CN, Norfolk Southern create joint interline service to cut transit times

A joint interline service initiative established between CN and Norfolk Southern Railway in August is reducing transit times by a day or two for carload traffic between Western Canada and NS destinations in the Eastern United States, the Class Is announced late last week.

The service enables freight to bypass traditional interchange points in Chicago in favor of using the "most efficient" existing CN and NS routes. The service has cut transit times by up to 48 hours, according to a press release issued by the railroads.

CN and NS are interchanging two eastbound and two westbound manifest trains daily through the Chicago area, connecting CN's network in Western Canada and NS' network in the Eastern United States. Traffic interchanges at NS' rail yard in Elkhart, Ind., which avoids extra handling in the Chicago terminal, officials said.

"Together, CN and NS have re-engineered our Chicago connections to provide shippers with a new superior-service shipping option," said NS Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer James Squires.

The Class Is are exploring adding traffic to the interline service.

"Through collaboration, CN and NS are bringing more efficiencies to the supply chain as we deliver higher and more reliable levels of service to our customers," said CN President and CEO Luc Jobin.