Canadian Pacific Kansas City added 1,000 new, 53-foot, refrigerated intermodal containers to its network to more than double its existing fleet and bring more shipping options to customers using the expanding Mexico Midwest Express (MMX) series intermodal service.

CPKC said, in a press release, that MMX is North America's first single-line rail service offering for refrigerated shippers from the Midwest to Mexico, a market currently served by trucks.

The company reports that single-line haul efficiencies, combined with seamless crossborder service, make CPKC intermodal transit times competitive with over-the-road trucks. Converting trucks to rail reduces emissions and makes highways safer, according to CPKC.

"Since being launched, MMX has provided truck competitive service, delivering exactly what we promised and executing what many said could not be done," said Jonathan Wahba, CPKC senior vice-president of sales and marketing, bulk and intermodal. "This expansion of our state-of-the-art reefer equipment gives more customers the solution they need to convert to rail."

Fuel Efficiency

The average intermodal train takes more than 300 trucks off the road, according to CPKC, and produces 7% lower greenhouse gas emissions than trucks. Freight trains are four times more fuel efficient than trucks and can move a ton of freight 500 miles on one gallon of fuel, the company stated.

Reefer Goods

CPKC said the new refrigerated containers are part of its TempPro solutions that ensure products that require temperature protection are transported safely in a fast, reliable, and fuel-efficient service that brings more competition to North American supply chains.

The MMX temperature-controlled service will move fresh and frozen produce, baked goods, candy, and other food products northbound and beef, chicken, and pork to southern markets.

Linking Markets

The MMX Series debuted with trains now linking Chicago, Kansas City, Texas markets, Monterrey, and San Luis Potosi. MMX trains offer third-day service to/from Laredo, fourth-day service to/from Monterrey, and four-and-a-half-day service to/from San Luis Potosi. MMX, according to CPKC, provides a transit time of 98 hours from Chicago to San Luis Potosi.

In April, CPKC announced new multi-year agreements with both Schneider and Knight-Swift Transportation for intermodal transportation services along the CPKC single-line north-south corridor.