US-based maritime and logistics solutions provider Crowley is set to introduce an integrated ocean and rail service linking Mexico, the U.S. Midwest, and Canada.
The new service will incorporate Crowley’s new ocean route in the Gulf of Mexico and capitalize on the highly efficient inland rail network of Canadian National Railway Company (CN) and its U.S. subsidiaries. This combined network aims to enhance global customer solutions in the North American market.
Brett Bennett, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crowley Logistics, said that the partnership with Canadian National allows for expanded market reach, as well as faster and more reliable transport of goods throughout North America. ““Leveraging each side’s unmatched supply chain capabilities and commitment to customers long-term, we are creating even more efficiencies to advance the power of today’s innovative and demanding global supply chain,” he said.
The new service features an ocean shipping route from Tuxpan, Mexico, to Mobile, Alabama, bypassing inland transportation congestion at the U.S.-Mexico border. Connecting to CN’s rail service from Mobile to the Midwest and into Canada, Crowley said customers can expect faster, more environmentally friendly transit times compared to truck emissions, with five to six times less fuel used per ton transported. Beginning in September, ships will make weekly roundtrips between Tuxpan and Mobile, carrying up to 1,000 TEU containers and over 200 refrigerated containers.
After arriving at the Port of Mobile from Mexico via Crowley’s vessel, containers will be loaded onto daily CN trains traveling through the Midwest and into Canada. This service will offer some of the fastest rail connections between Mobile and cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Memphis, Toronto, and Montreal.
Doug MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer of CN, said he was excited to support Crowley’s first venture via the Port of Mobile into the U.S. and Canada. “We can better serve our customers in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada by assisting Crowley in providing a reliable, and seamless door-to-door customer experience. The new service will enable more efficient supply chain corridors and increased market access throughout North America,” he said.
