New investments in gate technology and container yards mark Fastfrate Group’s expanded partnership with CPKC.
Fastfrate Group has renewed and expanded its partnership with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) through a new five-year agreement that promises operational improvements, infrastructure investments and service expansion across North America. This deal strengthens Canada Drayage Inc. (CDI), a Fastfrate Group company, as the foremost drayage provider in Canada and North America for CPKC.
A history of collaboration
“Fastfrate and CPKC have had a successful and collaborative partnership for the past 58 years,” Ron Tepper, Fastfrate Group Executive Chairman, remarked. He further highlighted the significant opportunities this renewed collaboration brings, especially with expansion prospects into the US and Mexico. This partnership is poised to offer comprehensive services benefiting both Fastfrate, CPKC and their clientele.
Jonathan Wahba, CPKC’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Bulk & Intermodal Cargo, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded relationship with Fastfrate Group. “We are especially pleased to expand our relationship with Canada Drayage Inc. and enhance the service we provide to our shared customers by creating an industry-first private gate, complete with CPKC’s FastPass entrance, at both our Toronto and Montreal intermodal terminals.”
Infrastructure and service enhancements
The agreement involves both Fastfrate Group and CPKC making substantial investments in gate technology, facilitating swift access for CDI at CPKC’s Toronto and Montreal facilities. Furthermore, Fastfrate Group will dedicate 15 acres next to CPKC’s Toronto intermodal facility, investing CAD10 million in developing a new container yard and a pre-pull yard. These initiatives are designed to improve the efficiency and fluidity of shipping operations.
Expanding rail services between Canada and mexico
Fastfrate Group commits to promoting CPKC’s direct rail service linking Canada and Mexico and their Intermodal LTL service, planning to invest in 400 containers over two years to meet the increasing demand for the Mexico Midwest Express service.
Manny Calandrino, CEO of Fastfrate Group, cited geopolitical, economic and environmental factors as driving forces behind the increasing interest in Mexico as a key hub for manufacturing, assembly and distribution. “As a result, demand for North-South transportation services will outpace the industry and our agreement with CPKC uniquely positions us to become the market leader in this space,” he added.
Supporting road-to-rail conversion
Wahba underscored the significant opportunities for road-to-rail conversion presented by the Mexico Midwest Express service. “Fastfrate’s co-location with CPKC terminals in Canada, private gates, considerable drayage capabilities and extensive expertise working directly with our railroad uniquely position them to win in this marketplace,” said Wahba
Broadening service offerings
The partnership not only benefits CDI and Fastfrate’s LTL business but also extends to Fastfrate’s recent acquisition, Challenger Motor Freight, enhancing their service offerings, particularly for the automotive parts sector. Jim Peeples, CEO of Challenger Motor Freight, noted the environmental, financial and operational advantages of rail transport for the automotive industry and anticipates a surge in demand for rail-based logistics solutions.
Also read:
- Next Stop for ChatGPT: Automobiles
- The Future of Driving: Inside the World of Software-Defined Vehicles
- How F1 Has Become Safer over the Years
Header Image from FreepikPress release link:
