CN, NS Announce New Domestic Intermodal Service

CN and Norfolk Southern (NS) on Sept. 11 announced a new domestic intermodal service linking CN-served Canadian markets with NS-served Kansas City and Atlanta, “the heart of the fast-growing manufacturing and consumer base in the Southeastern U.S.”

According to the Class I railroads, the service, which launches on Oct. 2, will provide customers with “an integrated, market-competitive, and efficient all-rail service.”

The two carriers, CN and NS say, will utilize new intermodal steel wheel interchanges in Detroit and Chicago to “seamlessly operate like a single-line intermodal product.” The new, cost-effective, steel-wheel-connected service option for customers converts truck traffic to long-haul rail. This, the Class I railroads say, would help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and customers’ overall carbon footprint. Integrated rail interchanges also provide customers with the opportunity to optimize their cargo loaded weights.

Through the strength of the partnership, CN and NS say they are committed to:

• “Providing fast and reliable service for our customers.
• “Helping our customers grow and reach new markets.
• “Reducing GHG emissions by converting truck traffic to long haul rail.
• “Eliminating costly and GHG producing crosstown trucking.
• “Providing customers with opportunity to optimize their cardo loaded weights.”

“This new CN-Norfolk Southern Domestic Intermodal service combines premier intermodal choices for our shared customers,” said NS President and CEO Alan H. Shaw. “Designed with customer-centricity top of mind, it simplifies their processes, enabling smoother rail shipments between Canada, Kansas City, and Atlanta.”

“CN is pleased to provide customers enhanced market access with the launch of another new Intermodal product,” said CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson. “The reliable, cost-effective, and truck-competitive service will help our customers shift more business onto rail.”

More information is available here.