The Service Level Agreements (SLA) that CN signed with Port Authorities and terminal operators, have created a basis for key changes in the way operations are handled at the ports to the benefit of all customers along the supply chain.

Our network reach and strong customer loyalty has brought us to the door of many new and exciting possibilities for future partnerships and service level agreements. CN is driving continuous improvement in performance, and we believe that together with our shipping partners, we can continue to make significant advances in supply chain efficiency.

• Improved transit times
  
• Increased productivity and efficiency
  
• Enhanced communication
  
• Greater accessibility and accountability

APRIL 2010 - CN signs SLA with Halifax Port Authority and terminal operators Ceres and Haltherm

To better measure and align each party's performance in the Halifax Gateway supply chain and enhance the port's role as a preferred gateway on the east coast to Ontario, Quebec and the U.S. Midwest markets. The agreement establishes clear and defined performance standards for these Halifax Gateway partners – CN, HPA, Ceres and Halterm – regarding times for unloading and loading containers between vessels and cars, the timing of the placement of rail cars at the terminals, and CN transit times to key markets in eastern and central Canada and the U.S. Midwest.

MAY 2010 - CN signs SLA with Port Metro Vancouver

To drive further efficiencies at the port and recognize the importance of balanced accountability. The agreement sets the framework for the Port, CN and port stakeholders to develop mechanisms to define, measure, monitor and evaluate the performance of each participant at the port against established benchmarks. It also establishes processes to proactively communicate on service-related matters and resolve disputes between CN, the Port and port supply chain participants on a commercial basis.

JULY 2010 - CN and TSI Terminal Services in Vancouver sign SLA

To help improve a range of Key Performance Indicators for the benefit of mutual customers, including the on-time departure and arrival of trains, the utilization of train capacity, and the average dwell time of containers at TSI terminals, among other key measures. Both companies believe that TSI's container terminals (Operated by Global Container Terminal) and CN's rail infrastructure are well positioned to ensure that Vancouver is a preferred North American west coast intermodal logistics centre.

AUGUST 2010 - CN signs SLA with Port of Quebec and terminal operator IMTT

To reduce transit times for shipments destined to Toronto to 38 hours from 53 hours, an improvement of almost 30 per cent. The development resulted from the port and terminal operator agreeing to more consistent release times for shipments and CN adjusting schedules to expedite the movement of traffic over its network between Quebec City and Toronto. Improved transit times from the Port of Quebec to the North American interior will help the port accommodate more merchandise and bulk commodity traffic with greater efficiency.

SEPTEMBER 2010 - CN signs SLA with Prince Rupert Port Authority and terminal operator Maher Terminals

To promote and better measure improvements in port performance and to enhance Prince Rupert's role as a preferred gateway on the west coast for Central Canada and U.S. Midwest markets. Maher Terminals as the first container terminal operator to engage in electronic data interchange with CN, a major step forward allowing both parties to quickly capture and measure all events in the supply chain, from container vessel discharge at port to arrival at final destination.

SEPTEMBER 2010 - CN signs SLA with Montreal Port Authority

To develop a best-practices vision for the gateway's supply chain, improve productivity, and leverage these gains to increase their transportation market share. The Port of Montreal is a leading gateway for freight traffic moving between North America's industrial heartland and northern European and Mediterranean markets. There is no doubt that this agreement will help strengthen the Port of Montreal's position as the market leader in the North Atlantic, but it will also confirm the status of the port as an intermodal gateway serving global markets.

SEPTEMBER 2010 - CN signs SLA with Port Metro Vancouver and terminal operator DP World

To further enhance the competitiveness of Canada's Pacific Gateway and improve services for customers. The agreement ensures best practices are followed to improve productivity with the aim of increasing market share. The two parties will work closely on all matters related to security, in coordination with the relevant government agencies, with the goal of branding Centerm Terminal in Vancouver as a secure point of entry to North America.

OCTOBER 2010 - CN signs SLA with Lynnterm Terminal at Port Metro Vancouver

To introduce seven-day-a-week unloading services at Western Stevedoring's Lynnterm Terminal at Port Metro Vancouver (PMV). This three-way agreement among the railway, terminal and forest-products customers will produce a more consistent flow of forest-products traffic through Lynnterm Terminal and help improve supply chain efficiencies at PMV.

JANUARY 2011 - CN signs SLA with Squamish Terminals Ltd., Howe Sound, BC

To improve in supply chain efficiencies for the export of wood pulp from B.C. pulp mills to markets worldwide. Under the agreement, CN will provide seven-day-a-week service to Squamish Terminals, which in turn will guarantee to unload pulp cars daily. Tembec, West Fraser, CPLP and Daishowa-Marubeni will work with both CN and Squamish Terminals to manage inbound traffic flows to match export vessel schedules.

FEBRUARY 2011 - CN signs SLA with Montreal Port Authority and terminal operators MGT and Termont

The two agreements – one signed by CN, the port authority and Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership (MGT), which operates the CAST and RACINE terminals, and another signed by CN, the port authority and Termont Montreal -- complement a framework agreement that CN and the MPA reached in September 2010. The CN-MPA-terminal operator agreements establish key performance indicators to improve the fluidity of the gateway. These include specific metrics for container dwell times at terminals, rail-car availability, rail on-time performance, and vessel performance. Clear, daily performance metrics will drive continuous improvement in performance and help expand the Port of Montreal's business.