Customer expectations are changing. They are increasingly on demand, online, and on time. Add to that the notion that supply chains are complex from the standpoint of distance, the integration of globally sourced components, the variability of demand, and tight inventory position.
The result is that more is expected from every provider in the supply chain. From the transportation side, it means a need for greater reliability of service, more visibility, and partners easy to do business with.
Technology is also playing a greater role as larger vessels, better fuel efficiencies, and, eventually, self-driving trucks, and delivery drones change the landscape of the transportation industry.
Evolving our culture and accelerating the pace of innovation are integral to our future. We must develop a different way to think about our service, about how we relate to our customers.
This is all happening in a dynamic and integrated North American supply chain where trade remains critical to economic growth and job creation.
Canada and the US are extremely good and valuable trading partners in what is a very successful relationship. While there may be a number of areas where there are adjustments to be made, by and large much of the prosperity of North America has been built on free trade.
With trade discussions moving forward, we remain engaged, as efficient transportation networks, including railways, play a major role in building on that economic success.
Trade and having a supportive regulatory framework in both Canada and the United States remain key to long-term investments and innovation in our transportation networks.
Lawmakers and regulators in both countries continue to consider regulation that could discourage that investment and innovation, something that can compromise the success of the supply chain in the long run.