We are optimistic about 2019 and how it will shape CN’s future. The transportation market is driven by the derived freight of the consumer economy, and that demand is both growing and evolving. Whereas a few years ago the logistics supply chain offered more of a “one size fits all” approach, this evolution is pushing the supply chain’s focus on individual segments and their needs. Natural resource companies, manufacturers, and retailers are all using their supply chains as a competitive edge. CN has been playing an active role contributing to value-added solutions for its customers across North America.
Along with an economy driven by consumer spending, we are seeing tightening of the over-the-road capacity amplified by an ongoing shortage of long-haul drivers, resulting in high demand for relevant rail services. This comes at a time when intermodal traffic is an expanding part of CN’s business in both overseas and domestic markets. Railroads are more cost-effective for transporting goods over long distances and have less impact on greenhouse gas levels than trucks, so the role we can play in this new economy is important and promising.
At CN, we are capitalizing on this opportunity by digitizing our operations, focusing on safety and talent, and investing in intermodal to refine our multiple product offerings. Our ongoing, long-term, investment strategy strives to support growth and operational efficiency. Combined with our new enhanced capacity projects, CN is well-positioned as a supply chain leader for the consumer economy of today and tomorrow.