CN expands non rail biz; increases handling capacity

MONTREAL — CN likes what it’s seeing on the other side of the tracks, announcing yesterday the creation of CN WorldWide North America, a new operating entity that expands the railway’s non-rail operations.

The new division, which will manage integrated transportation solutions such as warehousing and distribution, customs services, truck brokerage, and supply chain visibility tools across North America. A key focus in 2007 will be increasing CN’s material handling ability, with a number of new and existing facilities strategically located across its network.

CN WorldWide also plans to introduce a number of new offerings to its portfolio, including retail intermodal trucking services in the U.S. and freight forwarding within North America. The expansion of these non-rail services, gives CN the opportunity to strengthen its total transportation offering and provide more seamless solutions to its customers, CN says.

CN WorldWide’s marketing and sales team will be led by Keith Reardon, who has been appointed managing director. CN says he will actively market these services on a standalone basis or as part of a rail-integrated transportation solution.