Union Pacific Railroad and CN announced the signing of a binding Memorandum of Understanding intended to strengthen rail service across North America and improve both companies’ ability to serve customers. The agreement grants Union Pacific expanded operating rights over CN’s Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway corridor through Chicago, while granting CN new rights over Union Pacific’s network between Memphis, Tennessee, and Eagle Pass, Texas, to support freight movements between Canada and Mexico.
Union Pacific operates in 23 western U.S. states, connecting customers and communities to the global economy, while CN operates a nearly 20,000 mile rail network transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods across North America each year, connecting Canada’s eastern and western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and Gulf Coast. The companies said the agreement will open new routes for customers, provide greater choice, and strengthen rail connections between Canada and Mexico, while also improving access around the Chicago rail corridor for Union Pacific.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are thrilled to have an agreement with Union Pacific to expand CN’s access to Mexico. This is a natural extension of our north-south franchise and will open new routes for customers, provide greater choice and strengthen connections between Canada and Mexico. By extending our reach, we are creating new opportunities for growth while continuing to deliver the safe, reliable service our customers expect. This is another example of CN’s commitment to strengthening rail competitiveness across North America.”
Tracy Robinson, President and CEO, CN
“I’ve seen the benefits first-hand of what the EJ&E route around Chicago can do for a railroad, and we look forward to having access to the quickest way around Chicago.”
Jim Vena, CEO, Union Pacific
