CN presents 'Safe Handling Awards,' joins Midwest port coalition

CN yesterday announced the winners of its annual Safety Handling Awards, which recognize customers that make the safe handling of dangerous goods a top priority.

In a ceremony held yesterday, the railroad honored 141 companies with the award.

Launched in 1992, the award is presented to customers who load freight cars with dangerous goods and meet strict standards for the safe handling and shipment of dangerous products. The winners must meet established criteria according to the total number of shipments of dangerous goods for all facilities, CN officials said in a press release.

"CN has an unwavering commitment to safety, works closely with its customers to deliver responsibly, and continually strives to improve the safety of its operations," said JJ Ruest, CN executive vice-president and chief marketing officer.

Meanwhile, the Class I has joined the Midwest Inland Port Strategic Development Coalition.

The coalition's purpose is to provide strategic and marketing support to the development of the Midwest Inland Port in Decatur, Ill.

CN is the only transcontinental railroad in North America with a network spanning Canada from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans, and through Illinois and Mid-America to the Gulf Coast.

Beyond the rail service connections to Decatur that CN's network provides, the railroad brings the coalition its domestic and international marketing reach — including its overseas markets such as China — and import customs expertise, CN officials said in a press release.