Schneider National, Inc. is introducing Schneider Fast Track intermodal, described as “a premium solution designed for shippers with time-sensitive and high-service freight needs.” Fast Track follows the December 2024 introduction of an intermodal lane linking Mexico with the U.S. Southeast through Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and CSX, both of which are Schneider’s primary Class I railroad partners, along with Union Pacific.
“Fast Track combines Schneider’s extensive asset-based truckload and intermodal capabilities with strategic rail partnerships to create a network of some of the fastest, most consistent intermodal lanes in the industry, selected specifically for their proven competitive differentiation and transit consistency,” the company said. “Shippers can confidently convert just-in-time, inter-plant and customer freight from over-the-road to intermodal, gaining more secure capacity alternatives and cost efficiency without sacrificing speed.”
Schneider said Fast Track’s key features are:
- “High performing lanes that offer faster transit and superior service standards.
- “Prioritized placement, optimized drayage and expedited recovery solutions to reduce disruption.
- “24/7 tracking and proactive communication from Schneider’s Center of Excellence.
- “Flexible nationwide service.
- “Industry-leading cargo security with a 99.99% theft-free record in the U.S. and Mexico in 2024.
Schneider’s noted its Fast Track services “have already delivered up to two days faster transit than competitors on key U.S. and Mexico lanes; 95%-plus on-time performance, backed by priority rail placement and dedicated planning; and lower costs, increased efficiency and enhanced security – in other words, a truck-like experience with intermodal benefits. Already proven with time and service-sensitive automotive freight moving from Mexico to Kansas City [via CPKC], Chicago and beyond, Fast Track is expanding to more lanes to meet growing demand for just-in-time and expedited shipping. For shippers looking for an alternative capacity solution to over-the-road that keeps their high service or time-sensitive freight moving with consistency and service they can count on, Fast Track sets a new standard for expedited intermodal.
Fast Track follows Schneider’s December 2024 launch of an intermodal lane “providing continuous rail service between points in Mexico and Texas and points in the Southeastern United States” with CPKC and CSX. “As strategic customer of CSX and CPKC, Schneider will provide this competitive advantage to shippers, who have traditionally relied on over-the-road transport in the Southeast,” the company noted in 2024. “This new service will connect growing markets in Mexico and Texas with Florida and Georgia. Unlike truck transportation on this Southeast-Mexico cross-border route, intermodal service with CPKC provides a seamless, efficient border crossing, eliminating potential delays and exposure to freight loss. This service is a testament to the dynamic collaboration between CSX, CPKC and Schneider.”
The service, Schneider reported in November 2024 followed the Surface Transportation Board’s approval of CPKC’s respective acquisitions of rail lines operated by Genesee & Wyoming’s Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, L.L.C. (MNBR), resulting in the creation of a direct CPKC-CSX interchange connection in Alabama.
“Reliability is a cornerstone of our operations,” said Schneider Executive Vice President and Group President of Transportation and Logistics Jim Filter. “Fast Track gives shippers peace of mind with unmatched speed and consistency, supported by our professional drivers and robust nationwide network of company-owned assets.”
“Fast Track is engineered for precision,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intermodal Michael Baumgardt. “We designed this solution to meet the demands of shippers who can’t afford delays, offering speed, control and confidence across every mile.”
