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Security

CN takes its responsibility for safeguarding customer products very seriously. Through considerable investment and partnerships with government law enforcement agencies, we strive to achieve the highest degree of security for our assets and the shipments customers have entrusted to us.

Security Management Plan

CN's comprehensive Security Management Plan provides a structured risk-based approach to managing network security at CN. Its key components include threat and vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure, security alerts and countermeasures. The Plan enables CN to focus resources on protecting critical assets.

CN Police

Our own unique police service has a long and proud history in the rail industry. CN Police Officers in the U.S. and Canada protect customers' goods, prevent and investigate crime, and ensure the safety and integrity of CN facilities, equipment, and property. They are also actively involved in rail safety education initiatives in communities across the network.

A large part of the mandate of the CN Police is on Customer Oriented Policing (COP). Officers are assigned to strategic locations in the system, including rail yards, terminals, and shops, to get them closer to the issues and protect assets.

Investments in Security

We continue to make considerable investments in technology and infrastructure protection to help safeguard our assets and customer shipments.

Surveillance at all CN major train yards and terminals continues to increase with the addition of technology-based security measures. Critical areas of CN's network are protected by 24-hour electronic surveillance and other security measures.

Access by CN employees and contractors to major CN buildings is strictly controlled by electronic photo access control.

CN introduced biometrics technology several years ago to add an additional level of security at two of its major intermodal terminals. Access to and departure from the terminals is granted to truck drivers only by fingerprint verification.

Border Security

CN's emphasis on ensuring a secure, safe rail network includes a number of security measures at the Canada/U.S. border. In 2003, a Rail Declaration of Principles with U.S. Customs and the Canada Border Services Agency recognized the security measures CN had in place for our transborder rail traffic. For example:

  • Vehicle and Cargo Inspection Systems (VACIS), have been strategically placed at the majority of CN rail border crossings and at all Canadian ocean points of entry to screen cargo entering the U.S. VACIS is a gamma ray imaging system that uses radiographic images to help inspectors carry out non-intrusive inspections of the contents of rail cars and containers – while trains are in motion – expediting transborder operations.
  • CN also invests in electronic data interchange (EDI) technology to share import and export data and security information with customs agencies.

Security Partnerships

CN was the first railroad in North America to partner with both U.S. Customs and the Canada Border Services Agency to strengthen overall supply chain and border security.

In 2002, CN entered into the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program to enhance procedures in conveyance and physical plant security, access controls, manifest accuracy, personnel security, education and training awareness. CN was successfully validated as a C-TPAT member in 2007.

In 2003, we became an accredited participant in Partners in Protection (PIP) which works to enhance Canadian border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, increase awareness of customs compliance issues, and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.

Memberships/Certifications