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Rail Transport

OAKLAND, CA, Nov. 11, 2015 (RISI) -North American forest products rail freight was up 0.8% in the latest week ending Nov. 7, 2015, from a year ago to 18,067 carloads, the Assn of American Railroads reported. Volume through 44 weeks of 2015 at 824,635 carloads was 0.2% under a year ago.

US forest products freight in the week was down 1.8% and year-to-date was 2.6% lower. Canadian volume in the week was up 4.1% and year-to-date was 3.8% higher. Mexico was up 30.2% in the week and 26% lower year-to-date.

BNSFshowed pulp and paper freight in the week ending Nov. 7 at 1,346 carloads was up 11.5% and year-to-date at 60,352 carloads was 0.4% ahead of 2014. Lumber and wood freight in the week at 1,717 carloads was 14.2% higher and year-to-date at 70,315 carloads was up 4.6% from 2014.

Genesee & Wyomingreported its October pulp and paper freight was 7.4% lower to 14,130 carloads, and lumber and forest products volume was down 1.6% to 12,262 carloads compared with a year ago.

 

North American forest products freight up 0.8%

Posted in: Logistics 12/16/2015 - 13:28

OAKLAND, CA, Nov. 11, 2015 (RISI) -North American forest products rail freight was up 0.8% in the latest week ending Nov. 7, 2015, from a year ago to 18,067 carloads, the Assn of American Railroads reported. Volume through 44 weeks of 2015 at 824,635 carloads was 0.2% under a year ago.

US forest products freight in the week was down 1.8% and year-to-date was 2.6% lower. Canadian volume in the week was up 4.1% and year-to-date was 3.8% higher. Mexico was up 30.2% in the week and 26% lower year-to-date.

BNSFshowed pulp and paper freight in the week ending Nov. 7 at 1,346 carloads was up 11.5% and year-to-date at 60,352 carloads was 0.4% ahead of 2014. Lumber and wood freight in the week at 1,717 carloads was 14.2% higher and year-to-date at 70,315 carloads was up 4.6% from 2014.

Genesee & Wyomingreported its October pulp and paper freight was 7.4% lower to 14,130 carloads, and lumber and forest products volume was down 1.6% to 12,262 carloads compared with a year ago.

 

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Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of CN, said today Canada's trade agenda requires a policy framework that encourages and rewards continued investment in supply-chain capacity and innovation.

Mongeau, speaking to the Vancouver Board of Trade, said: "The current review of the Canada Transportation Act affords the federal government a prime opportunity to affirm the commercial policies of the past 25 to 30 years that have produced a Canadian rail industry renowned internationally for efficiency, innovation and freight rates that are among the lowest in the world, based on a market framework and commercial principles.

"Canada enjoys the benefits of a world-class rail industry entirely owned by the private sector. CN, from its own resources, has invested close to C$10 billion in rail infrastructure, capacity additions and operational and service excellence initiatives across its North American network over the past five years - with C$1 billion of that being invested alone in British Columbia, which sees a full one-third of all CN traffic.

Mongeau concluded: "Railways are crucial to the prosperity of the Canadian economy and the nation's competitiveness in global markets. We need the right business agenda, supported by the right policy framework, to encourage railways to continue building for the future. In a market economy like Canada's, only a balanced commercial approach can help sustain the solid rail industry foundation built over the past 25 years."

A regulatory need to encourage rail freight trade in Canada

Posted in: Logistics 08/19/2015 - 14:55

Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of CN, said today Canada's trade agenda requires a policy framework that encourages and rewards continued investment in supply-chain capacity and innovation.

Mongeau, speaking to the Vancouver Board of Trade, said: "The current review of the Canada Transportation Act affords the federal government a prime opportunity to affirm the commercial policies of the past 25 to 30 years that have produced a Canadian rail industry renowned internationally for efficiency, innovation and freight rates that are among the lowest in the world, based on a market framework and commercial principles.

"Canada enjoys the benefits of a world-class rail industry entirely owned by the private sector. CN, from its own resources, has invested close to C$10 billion in rail infrastructure, capacity additions and operational and service excellence initiatives across its North American network over the past five years - with C$1 billion of that being invested alone in British Columbia, which sees a full one-third of all CN traffic.

Mongeau concluded: "Railways are crucial to the prosperity of the Canadian economy and the nation's competitiveness in global markets. We need the right business agenda, supported by the right policy framework, to encourage railways to continue building for the future. In a market economy like Canada's, only a balanced commercial approach can help sustain the solid rail industry foundation built over the past 25 years."

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WASHINGTON, DC, July 22, 2015 (Press Release) -The Association of American Railroads (AAR), leaders from its member railroads and economic experts today urged federal regulators to beware of upending numerous national economic goals if they choose to pursue re-instituting revenue caps on freight rail companies.

Speaking before a Surface Transportation Board (STB) hearing on railroad revenue adequacy, AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger told the Board that misapplying regulations would have far-reaching impacts on the freight rail industry's ability to sustain the billions of private funds spent by railroads each year to build, maintain and upgrade the nation's 140,000-mile rail network.

"As you take up the issue of revenue adequacy, you are painting on a much, much larger canvas than just the inside of this room," Hamberger said. "What you are considering and may decide here in this hearing room a stone's throw from the U.S. Capitol will ripple across the economy and ultimately impact most every American."

Hamberger, and others testifying before the Board, ran through many examples of how earning sufficient revenues has allowed railroads to make massive private investments in rail infrastructure - nearly $29 billion in 2015, and $575 billion since 1980. This is in contrast to other modes of transportation, such as highways, which are funded by taxpayers.

Regulation of railroads' overall revenue levels would run counter to Congress's goals in the Staggers Act of 1980 that partially deregulated the freight rail industry to allow railroads to earn sufficient revenue to meet their long-term needs without having to rely on the federal government.

As Dr. Roger Brinner, chief economist with SandPointe, LLC testified, the concept of revenue adequacy should be a goal, and not a directive to constrain revenues; railroads should not be penalized for improved financial performance.

"Now comes a handful of interest groups that want you to cut their transportation costs by direct government intervention at the expense of the greater good. Let's call it what it is: they want you to institute a regime of wide ranging price controls on freight railroads," Hamberger testified.

Hamberger outlined the many national goals that would be at risk, should the STB decide to relapse into 1970s-era regulatory policies. Doing so, he noted would undermine the industry's ability to: continue to improve rail safety, efficiency and reliability; increase U.S. exports; support U.S. energy independence, and effectively provide a healthy rail network relied upon by millions of daily Amtrak and commuter rail passengers.

"Freight rail success today is due to the foresight of the government leaders in 1980 who unleashed the transformational power of the market place through partial deregulation," Hamberger said. "Subsequent federal involvement in rail economics both in the legislative and regulatory arenas honored the belief that a developed nation requires a top-notch freight rail system and that system is best provided by private companies in control of their resources rather than through the government."

 

AAR to STB: Capping rail revenues would threaten national US economic goals

Posted in: Logistics 08/19/2015 - 14:25

WASHINGTON, DC, July 22, 2015 (Press Release) -The Association of American Railroads (AAR), leaders from its member railroads and economic experts today urged federal regulators to beware of upending numerous national economic goals if they choose to pursue re-instituting revenue caps on freight rail companies.

Speaking before a Surface Transportation Board (STB) hearing on railroad revenue adequacy, AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger told the Board that misapplying regulations would have far-reaching impacts on the freight rail industry's ability to sustain the billions of private funds spent by railroads each year to build, maintain and upgrade the nation's 140,000-mile rail network.

"As you take up the issue of revenue adequacy, you are painting on a much, much larger canvas than just the inside of this room," Hamberger said. "What you are considering and may decide here in this hearing room a stone's throw from the U.S. Capitol will ripple across the economy and ultimately impact most every American."

Hamberger, and others testifying before the Board, ran through many examples of how earning sufficient revenues has allowed railroads to make massive private investments in rail infrastructure - nearly $29 billion in 2015, and $575 billion since 1980. This is in contrast to other modes of transportation, such as highways, which are funded by taxpayers.

Regulation of railroads' overall revenue levels would run counter to Congress's goals in the Staggers Act of 1980 that partially deregulated the freight rail industry to allow railroads to earn sufficient revenue to meet their long-term needs without having to rely on the federal government.

As Dr. Roger Brinner, chief economist with SandPointe, LLC testified, the concept of revenue adequacy should be a goal, and not a directive to constrain revenues; railroads should not be penalized for improved financial performance.

"Now comes a handful of interest groups that want you to cut their transportation costs by direct government intervention at the expense of the greater good. Let's call it what it is: they want you to institute a regime of wide ranging price controls on freight railroads," Hamberger testified.

Hamberger outlined the many national goals that would be at risk, should the STB decide to relapse into 1970s-era regulatory policies. Doing so, he noted would undermine the industry's ability to: continue to improve rail safety, efficiency and reliability; increase U.S. exports; support U.S. energy independence, and effectively provide a healthy rail network relied upon by millions of daily Amtrak and commuter rail passengers.

"Freight rail success today is due to the foresight of the government leaders in 1980 who unleashed the transformational power of the market place through partial deregulation," Hamberger said. "Subsequent federal involvement in rail economics both in the legislative and regulatory arenas honored the belief that a developed nation requires a top-notch freight rail system and that system is best provided by private companies in control of their resources rather than through the government."

 

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SPRING, TX, May 27, 2015 (PRNewswire) -Union Pacific plans to invest $72 million in 2015 to improve Louisiana's transportation infrastructure. The company's multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency. Freight railroads like Union Pacific operate on track built and maintained without taxpayer funds. Union Pacific's private investments sustain jobs and ensure the company meets growing demand for products used in the resurgent American economy.

Union Pacific's planned investment covers a range of initiatives: $67 million to maintain railroad track, $1 million to enhance signal systems and $2 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

$11 million investment in the rail line between Columbia and Pollock to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 21 road crossings.

$8 million investment in the rail line between Fordoche and Morrow to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 12 road crossings.

This year's planned $72 million capital expenditure in Louisiana is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014 Union Pacific invested more than $568 million strengthening Louisiana's transportation infrastructure.

"We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily," said Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Southern Region. "Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific's unwavering safety commitment."

Union Pacific plans to spend $4.2 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling more than $31 billion from 2005-2014. These investments contributed to a 38 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.

ABOUT UNION PACIFIC

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2005-2014, Union Pacific invested more than $31 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

 

Union Pacific to invest $72 million in its Louisiana rail infrastructure

Posted in: Logistics 06/17/2015 - 19:53

SPRING, TX, May 27, 2015 (PRNewswire) -Union Pacific plans to invest $72 million in 2015 to improve Louisiana's transportation infrastructure. The company's multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency. Freight railroads like Union Pacific operate on track built and maintained without taxpayer funds. Union Pacific's private investments sustain jobs and ensure the company meets growing demand for products used in the resurgent American economy.

Union Pacific's planned investment covers a range of initiatives: $67 million to maintain railroad track, $1 million to enhance signal systems and $2 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

$11 million investment in the rail line between Columbia and Pollock to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 21 road crossings.

$8 million investment in the rail line between Fordoche and Morrow to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 12 road crossings.

This year's planned $72 million capital expenditure in Louisiana is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014 Union Pacific invested more than $568 million strengthening Louisiana's transportation infrastructure.

"We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily," said Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Southern Region. "Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific's unwavering safety commitment."

Union Pacific plans to spend $4.2 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling more than $31 billion from 2005-2014. These investments contributed to a 38 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.

ABOUT UNION PACIFIC

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2005-2014, Union Pacific invested more than $31 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

 

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OAKLAND, CA, June 10, 2015 (RISI) -North American forest products rail freight was off 0.3% in the latest week ending June 6, 2015, at 18,984 carloads, the Assn of American Railroads reported.

Volume through 22 weeks of the year at 414,187 carloads was 2.1% higher than in 2014.

In the week, US forest products freight was down 0.8%, Canada was up 0.3% and Mexico rose 21.7%. Year-to-date US volume was down 0.9%, Canada was 7% higher and Mexico was 17.5% lower, AAR showed.

Total North American rail carloads in the week were down 8% and year-to-date was 2.3% lower.

 

North American forest products rail volume off 0.3% in week ended June 6, 2015

Posted in: Logistics 06/17/2015 - 19:50

OAKLAND, CA, June 10, 2015 (RISI) -North American forest products rail freight was off 0.3% in the latest week ending June 6, 2015, at 18,984 carloads, the Assn of American Railroads reported.

Volume through 22 weeks of the year at 414,187 carloads was 2.1% higher than in 2014.

In the week, US forest products freight was down 0.8%, Canada was up 0.3% and Mexico rose 21.7%. Year-to-date US volume was down 0.9%, Canada was 7% higher and Mexico was 17.5% lower, AAR showed.

Total North American rail carloads in the week were down 8% and year-to-date was 2.3% lower.

 

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DARIEN, CT, June 11, 2015 (Business Wire) -Genesee & Wyoming Inc. today provided a business update for the second quarter of 2015 and reported traffic volumes for May 2015.

Second Quarter 2015 Business Update

G&W's traffic in the second quarter of 2015 through May has been below the Company's expectations, with same-railroad traffic declining 13.4% versus prior year, compared with expectations of a decline of 5% versus prior year for the full quarter. Significant negative North American carload variances versus expectations through May 2015 include: (1) lower steam coal traffic, primarily due to competition from natural gas, (2) lower agricultural products and food & kindred products, primarily due to the timing of shipments, (3) lower than expected shipments of energy related traffic such as crude oil and frac sand and (4) lower metals traffic, which has been adversely impact by competition from imported steel.

Based on results through May, G&W expects second quarter 2015 revenues to be approximately $535 million to $545 million, below its guidance of $565 million to $580 million provided on May 1, 2015, and an operating ratio between 81% - 82%, compared with guidance of approximately 80%. As a result, G&W expects consolidated earnings per diluted share in the second quarter of 2015 to be approximately $0.90 to $0.94 compared to guidance provided on May 1, 2015 of $1.05 to $1.10.

G&W expects to provide an update to full year 2015 guidance on its second quarter earnings call, to be held in early August 2015.

May 2015 Traffic

G&W's traffic in May 2015 was 150,010 carloads, a decrease of 21,381 carloads, or 12.5%, compared with May 2014. G&W's same-railroad traffic in May 2015 was 142,555 carloads, a decrease of 28,836 carloads, or 16.8%, compared with May 2014. Traffic from G&W's Freightliner acquisition, which was completed on March 25, 2015, is not included in this press release.

G&W's traffic in the second quarter of 2015 through May was 311,996 carloads, a decrease of 29,908 carloads, or 8.7%, compared with the second quarter of 2014 through May. G&W's same-railroad traffic in the second quarter of 2015 through May was 296,084 carloads, a decrease of 45,820 carloads, or 13.4%, compared with the second quarter of 2014 through May.

[Editor's note: G&W reported its pulp and paper rail volume in May was up 1.6% from a year ago at 14,936 carloads. Lumber/forest products was down 9.9% to 10,895 units. For the quarter through May, pulp and paper volume was up 4.7% to 30,153 carloads and lumber/forest was down 4.8% to 22,813 carloads.]

[For the full release and tables, click here.]

 

Genesee & Wyoming 2Q 2015 gives its business update

Posted in: Logistics 06/17/2015 - 19:40

DARIEN, CT, June 11, 2015 (Business Wire) -Genesee & Wyoming Inc. today provided a business update for the second quarter of 2015 and reported traffic volumes for May 2015.

Second Quarter 2015 Business Update

G&W's traffic in the second quarter of 2015 through May has been below the Company's expectations, with same-railroad traffic declining 13.4% versus prior year, compared with expectations of a decline of 5% versus prior year for the full quarter. Significant negative North American carload variances versus expectations through May 2015 include: (1) lower steam coal traffic, primarily due to competition from natural gas, (2) lower agricultural products and food & kindred products, primarily due to the timing of shipments, (3) lower than expected shipments of energy related traffic such as crude oil and frac sand and (4) lower metals traffic, which has been adversely impact by competition from imported steel.

Based on results through May, G&W expects second quarter 2015 revenues to be approximately $535 million to $545 million, below its guidance of $565 million to $580 million provided on May 1, 2015, and an operating ratio between 81% - 82%, compared with guidance of approximately 80%. As a result, G&W expects consolidated earnings per diluted share in the second quarter of 2015 to be approximately $0.90 to $0.94 compared to guidance provided on May 1, 2015 of $1.05 to $1.10.

G&W expects to provide an update to full year 2015 guidance on its second quarter earnings call, to be held in early August 2015.

May 2015 Traffic

G&W's traffic in May 2015 was 150,010 carloads, a decrease of 21,381 carloads, or 12.5%, compared with May 2014. G&W's same-railroad traffic in May 2015 was 142,555 carloads, a decrease of 28,836 carloads, or 16.8%, compared with May 2014. Traffic from G&W's Freightliner acquisition, which was completed on March 25, 2015, is not included in this press release.

G&W's traffic in the second quarter of 2015 through May was 311,996 carloads, a decrease of 29,908 carloads, or 8.7%, compared with the second quarter of 2014 through May. G&W's same-railroad traffic in the second quarter of 2015 through May was 296,084 carloads, a decrease of 45,820 carloads, or 13.4%, compared with the second quarter of 2014 through May.

[Editor's note: G&W reported its pulp and paper rail volume in May was up 1.6% from a year ago at 14,936 carloads. Lumber/forest products was down 9.9% to 10,895 units. For the quarter through May, pulp and paper volume was up 4.7% to 30,153 carloads and lumber/forest was down 4.8% to 22,813 carloads.]

[For the full release and tables, click here.]

 

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IGGESUND, Sweden, June 10, 2015 (Press Release) -Iggesund Paperboard is expanding its services for Eastern Europe by establishing a new freight terminal in Riga, Latvia, and a sales office in Moscow to boost Russian sales. The newly established units are a step forward in Iggesund's long-term plan to cultivate its delivery services on a global scale.

"We need to be near the customer both in terms of deliveries and other services required by today's customers," says Rikard Papp, Director Asia Pacific & Merchants Europe at Iggesund.

Due to Iggesund's interest in the Russian markets, the company will, for the second time, be taking part in the RosUpack exhibition in Moscow.

"The intense interest we met with last year convinced us that we should establish a sales office for the Russian market. It is a major market that definitely has room for a high-end product like Invercote," says Rikard Papp.

Iggesund's service offering is not just about deliveries. The newly launched Care by Iggesund is a comprehensive and improved service concept. Steady lead times are the main goal, but everything from fast sample service and knowledge transfer to local technical support and transparent raw material supply are also part of the package.

"We don't want customers who choose Invercote to just sleep well at night. They can also rest assured that the end result will be dazzling," Rikard Papp says.

Iggesund Paperboard's terminal in Riga has been operational since April and the sales office in Russia will be inaugurated in July.

Iggesund

Iggesund Paperboard is part of the Swedish forest industry group Holmen, one of the world's 100 most sustainable companies listed on the United Nations Global Compact Index. Iggesund's turnover is just over €500 million and its flagship product Invercote is sold in more than 100 countries. The company has two brand families, Invercote and Incada, both positioned at the high end of their respective segments. Since 2010 Iggesund has invested more than €380 million to increase its energy efficiency and reduce the fossil emissions from its production.

Iggesund and the Holmen Group report all their fossil carbon emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project. The environmental data form an integral part of an annual report that complies with the Global Reporting Initiative's highest level of sustainability reporting. Iggesund was founded as an iron mill in 1685, but has been making paperboard for more than 50 years. The two mills, in northern Sweden and northern England employ 1500 people.

 

Iggesund Paperboard to establish new freight terminal in Latvia

Posted in: Logistics 06/17/2015 - 03:38

IGGESUND, Sweden, June 10, 2015 (Press Release) -Iggesund Paperboard is expanding its services for Eastern Europe by establishing a new freight terminal in Riga, Latvia, and a sales office in Moscow to boost Russian sales. The newly established units are a step forward in Iggesund's long-term plan to cultivate its delivery services on a global scale.

"We need to be near the customer both in terms of deliveries and other services required by today's customers," says Rikard Papp, Director Asia Pacific & Merchants Europe at Iggesund.

Due to Iggesund's interest in the Russian markets, the company will, for the second time, be taking part in the RosUpack exhibition in Moscow.

"The intense interest we met with last year convinced us that we should establish a sales office for the Russian market. It is a major market that definitely has room for a high-end product like Invercote," says Rikard Papp.

Iggesund's service offering is not just about deliveries. The newly launched Care by Iggesund is a comprehensive and improved service concept. Steady lead times are the main goal, but everything from fast sample service and knowledge transfer to local technical support and transparent raw material supply are also part of the package.

"We don't want customers who choose Invercote to just sleep well at night. They can also rest assured that the end result will be dazzling," Rikard Papp says.

Iggesund Paperboard's terminal in Riga has been operational since April and the sales office in Russia will be inaugurated in July.

Iggesund

Iggesund Paperboard is part of the Swedish forest industry group Holmen, one of the world's 100 most sustainable companies listed on the United Nations Global Compact Index. Iggesund's turnover is just over €500 million and its flagship product Invercote is sold in more than 100 countries. The company has two brand families, Invercote and Incada, both positioned at the high end of their respective segments. Since 2010 Iggesund has invested more than €380 million to increase its energy efficiency and reduce the fossil emissions from its production.

Iggesund and the Holmen Group report all their fossil carbon emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project. The environmental data form an integral part of an annual report that complies with the Global Reporting Initiative's highest level of sustainability reporting. Iggesund was founded as an iron mill in 1685, but has been making paperboard for more than 50 years. The two mills, in northern Sweden and northern England employ 1500 people.

 

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VANCOUVER, BC, May 15, 2015 (PRNewswire) -Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of CN, said today Canada's trade agenda requires a policy framework that encourages and rewards continued investment in supply-chain capacity and innovation.

Mongeau, speaking to the Vancouver Board of Trade, said: "The current review of the Canada Transportation Act affords the federal government a prime opportunity to affirm the commercial policies of the past 25 to 30 years that have produced a Canadian rail industry renowned internationally for efficiency, innovation and freight rates that are among the lowest in the world, based on a market framework and commercial principles.

"Canada enjoys the benefits of a world-class rail industry entirely owned by the private sector. CN, from its own resources, has invested close to C$10 billion in rail infrastructure, capacity additions and operational and service excellence initiatives across its North American network over the past five years - with C$1 billion of that being invested alone in British Columbia, which sees a full one-third of all CN traffic.

"B.C. is a key gateway for Canada's global trade, and we're proud that CN's strong focus on innovation and supply chain collaboration has contributed strongly to the economy of British Columbia. For example, over the past five years international container volumes moving over the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert combined more than doubled."

Mongeau concluded: "Railways are crucial to the prosperity of the Canadian economy and the nation's competitiveness in global markets. We need the right business agenda, supported by the right policy framework, to encourage railways to continue building for the future. In a market economy like Canada's, only a balanced commercial approach can help sustain the solid rail industry foundation built over the past 25 years."

CN is a true backbone of the economy, transporting more than C$250 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network spanning Canada and mid-America. CN - Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries -- serves the cities and ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Chicago, Memphis, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the company's website at www.cn.ca.

 

CN's CEO says Canada's trade agenda needs to encourage rail investment

Posted in: Logistics 05/20/2015 - 14:50

VANCOUVER, BC, May 15, 2015 (PRNewswire) -Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of CN, said today Canada's trade agenda requires a policy framework that encourages and rewards continued investment in supply-chain capacity and innovation.

Mongeau, speaking to the Vancouver Board of Trade, said: "The current review of the Canada Transportation Act affords the federal government a prime opportunity to affirm the commercial policies of the past 25 to 30 years that have produced a Canadian rail industry renowned internationally for efficiency, innovation and freight rates that are among the lowest in the world, based on a market framework and commercial principles.

"Canada enjoys the benefits of a world-class rail industry entirely owned by the private sector. CN, from its own resources, has invested close to C$10 billion in rail infrastructure, capacity additions and operational and service excellence initiatives across its North American network over the past five years - with C$1 billion of that being invested alone in British Columbia, which sees a full one-third of all CN traffic.

"B.C. is a key gateway for Canada's global trade, and we're proud that CN's strong focus on innovation and supply chain collaboration has contributed strongly to the economy of British Columbia. For example, over the past five years international container volumes moving over the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert combined more than doubled."

Mongeau concluded: "Railways are crucial to the prosperity of the Canadian economy and the nation's competitiveness in global markets. We need the right business agenda, supported by the right policy framework, to encourage railways to continue building for the future. In a market economy like Canada's, only a balanced commercial approach can help sustain the solid rail industry foundation built over the past 25 years."

CN is a true backbone of the economy, transporting more than C$250 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network spanning Canada and mid-America. CN - Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries -- serves the cities and ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Chicago, Memphis, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the company's website at www.cn.ca.

 

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