Schneider preps to roll out new Southeast-based intermodal service

Green Bay, Wis.-based freight transportation and logistics services provider Schneider said earlier today it is on track to roll out a new intermodal service offering, which will offer continuous freight rail service between Mexico- and Texas-based points in the Southeast, with service set to commence next month.

Schneider said that this development comes on the heels of an announced October connection between Class I freight railroad carriers CSX and CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City), which was the result of the Washington, D.C.-based Surface Transportation Board (STB) issuing two separate decisions, resulting from respective applications by CSX and CPKC.

As previously reported by LM, STB said this approval will take effect on November 16. And it added that on October 6, 2023, CSXT and CPKC filed separate applications seeking STB approval for their transactions. CSX said on October 17 that through this transaction, CPKC will acquire and operate across the 52-mile segment between Meridian, Miss., and Myrtlewood, Ala., which is currently owned by MNBR, and CSX will operate the lines currently operated by MNBR east of Myrtlewood. What’s more, CPKC and CSX will establish a direct Class I-to-Class I interchange at or near Myrtlewood and connect shippers in Mexico, Texas and the Southeast U.S, with MNBR continuing to provide local service to customers between Meridian and Myrtlewood.

With Schneider a strategic customer of CSX and CPKC, the company said that this new service will be geared towards shippers that have long utilized Southeast-based over-the-road service offerings. And Schneider added that this service will connect growing markets in Mexico and Texas with Florida and Georgia.

“This represents a major leap forward in our industry combining the best-in-class service of two renowned railroads, and it will transform the intermodal landscape,” said Schneider Executive Vice President and Group President of Transportation and Logistics Jim Filter. “Our customers can now enjoy unparalleled efficiency and reliability in their supply chains. It will be especially useful for shippers looking to diversify their transportation solutions and support and fortify nearshoring strategies.”