By Railfan & Railroad Staff

CHICAGO — Although they haven’t merged yet, Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern are already finding new ways to work together. This week, the railroads announced that they would be running a new intermodal train from Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, to Chicago.

The railroads said the train was born out of the need to avoid delays on the west coast due to the ongoing supply chain crisis. However, CP and KCS officials also said that it was an example of the synergies that would result from their proposed merger, which is still being reviewed by federal regulators. The deal has already been approved by Mexican authorities. 

“This Mexico-to-Midwest train is a proof of concept and a sign of things to come if a combined Canadian Pacific Kansas City network is approved by the Surface Transportation Board,” said Keith Creel, CP President and Chief Executive Officer. “With STB approval, CPKC will work with our customers and invest in new infrastructure and train services to unlock the full potential of the combined network to offer unmatched supply chain alternatives and benefits compared to other rail options through congested ports and a real alternative to highway-clogging trucks. I would envision creating a new Mexico Midwest Express interline service that could deliver all of these benefits.” 

The first train carrying containers offloaded at Lázaro Cárdenas arrived Tuesday morning at CP’s Bensenville Yard in Chicago. CP reported that the total transit time from boat to Chicago was just seven days.