CN is an important part of the North American and global supply chain infrastructure. We play an important role in both supporting the functioning of the North American and global economies and supporting the growth in economic activity.
CN doesn’t do this on its own. We are part of larger, complex supply chains. Between COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and climate-related issues, what has occurred in the past three years has demonstrated our collective reliance on predictable supply chain performance. We have also reconfirmed that a supply chain can only function as well as its weakest link. We also know that supply chains are capable of anything, with enough notice.
Our industry is certainly feeling the impact of the last three years, but with ever-greater expectations upon us to be able to pivot. These expectations are also on all our partners across the supply chain: ports, terminals, warehousing, trucking, and shipping.
It is often said that “railroading is an outdoor sport.” The fact is that the entire supply chain is “an outdoor sport.” We need to collectively understand that things will happen to all of us. Rather than blame each other, we need to focus on fixing systemic issues.
The best way for us to face these challenges is to drive transparency to improve collaboration and predictability with our customers and supply chain partners. This collaboration and visibility across the supply chain will, in turn, demonstrate where key investments can be made to fix systemic issues.
We can’t expect regulations to fix complex supply chains and define how they will perform. It is our job as the supply chain to serve our customers in a way that delivers to our commitments. This takes cooperation, planning and investments. This is the approach that will produce the results we desire and intend. Only then will we be well placed to enable the next level of economic growth of the North American and world economy.
Let’s get it done together.