For Immediate Release
Montreal, April 29, 1997 ¾ Canadian National's Intermodal operation announced today the launch of a new intermodal service dubbed the "New England Clipper Service." The New England Clipper Service provides CN's customers with seamless intermodal service between Halifax, Boston, and the New England market.
Under a new haulage agreement with New Brunswick Southern Railway and Guilford Rail System, CN will serve the area between Halifax and Ayer, Massachusetts. Ayer is located 40 miles outside of Boston and provides convenient access to important New England markets.
CN's New England Clipper Service will link the ocean port of Halifax with major industrial areas. The service through the high-technology port of Halifax, together with electronic data interchange (EDI) customs clearances, is designed to cut up to 24 hours off shipping lines' existing itineraries through U.S. eastern seabord ports. Trucking companies and intermodal marketing companies (IMCs) also stand to benefit from the seamless service.
"This new service further establishes Halifax as a hub to serve the New England market. It is a breakthrough in intermodal service for the U.S. Northeast," says Craig Littzen, CN's vice-president, Intermodal and Automotive. "For both existing and potential customers, it means quicker export and import access to markets, and a rapid and reliable North American intercontinental supply line for manufacturers and retailers in the region. One call does it all for consistent CN service every step of the way."
Dedicated unit trains will depart Halifax and Ayer, providing early second-morning availability at destination. If market demand dictates, CN may expand the frequency of the new intermodal service. This latest customer service enhancement, involving cooperation with regional and shortline operators, is but one facet of a large-scale CN strategy to increase its presence in the high-volume U.S. Northeast region.
The Port of Halifax, as a gateway, can now serve New England in addition to serving the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario and the U.S. Midwest.
CN Intermodal offers coast-to-coast service, and serves the key ports of Vancouver, Montreal and Halifax, as well as Chicago and Detroit, with connections to all points in North America. CN is Canada's largest and North America's sixth-largest freight railroad, based on 1996 revenues of $4.2 billion.
Source: Jean-Daniel Hamelin Director, public affairs programs (514) 399-6630
For more information, click here to explore CN's New England Clipper Service.