CN joins UP and Ferromex for new I/M Service
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 12:27 pm
Not sure if this means new intermodal trains, or just the addition of intermodal to existing trains, but great article here. CN is trying to compete with CPKC, and claims they not only can compete, but offer faster service than CPKC, so this will be interesting to see how it develops.
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews ... l-service/
By the way, this question might become 2 topics here that I have been meaning to ask (CN/UP/Ferromex Joint Service and elimination of Moterm). I will ask my question, but will preface it first with a few comments. Many times I hear comments and observations that CN Moterm is full and there is no room for future expansion. (This is evident when looking on google maps, except for what could be potential expansion between the South side of 8 Mile, up to where the new Verizon property begins - "if" the piece of property I'm describing is even able to be used by Moterm by the way). My question is this:
Has CN considered construction of a new intermodal facility on its mainline, say somewhere around the Durand or Flint area, essentially eliminating Moterm? I can see some benefits by doing this, and am curious to read your opinions. Some benefits I see from this would include the following:
1. No more intermodal trains (currently 507 and 508, although lately these trains also carry general freight as well) between Flint and Moterm if Moterm was eliminated. (Now of course from a railfan perspective that would be unfortunate, but I'm thinking from a cost and business perspective). If Moterm was eliminated, trucks to and from the new mainline intermodal location is, would rubber tire it between there and Detroit (short distance).
2. This one is connected to benefit number one, but instead of mainline I/M trains dropping off their I/M at Flint, and then waiting for it to be picked up and taken to Moterm and vise-versa, which takes time and crew utilization, all that would be done at the new I/M location.
3. Assuming CN purchased a large parcel of land, there would be room for future expansion, and the new location would serve the local market of Flint, including GM Flint, and even the Tri-City market as well. (There is still a lot of manufacturing in the Flint, Midland, and Bay City areas that trucks would have access to if a new I/M facility was built on the mainline). One central I/M location could access the Detroit Market, the Flint Market, and the Tri-City Market, and for that matter Lansing as well in my opinion.
4. Land availability for CN in the Flint/Durand area could seem to be a non-issue, i.e. the land designated for the now seemingly dead Project Tim plan in Durand a few years ago. Lots of other potential locations as well along the mainline between Flint and Durand as well.
5. We all know the location of Moterm, and its not safe. A new mainline location, depending on actual location, might correct that problem.
6. If a new I/M facility was built on the CN mainline, and if the new CN/UP/Merromex service does happen as pointed out in the article above to also serve Detroit, I/M traffic to and from Detroit would simply be dropped off and picked up at this new mainline I/M location, and simply rubber tired to and from Detroit.
A few disadvantages I see would be the following:
1. Increased truck traffic on I-75 between the area of Flint of Detroit.
2. Investment cost of a new I/M facility on the CN Mainline, which would include things like environment study, land purchase, all necessary local and state approvals, etc.
I am sure there are many more pros and cons regarding this question, but what I listed are a few to get us started. I look forward to your responses.
Thanks.
David Lang
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews ... l-service/
By the way, this question might become 2 topics here that I have been meaning to ask (CN/UP/Ferromex Joint Service and elimination of Moterm). I will ask my question, but will preface it first with a few comments. Many times I hear comments and observations that CN Moterm is full and there is no room for future expansion. (This is evident when looking on google maps, except for what could be potential expansion between the South side of 8 Mile, up to where the new Verizon property begins - "if" the piece of property I'm describing is even able to be used by Moterm by the way). My question is this:
Has CN considered construction of a new intermodal facility on its mainline, say somewhere around the Durand or Flint area, essentially eliminating Moterm? I can see some benefits by doing this, and am curious to read your opinions. Some benefits I see from this would include the following:
1. No more intermodal trains (currently 507 and 508, although lately these trains also carry general freight as well) between Flint and Moterm if Moterm was eliminated. (Now of course from a railfan perspective that would be unfortunate, but I'm thinking from a cost and business perspective). If Moterm was eliminated, trucks to and from the new mainline intermodal location is, would rubber tire it between there and Detroit (short distance).
2. This one is connected to benefit number one, but instead of mainline I/M trains dropping off their I/M at Flint, and then waiting for it to be picked up and taken to Moterm and vise-versa, which takes time and crew utilization, all that would be done at the new I/M location.
3. Assuming CN purchased a large parcel of land, there would be room for future expansion, and the new location would serve the local market of Flint, including GM Flint, and even the Tri-City market as well. (There is still a lot of manufacturing in the Flint, Midland, and Bay City areas that trucks would have access to if a new I/M facility was built on the mainline). One central I/M location could access the Detroit Market, the Flint Market, and the Tri-City Market, and for that matter Lansing as well in my opinion.
4. Land availability for CN in the Flint/Durand area could seem to be a non-issue, i.e. the land designated for the now seemingly dead Project Tim plan in Durand a few years ago. Lots of other potential locations as well along the mainline between Flint and Durand as well.
5. We all know the location of Moterm, and its not safe. A new mainline location, depending on actual location, might correct that problem.
6. If a new I/M facility was built on the CN mainline, and if the new CN/UP/Merromex service does happen as pointed out in the article above to also serve Detroit, I/M traffic to and from Detroit would simply be dropped off and picked up at this new mainline I/M location, and simply rubber tired to and from Detroit.
A few disadvantages I see would be the following:
1. Increased truck traffic on I-75 between the area of Flint of Detroit.
2. Investment cost of a new I/M facility on the CN Mainline, which would include things like environment study, land purchase, all necessary local and state approvals, etc.
I am sure there are many more pros and cons regarding this question, but what I listed are a few to get us started. I look forward to your responses.
Thanks.
David Lang