Intermodal: CN honors shippers' sustainability efforts; FECR acquires more equipment

CN has recognized 11 intermodal customers' sustainability practices through the CN EcoConnexions Partnership Program.

Under the program, participating companies work to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency – one of the Class I's key sustainability objectives, CN officials said in a press release. The winners are CMA-CGM, Cosco, Hapag Lloyd, Kruger Products, Maersk Line, MOL, Mondelẽz Canada, NYK, OOCL Canada, Target Canada and Walmart Canada.

"CN is proud to partner with these 11 companies that signed up for our partnership program. Our ultimate goal is to deepen our relationships and, by doing so, to learn from each other as we move toward a more sustainable future together," said JJ Ruest, CN's executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

The railroad plans to plant 110,000 trees next spring to recognize the shippers' commitment to sustainable business practices.

Meanwhile, Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) is attempting to increase its intermodal capacity by acquiring new equipment. The railroad recently acquired 500 new 53-foot containers, 100 chassis and 50 refrigerated trailers to serve customers in the perishables market.

All of the equipment is scheduled to enter service by mid-October. The assets align with the railroad's strategy to convert existing trailers to containers to provide double-stack transportation service, FECR officials said in a press release.

The containers and refrigerated trailers will be equipped with GPS technology to provide real-time tracking capabilities, while the refrigerated units will also feature systems designed to provide information about operational performance, including temperature levels.

"We continue to see positive growth in our intermodal business," said FECR President and Chief Executive Officer James Hertwig. "With the addition of these new units, we are well-positioned to meet the needs of the marketplace during the upcoming peak shipping season and beyond."