For CN, Kuehne + Nagel, Western IntermodeX, a ‘Port to Doorstep’ Partnership

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
“By combining our expertise, resources, and vision, we are redefining transload solutions and setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction,” said Stephen Burns, Director of Marketing, Domestic Intermodal at CN. (CN Image)

“By combining our expertise, resources, and vision, we are redefining transload solutions and setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction,” said Stephen Burns, Director of Marketing, Domestic Intermodal at CN. (CN Image)

CN is teaming with logistics provider Kuehne + Negal and intermodal services company Western IntermodeX to offer shippers “smooth single service” from discharge in Prince Rupert and Vancouver, B.C., to final destinations in Canada and the United States. They are “redefining transload solutions,” according to the Canadian Class I, by boosting efficiency and reducing costs.

This “multilateral collaboration” brings together Switzerland-based Kuehne + Nagel’s expertise in sea logistics, global trade networks, “cutting-edge digital ecosystem,” and “excellent customer experience”; Richmond, B.C.-based Western IntermodeX’s transloading service with “timely port dray,” warehousing, container yard services, and technology platforms for inventory management; and CN’s intermodal rail service, container capacity, “customs expertise,” and final-mile dray service, CN reported Feb. 23 on its website.

(CN Photograph)

According to the Class I, there are five key advantages to the partnership:

  1. Cost optimization: Through coordinated efforts, “loads are moved from start to finish, including customs processes, to smoothly cross borders to the United States.”
  2. Diversification and adaptability: Customers can reconsolidate shipments with less than container load (LCL) shipping, where cargo shares container space with other small shipments, reducing costs by paying only for the space used, CN reported. Additionally, it said, customers can combine or adjust inventory for specific destinations as needed.
  3. Sustainable solutions: “Consolidating cargo from ocean containers to 53-foot containers not only reduces landed costs but also minimizes our carbon footprint,” according to CN.
  4. Improved connectivity: Through CN’s three-coast network and partnerships with intermodal service providers such as Hub Group, as well as an EMP (equipment management pool) program with Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, “customers gain access to an extensive North American coverage,” according to CN, which said the partners offer combined assets of more than 220,000 containers.
  5. Streamlined operations: According to CN, “at the heart of our solution” is transloading, which adds “speed, agility, and flexibility” to the supply chain using domestic intermodal networks. “Shippers can now diversify their supply chains with an alternative to traditional routes, optimizing their logistics strategies and ensuring consistent transit times,” the railroad said.

“By combining our expertise, resources, and vision, we are redefining transload solutions and setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction,” said Stephen Burns, Director of Marketing, Domestic Intermodal at CN.

“Kuehne + Nagel is proud to collaborate with CN and Western IntermodeX to further enhance our commitment to a sustainable future, while ensuring consistent excellence, easy solutions, and cost-effective operations across global markets,” commented Masud Azizi, Director, TPEB Trade Development, North America at Kuehne + Nagel.

“By partnering with CN and Kuehne + Nagel, Western IntermodeX strengthens its ongoing commitment to efficient and sustainable supply chain solutions,” added Andrew MacDonell, Director Commercial Strategy & Business Development for Western IntermodeX.

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