Anew rail partnership is set to reshape freight flows between Canada’s West Coast and the U.S. Southeast.

A Direct Rail Link to Nashville

Canadian National Railway (CN) and CSX Transportation have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a new international intermodal service from Western Canada to Nashville, Tennessee. This marks a significant expansion of routing options for shippers moving goods inland from Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

Until now, CN’s network has provided service from Canada’s West Coast only as far as Memphis. From there, international containers destined for Nashville required a 200-mile truck move. The new service will leverage CSX’s rail infrastructure, eliminating the drayage leg and creating a faster, more direct option into the heart of Tennessee’s logistics hub.

Why It Matters for Shippers

On average, approximately 20,000 ocean containers are moved annually from Vancouver to Memphis. The addition of a direct Nashville service means:

• Reduced reliance on trucking: Cutting highway congestion and costs.
• Improved speed and reliability: Direct rail enhances supply chain predictability.
• Expanded inland reach: Shippers gain more options beyond traditional gateways like Savannah.

CSX’s Nashville terminal already handles imports from Los Angeles, Seattle-Tacoma, Savannah, and Charleston. With this new CN-CSX lane, international cargo can now flow seamlessly from Western Canada, reinforcing Nashville’s role as an emerging logistics hub.

Broader Industry Context

This collaboration comes amid major rail industry shifts. The proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger would create the largest North American railroad, sparking competitive responses across the sector. Meanwhile, CSX recently announced new joint intermodal routes with BNSF to strengthen connections between the U.S. West Coast and the Southeast.

For shippers, these developments reflect a larger trend: Class I railroads are working aggressively to integrate networks and reduce friction across borders, offering more inland alternatives as supply chains diversify away from traditional coastal gateways.

Key Takeaway

The CN-CSX service demonstrates how partnerships between railroads can reshape inland connectivity. By cutting out a truck leg, this move saves costs, reduces emissions, and provides a more efficient pathway into one of America’s fastest-growing freight markets.

Source: https://www.joc.com/article/cn-csx-joint-service-to-connect-west-canada-and-nashville-6077903