CN enters MOU for intermodal service into Nashville

Executive Summary

• Canadian National Railway (CN) and CSX have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a new intermodal rail service delivering containers from Canada’s West Coast gateways through Memphis directly into Nashville, Tennessee.
• The service replaces the current trucking leg with an all‑rail solution, aiming to provide faster, more reliable and more sustainable supply‑chain options for shippers.
• Executives from both companies highlighted the partnership’s expected benefits: expanded market reach, reduced highway truck traffic, and enhanced reliability and sustainability for customers.

Key Details

• Partnership: CN and CSX signed an MOU to develop a dedicated intermodal rail corridor into Nashville, TN.
• Route: Containers will travel from Canada’s West Coast gateway ports, move south on CN’s network to Memphis, then interchange with CSX for final delivery to Nashville.
• Service Benefits:
• Eliminates the trucking segment between Memphis and Nashville, reducing transit time and emissions.
• Provides a “steel‑wheel” alternative that is faster and more reliable than current truck‑based options.
• Strategic Fit: Builds on existing CN‑CSX interline agreements, including a long‑standing partnership serving the East Coast ports of New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia since 2019.
• Leadership Comments:
• Janet Drysdale (Interim Chief Commercial Officer, CN) emphasized expanded market access and sustainability benefits.
• Kevin Boone (Executive Vice‑President & Chief Commercial Officer, CSX) noted the service will strengthen supply chains while reducing highway congestion.

Notable Quotes

• “This agreement allows us to expand our reach, enabling our customers to efficiently access more markets… driving growth, reliability, optionality and sustainability.” – Janet Drysdale, CN
• “This new service with CN provides a faster and more sustainable all‑rail option into Nashville, helping shippers strengthen their supply chains while reducing truck traffic on our highways.” – Kevin Boone, CSX