CN moving forest products transload operation south of Chicago
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Aimed at avoiding Chicago congestion, improving "supply chain efficiencies for lumber customers"
CHICAGO—Canadian National Railway says it is moving its forest products transload operation in Chicago in a bid to “improve supply chain efficiencies for lumber customers.”
According to the rail conglomerate, the transload facility is being moved to North American Stevedoring Company’s operation located just south of downtown Chicago.
North America Stevedoring receives direct rail service from CN’s nearby Kirk Yard in Gary, Ind., according to CN, with trucks accessing the terminal from Interstate 90.
“We have a unique opportunity to avoid Chicago rail congestion by relocating our forest products reload facility to a site near Kirk Yard (which) will deliver better, more cost-effective supply service to our customers,” CN exectuive vice-president Jean-Jacques Ruest said in a statement.
CN’s Kirk Yard is currently undergoing a $141-million rehabilitation and facilities addition project.
The new transload is larger than the one it replaces and features more than 200,000 square feet of indoor storage as well as outdoor space.
