Schneider National, Inc. has solidified its position as a leading multimodal transportation provider by leveraging the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail network to deliver unparalleled cross-border intermodal services between Mexico and the United States. This strategic transition has enabled Schneider to offer the only single-rail solution operating seamlessly in and out of Mexico, significantly improving transit times and security for cross-border freight.
The move to the CPKC network has resulted in remarkable performance gains, with average trips from Mexico to Chicago now taking as little as four days, up to three days faster than the industry average of seven. This translates to a 12% reduction in transit time, underscoring the efficiency of daily scheduled departures combined with stop-free rail connections. These features give Schneider a distinct edge in speed, consistency, and reliability that competitors struggle to match.
Security remains a core focus of Schneider’s cross-border offering. The company boasts an impressive 99.98% security rate across the critical CPKC Laredo bridge crossing, achieved through a combination of seamless rail operations, advanced theft prevention measures, and state-of-the-art technologies. The newly expanded rail-only bridge over the Rio Grande River at Laredo incorporates cutting-edge digital imaging, high-speed X-ray inspection portals, and inspection systems that operate while trains are in motion. These innovations significantly reduce cargo theft risks and inspection delays, further enhancing supply chain security.
Schneider’s commitment extends beyond rail assets; it owns containers and chassis in Mexico and maintains dedicated in-country bilingual support teams with over 30 years of operational experience. This infrastructure provides market-leading flexibility, capacity, and control at every stage of the shipping process, allowing Schneider to serve diverse industries including automotive, appliances, food, produce, electronics, and tires.
In response to growing trends such as nearshoring and potential supply chain congestion, Schneider expanded its network in late 2024 with direct intermodal service connecting Mexico and Texas to the Southeastern United States, including key markets in Florida and Georgia. This expansion leverages the strategic partnership between CPKC and CSX Corp., creating new cross-border corridors that replace traditionally truck-reliant routes with faster, more reliable rail intermodal solutions. This service alleviates delays and reduces exposure to freight loss, offering a competitive alternative for shippers seeking greater efficiency and sustainability.
The cross-border intermodal market in Mexico has seen significant growth, with the Asociación Mexicana del Transporte Intermodal reporting a 17% market increase in 2024. Schneider’s market share has outpaced this trend, doubling the sector’s growth rate as customers increasingly convert from truckload to intermodal services to capture the benefits of speed and consistency combined with environmental advantages.
Schneider’s strategic association with CPKC also extends to a multiyear collaboration to exploit the newly merged company’s extensive north-south rail network that spans Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This partnership is designed to enhance supply chain reliability and capacity by integrating CPKC’s rail infrastructure with Schneider’s drayage expertise and operational capabilities in both countries.
CPKC’s Senior Vice President of Bulk and Intermodal, Jonathan Wahba, emphasised the collaboration by highlighting the delivery of new transportation solutions through the combined reach of CPKC and Schneider. He noted that the success seen so far is just the beginning, with further opportunities anticipated as the companies deepen their cooperation in new markets.
Schneider encourages supply chain decision makers to reassess their cross-border logistics strategies in light of these advancements. With intermodal becoming its fastest-growing segment, the company offers a compelling proposition to those seeking smarter, faster, and more secure movement of goods in an increasingly complex global trade environment.
Source: Noah Wire Services
