CN has purchased 200 efficient EcoTherm containers to increase customer efficiency and help reduce energy consumption in its temperature-sensitive intermodal markets.
Products such as food, beverages, paints and pharmaceuticals require protection against low temperatures. With this container acquisition, CN says its EcoTherm fleet stands at almost 500 units -- the largest in North America.
CN has also purchased 25 EcoRide chassis. They weigh 15 per cent less than conventional chassis and are equipped with aerodynamic features such as side skirts and low-rolling resistance tires. Containers delivered on EcoRide chassis consume 8% to 11% less fuel than containers delivered on traditional chassis.
Jean-Jacques Ruest, CN executive vice-president and chief marketing officer, says, "EcoTherm and EcoRide are innovative technological advances that help CN reduce the energy intensity of its customers' supply chains and position us to grow our business."
The super-insulated 40-foot EcoTherm container is an economical, green alternative to the 53-foot heated container. Food and beverage customers can load the same volume of product in the 40-ft insulated container without the need for the blocking and bracing required in a 53-ft container.
EcoTherm has more insulation than a conventional diesel engine-powered "heater" container, enabling it to hold its interior temperature more effectively. This allows EcoTherm to retain the proper temperature for sensitive goods throughout a rail trip as long as 10 days with no need for an engine to burn fuel en route.
Chantal Gariépy, national transport manager for Molson Coors Canada, the Canadian division of Molson Coors Brewing Company says, "For many years, CN has played a key role in helping Molson Coors move its beer from coast to coast. Molson Coors has always been interested in reducing its environmental footprint, and CN is a great partner that offers an environmentally efficient freight solution.
"Molson Coors also appreciates CN equipment design that is truly adapted to the rugged Canadian climate. The CN super-insulated containers have been part of the Molson Coors' winter freight program for the last two years and have really made a difference in efficiency, freezing protection and loading capabilities."
CN claims to lead the North American rail industry in fuel efficiency, consuming approximately 10% less fuel per gross-ton-mile overall than the industry average, the company says. CN's lower fuel consumption results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and the lowest fuel surcharge in the industry.
More info: www.cn.ca.
CN Acquires More Energy-Efficient Intermodal Equipment
CN has purchased 200 efficient EcoTherm containers to increase customer efficiency and help reduce energy consumption in its temperature-sensitive intermodal markets
More Fleet Management

The Trucking Industry’s Threat Intelligence Gap
The trucking industry has no shortage of cybersecurity reports and cargo crime statistics. What it lacks is timely, operational intelligence that fleets can actually use.
Read More →
Truck Crash Rates Are Down. So Why Do Insurance Costs Keep Rising?
ATRI’s latest research points to litigation, social inflation, and soaring claims costs as key drivers behind record-high liability premiums for trucking fleets. But there are things motor carriers can do.
Read More →
ATA Truck Tonnage Holds Steady in April at Highest Levels Since 2022
ATA’s For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index was unchanged in April after a strong March gain, with freight volumes remaining at their highest levels since late 2022.
Read More →
Fleetworthy Launches Connected Platform for Fleet Readiness Across Safety and Compliance, Toll Management, and Weigh Station Bypass
Fleetworthy has unveiled three major product launches it says mark a new era in fleet readiness.
Read More →Behind the SCOTUS Broker Ruling Part 1
Transportation attorney Greg Feary breaks down the recent Supreme Court decision that brokers can be held liable for damages in truck accidents and what it means for the trucking industry going forward.
Read More →
ACT Research: Trailer Orders Continue Upward Surprise in April
Preliminary net trailer orders rose 3% from March and jumped 126% year over year, signaling stronger-than-expected demand despite typical seasonal softness.
Read More →
DAT: Fuel Surcharges Drive April Truckload Rate Gains as Freight Volumes Slip
Truckload spot and contract rates climbed in April. But DAT says higher fuel costs -- not stronger freight demand -- were behind most of the increase.
Read More →
Deadline Extended for HDT Truck Fleet Innovators Nominations
Heavy Duty Trucking has extended the deadline for nominations for its Truck Fleet Innovators awards. The deadline has been extended to May 22.
Read More →
Supreme Court Ruling Puts Freight Broker Vetting Practices in Spotlight
The unanimous SCOTUS ruling in the closely watched Montgomery v. Caribe case allows state negligence claims against freight brokers that hire unsafe motor carriers, raising new liability and vetting concerns among brokers.
Read More →
FMCSA’s Motus System Is Coming. What Fleets Need to Know Now
FMCSA's long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls. And there are steps you need to take by May 14.
Read More →
