CN
CN on July 11 reported eyeing a transload network expansion through its Top-Tier Transload Partner Program, which is said to recognize third-party transloaders “who move significant carload volumes—typically 500 or more annually—and who meet CN’s safety and service standards.” These partners, the railroad noted, “offer some of the strongest opportunities to increase rail use across our network and to provide increased access to customers who may not be rail-served today.”
According to CN, partners with “Top-Tier” status have:
- Increased visibility across CN marketing platforms and customer channels.
- Access to the CN Top-Tier badge for promotional use.
- A dedicated CN Account Manager to support growth.
- Eligibility for future recognition through CN’s Top-Tier Partner Awards Program.
CN said it also looks to Top-Tier partners for their feedback, “identifying gaps, and working with us to create new opportunities for customers across North America.”
One of the railroad’s partners is the Canadian Rail Equipment Works & Services (CREWS) Johnstown, Ontario facility, which provides industrial switching, transloading, and railcar storage services. Together, CN and CREWS are said to have grown carload volumes year-over-year.
“Recognition as a Top-Tier Partner has been a significant contributor to CREWS’ continued growth,” CREWS Vice President, Business Development and Strategy Tiffany Edwards said, according to CN. “This designation has enhanced our visibility within the CN network, strengthened relationships with our shared customer base, and supported the ongoing expansion of volumes through our Johnstown facility. We value our partnership with CN and look forward to continued collaboration and shared success.”
According to CN, the Top-Tier initiative is part of its broader hybrid transload strategy, “combining CN-owned facilities with strategic third-party and short line partnerships” to provide customers with more options and a broader reach.
Short lines, it noted, play a key role in connecting local terminals to CN’s broader network. “These railroads extend our reach into industrial zones and rural markets, ensuring that more customers—especially those not directly rail-served—can benefit from access to transload services,” CN reported. “Short lines often work closely with CN and transload operators to coordinate first- and last-mile movements; support industrial development around rail infrastructure; and enhance service responsiveness for shared customers.”
Further Reading:
- CN Sells Gondola Cars to SCFG
- Renewed Purpose for CN Intermodal Containers
- CN Outlines 2025 Capex Plan
UP
“Nice work, Engineering!” UP wrote in congratulatory social-media posts on July 11. The railroad reported that in less than 24 hours, employees removed, cleared, and installed more than 1,300 track feet; cut and installed track panels; laid fresh ballast; and surfaced the track during a tunnel renewal project on the Black Butte Subdivision near Dorris, Calif.
“This team performed with skill and expertise, using the foundation of safety to ensure we provide the service we promised our customers,” UP Director-Track Maintenance, Engineering Jake Allen noted.
Also, applications are open through Aug. 15 for UP’s annual Sustainability Partner Award program that recognizes “outstanding efforts,” such as the use of innovative business practices to reduce environmental impact. The award also considers a company’s “track record of engaging and collaborating effectively with key stakeholders, including communities and business partners,” according to the railroad.
All UP customers and suppliers are eligible to enter.
Further Reading:
- UP Serving New Roehm Petrochemical Plant
- EQT Acquires UP-Accessible Logistics Facilities in Manteca, Calif.
CSX
CSX on July 11 reported that its Waycross yard team reached “an incredible safety milestone this year,” with more than 2 million cars humped in 12 months with zero reportable injuries.
“Huge thanks to our #ONECSX teammates at Waycross for your commitment to a #SafeCSX for our employees, customers, and communities,” the railroad said via social media.
In a related development, CSX’s Public Safety Coordination Center recently recognized two dispatchers for their “dedication to clear communication and quick action.”
