CN, Archer Daniels Midland log traffic increase at Decatur ramp

Collaborative logistics and marketing efforts by CN, Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) and the Midwest Inland Port (MIP) have helped increase container shipments over ADM's intermodal ramp in Decatur, Ill., the companies announced yesterday.

CN is transporting an increasing number of import containers from the Port of Montreal and the Port of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, to the Decatur facility. The Class I serves the facility three times weekly to deliver goods to Midwest customers, according to a press release issued by CN and ADM.

ADM then reloads the empty 40-foot import containers in Decatur with export loads of grain and processed products to send to global markets via CN's network and its Canadian port gateways.

"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, CN executive vice-president and chief marketing officer.

The rising volumes of imported containers arriving in Decatur and the resulting empty container capacity "is essential to our efforts to grow exports of our products to global markets, especially in Asia," said Dennis Whalen, ADM's vice president-transportation and intermodal.

ADM's Allison Fayfich, who was selected as one of Progressive Railroading's 20 Rising Stars this year, led the charge to open up the company's intermodal ramp to other shippers.