Union Pacific, CN and GMXT team up for new Mexico-US-Canada intermodal transportation service

By | 2023-04-25T23:14:25+00:00 April 25th, 2023|Freight, Shipping|

Union Pacific Railroad, Canadian National Railway (CN), and GMXT have announced the creation of Falcon Premium, a Mexico-US-Canada intermodal transportation service designed to increase efficiency and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, directly benefiting intermodal customers shipping automotive parts, food, FAK (freight all kinds), home appliances, and temperature-controlled products.

The service will have a seamless rail connection in Chicago, Illinois. It will directly connect all CN origin points within Canada and Detroit, Michigan to GMXT terminals in Mexico: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, and Silao, Guanajuato.

According to a Union Pacific press release, Falcon Premium service will be the fastest, most reliable intermodal rail service between Canada and Mexico by combining the unique benefits of each partner. The seamless service will leverage GMXT’s best-in-class transit times between Silao, Guanajuato, and Eagle Pass, Texas; Union Pacific’s superior route from Texas to Chicago and CN’s best-in-class service connecting Chicago to all points in Canada through the unique EJ&E Chicago bypass.

Falcon Premium service will allow the maximization of lading weights between Mexico and Canada for greater efficiency, and will also contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions through reduced rail miles and significant truck-to-rail conversion.

“This bold, creative venture harnesses the strengths of three companies to provide best-in-class service to our customers in three countries, while supporting our climate goals,” sad Lance Fritz, Chairman, President and CEO of Union Pacific. “We are excited to be a part of this new intermodal service connection, which leverages our unmatched route into and out of Mexico and strengthens our intermodal service portfolio.”

Union Pacific operates in 23 western states in the US.

GMXT covers 24 states of Mexico and has a significant presence in Florida and Texas, with integration with the rest of North America through six interchange points along the US-Mexico border.

CN transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN’s network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network.

Trains are widely acknowledge as the most environmentally-friendly way to move freight, and networks like Falcon Premium are a significant step towards a greener supply chain.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Schneider National have also announced a similar intermodal rail service connecting U.S. ports and regions in Mexico.

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