CN
CN in May 2024 opened its Flat Rock, Mich., transload logistics facility, which spans 20,000 square feet; is equipped with a 50-ton overhead crane and a 10-car track capable of receiving covered gondolas transporting steel coils; and offers outdoor coil storage with the capacity to accommodate additional commodities, including iron ore and dry bulk.
CN subsidiary International Bulk Services (IBS) operates the site, which was developed in partnership with Target Steel Inc., with additional support from a matching grant provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
“By enabling a modal shift from long-haul truck to rail, the facility enhances operational efficiency, reduces freight costs, and supports more sustainable transportation solutions,” CN reported in an Aug. 25 update.
Steel coils arrive at the facility by rail and are transloaded to trucks for final delivery, primarily serving the Southeast Michigan automotive supply chain.
According to CN, Target Steel Inc. has transitioned a portion of its inbound shipments from truck to rail using the site. Since opening, it said, this shift has led to:
- 400-plus carloads, with capacity available to support additional volume.
- Reduced truck traffic on regional highways.
- Opportunities to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% in affected lanes.
“This facility isn’t just a logistical solution—it’s a symbol of our partnership with CN to drive innovation in steel logistics,” Target Steel Inc. President Michael Simone said.
“Flat Rock shows how CN develops practical, customer-driven transload solutions,” added Helen Quirke, Vice President, Supply Chain and Business Development at CN. “By integrating rail into our customers’ supply chains, we help create safer, more cost-effective, and lower-emission freight options. We see opportunities to scale these types of solutions across our network.”
“Transloading is about flexibility—connecting different modes and finding efficient ways to move freight,” summed up Benoit Lachance, Senior Manager, Regional Supply Chain Solutions at CN. “At CN, we work closely with customers from planning through execution to ensure each site meets real operational needs. Flat Rock is a good example of that hands-on approach.”
Further Reading:
- TGM Expands Grain Storage, Access to CN-Served Facility
- CN, CPKC: Ready for 2025-26 Grain Service
- Canada’s First Fertilizer Terminal Launches at Port of Johnstown
- CN’s Robinson: ‘Strong’ Results Despite ‘Challenging External Environment’
NS
NS in 2023 partnered with DrayNow to offer the ModalView app, connecting small fleet owner-operators with brokers, who need first- and last-mile drayage services. In an Aug. 2025 progress report, NS said that the app is helping to:
- Reduce costs. “With instant document capture and sharing, ModalView accelerates billing cycles and reduces administrative overhead,” NS reported. “Real-time bills of lading and proofs of delivery are helping to improve cash flow by more than two days.”
- Improve shipment visibility. “From pickup to delivery, ModalView provides real-time tracking, status updates, and event notifications,” NS said. “Automated arrival, departure, and ETAs in real time reduce check calls as data is integrated into existing workflows.” Since the roll out, Triple Crown Services, Inc.—NS’s brokerage and motor carrier services arm—has seen more than a 25% reduction in customer service emails, “demonstrating that customers can view real-time updates on their loads more easily, reducing the need to reach out for status updates,” the railroad pointed out.
- “Strengthen customer relationships.” According to NS, ModalView extends visibility beyond the terminal and just one organization “with geolocation tracking, seamless ingating/outgating, and transparent trip details—all in one platform.”
- Support scalability. “By connecting stakeholders across the drayage network through a single, unified digital platform, ModalView is helping NS deliver on our commitment to operational excellence, customer transparency, and digital innovation—while driving growth to our Intermodal network,” said Ed Elkins, NS Chief Commercial Officer.
Meanwhile, NS this month brought together labor leaders from across its network, as well as employees and leadership for the second-annual Labor Summit, which it said “focused on what matters most: safety, service, and the people who make it all happen.” Held at the railroad’s Atlanta, Ga., headquarters, the event included breakout sessions across the Transportation, Mechanical, Engineering, Intermodal and Automotive departments, among others, with the goal of “listen[ing], learn[ing], and find[ing] ways to improve.”
The summit featured a “fireside chat” and Q&A with NS Chief Operating Officer John Orr and NS Chief Human Resources Officer Annie Adams.
“At NS, we work very hard to make deeds matter and to empower people through our Speak Up culture,” said Orr (pictured, right). “We can make things smoother, simpler, more predictable, and safer with a better service product as a result of our conversations today.”
“When we create space for open, honest conversations … we’re not just solving problems—we’re building stronger relationships,” added Adams, who will serve as a featured speaker at the 2025 Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail Conference. “Through efforts like the Frontline Advisory Council and feedback from our engagement surveys, we’re providing employees a more direct line to leadership. It all connects back to our Speak Up culture that is empowering people to share, be heard, and help shape the future of our railroad.”
Further Reading:
- NS Issues Sustainability, Safety, Operations, Community Impact Report
- STB Receives Notice of Intent for Proposed UP-NS Merger
- Union Pacific + Norfolk Southern: It’s Official
UP
UP on Aug. 25 reported adding 15 new Focus Sites across nine states—Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Texas; 12 of those sites are connected with short lines. In all, the Class I railroad has 39 “shovel-ready” industrial development sites on its 32,000-mile network that range from approximately 125-6,500 developable acres and whose rail designs have been pre-approved.
“Our partnerships with short line railroads are helping to expand our network’s reach while providing businesses easier and faster access to our 23-state network,” said Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President-Marketing and Sales for UP. “With the help of short lines, shippers will have greater access to both domestic and global markets, including Mexico, Canada, and some of the nation’s largest ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach.”
Matt Cundiff, President of Ironhorse Resources Inc., a transportation company that operates short lines, switching companies, and transload and trucking companies, added: “UP’s Focus Site program is a tremendous benefit to short line railroads and the communities they serve. By including short line-served properties, UP is spurring local economic growth and making it easier for businesses to connect to rail and reach national and global markets.”
In addition to Focus Sites, UP provides a Site Solutions Tool with more than 2,000 potential properties available and located within 800 meters of its rail lines.
