When I talk with people who don’t work in the railroad industry, I find about the only thing they consistently know about the industry is that we’ve been around for awhile. Globalization, innovation and constant change, and cutting-edge technology are not the first things that come to mind for outsiders. I can tell you that since our company was founded in 1881, about the only thing that’s stayed the same is the distance between those two rails.
Years ago, the goods we consumed every day were produced in the US and Canada, and rail spurs led into every factory. We still handle consumer goods, but these days, they’re more likely to arrive at the Port of Vancouver on a 40-foot container, and one day, on a 60-foot container. The change has necessitated a pivot to focus on Asia, and that’s ongoing. Just this year, we expanded our sales presence in China, and will soon open a new office in Singapore.
Back at home, we are very aware that the public expects our industry to achieve the highest standards for safety. It is true that railroads are the safest way to move goods over land. Still, we cannot stop striving for greater levels of safety until we have eliminated all accidents and injuries. I have been very clear that I think inward-facing cameras in the locomotive cab are essential to raising the bar on safety. In other industries where this has been tried, statistics show it reduced accidents. We look forward to being able to use this technology on both sides of the border.
The rail industry has been vibrant and dynamic for the quarter-century I’ve been a part of it, and for more than 100 years before that. To meet the coming changes, shippers and carriers will have to see each other as partners in making the North American supply chain the best and safest it can be.