As part of the collaborative effort, CN is transporting import containers from the Port of Montreal and the Port of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, to the Decatur facility in thrice-weekly train service to deliver to customers across the Midwest. ADM then reloads the empty 40-foot import containers in Decatur with export loads of grain and processed products destined for global markets via CN’s rail network and its Canadian port gateways.
CN and ADM have partnered in the past on other rail freight opportunities, including shipments to Mexico.
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| JJ Ruest, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer at CN. |
“CN is a supply chain enabler and its collaborative efforts with ADM and MIP through the Midwest Inland Port Strategic Development Coalition is forging new logistics chain and growth opportunities for ADM and other enterprises in Decatur and the surrounding region,” said JJ Ruest, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer at CN. “CN brings to the table an unparalleled three-coast network reach, extensive contacts in Asian markets, sophisticated freight-forwarding knowledge, and expert U.S. customs and marketing support.”
Dennis Whalen, vice-president of transportation, intermodal freight for ADM, said the company is encouraged by the rising volumes of imported containers arriving at ADM’s intermodal ramp via CN for area distribution in Illinois.
“The resulting empty container capacity is essential to our efforts to grow exports of our products to global markets, especially in Asia,” Whalen said.
