Canadian Pacific looks to move supply chain forward with shortline partners
Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
Carrie Evans, VP Sales and Marketing, Iowa Interstate Railroad, far left, joins CP’s Chief Marketing Officer John Brooks, Joe Parsons, GM Iowa Interstate Railroad and CP’s VP of Market Strategy and Asset Management Mike Foran, far right, for a photo during the CP Reconnect 2018 Short Line and Regional Railroad Conference in Calgary. Sept. 10, 2018. | Photo: Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and its shortline and regional railroad connections gathered during the weekend to discuss ways to move the North American supply chain forward.
The talks took place as part of CP Reconnect 2018 Short Line and Regional Railroad Conference, officials said.
“Our shortline and regional connections are integral to the business we do here at CP,” said John Brooks, CP’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Reconnect 2018 was an excellent opportunity to touch base with these key stakeholders and help them understand CP’s vision, while also getting a better look into their own priorities and business goals. By sharing ideas and strategies we are able to generate innovative ways to serve new and existing markets together.”
Brooks was joined by his senior team including Joan Hardy, vice president sales and marketing, grain and fertilizers; Jonathan Wahba, vice president sales and marketing, intermodal and automotive; and Coby Bullard, vice president sales and marketing, merchandise and energy, chemicals and plastics.
CP said officials interacted with 39 shortline and regional partners who attended the event from throughout North America. Shortline and regional connections provide more than 10 percent of CP’s yearly carloads and contribute 14 percent of CP’s annual revenue across its network.
“It’s essential for shortlines like Iowa Northern Railroad to meet with Class 1 railroads to maintain a great working relationship. It benefits both networks,” said Dan Sabin, president of the Iowa Northern Railroad. “Thanks to this conference we were able to gain a better understanding of CP’s vision for its business, how we fit strategically into that plan and how we can help enhance the service we provide together. This helps keep our operations running smoothly and effectively.”
CP said attendees shared ideas that the company believes will enable the Class 1 and its customers to work on joint operations more efficiently.
“We look forward to ongoing collaboration as we put more strategic dots on the map and find win-win opportunities that move the transportation supply chain forward and help drive sustainable, profitable growth,” Brooks said.
