions that will help optimize their supply chains,” CN Vice President, Marketing and Business Development Mark Lerner said. “With CN’s comprehensive data analytics from our distribution facilities, as well as data from the Commtrex platform, we are offering increased visibility, and deeper level insights on customers’ goods, including volumes, inventory aging, and last-mile optimization.’’

BNSF, Canadian Pacific and CSX Transflo have also partnered with Sugarland, Tex.-based Commtrex.

“By using Commtrex, CN can connect customers with our team of experts to receive the best transload solutions that will help optimize their supply chains.” – CN Vice President, Marketing and Business Development Mark Lerner

Commtrex allows its members to find and connect with storage locations, lessors and service providers, as well.

Nearly 400 Class II and III railroads offer storage, for instance. The process works similarly, Lew says. For example, a customer who wants to store 350 covered hoppers in the Midwest on CN or CP can enter a request on at 5 p.m. and receive five proposals in her inbox by 8 a.m. the following morning. One hour later, after settling on terms, she will have secured storage.

For a related article on defining private railcar storage best practices, click HERE.

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