At CN, we understand that every supply chain is unique. For this reason, our transload offering is built around flexibility, reliability, and strong collaboration—with customers and partners alike. Whether it’s helping move heavy commodities, accessing new markets, or building scalable logistics solutions, CN’s transload network is designed to adapt and grow.

To accelerate this growth, we are looking to expand our CN transload network with our Top-Tier Transload Partner Program by focusing on close collaboration with our highest-volume, highest-performing third-party transloaders to deliver real results.

Why Top-Tier? It’s About Shared Growth

The Top-Tier Partner Program recognizes third-party transloaders who move significant carload volumes—typically 500 or more annually—and who meet CN’s safety and service standards. These partners offer some of the strongest opportunities to increase rail use across our network and to provide increased access to customers who may not be rail-served today.

What Top-Tier status means in practice:

• Increased visibility across CN marketing platforms and customer channels
• Access to the CN Top-Tier badge for promotional use
• A dedicated CN Account Manager to support growth
• Eligibility for future recognition through CN’s Top-Tier Partner Awards Program

Just as importantly, we want Top-Tier partners to be active voices—sharing feedback, identifying gaps, and working with us to create new opportunities for customers across North America.

CREWS: A Model of Partnership in Action

A standout example of the Top-Tier program’s success is our ongoing partnership with Canadian Rail Equipment Works & Services (CREWS) at their Johnstown, Ontario facility. CREWS provides industrial switching, transloading, and railcar storage services, and through sustained collaboration, CN and CREWS have grown carload volumes at this location year over year.

What is driving the momentum?

• CN and CREWS coordinating on new business opportunities
• Joint sales efforts focused on customer education and solution-building
• A shared commitment to safe, reliable service and ongoing communication

This is what the Top-Tier model is all about: bringing together account support, marketing visibility, and aligned growth strategies to deliver consistent results for customers and partners alike.

Connecting Our Short Line and Transload Partners

Our transload strategy also relies on the strength of our short line partners, who play a key role in connecting local terminals to CN’s broader network. These railroads extend our reach into industrial zones and rural markets, ensuring that more customers—especially those not directly rail-served—can benefit from access to transload services.

Short lines often work closely with CN and transload operators to:

• Coordinate first- and last-mile movements
• Support industrial development around rail infrastructure
• Enhance service responsiveness for shared customers

Together with our Top-Tier partners and short line railroads, we are building a collaborative ecosystem that supports scalable growth and long-term value.

A Hybrid Approach That Builds on Strengths

The Top-Tier initiative is part of CN’s broader hybrid transload strategy, combining CN-owned facilities with strategic third-party and short line partnerships. This approach gives our customers more options, broader reach, and access to extensive transload expertise.

Whether you are a longtime CN partner or new to our network, we want to understand your goals and help you get there. We are committed to building on what works—and working together to find new ways to move forward.

Let’s Grow Together

Are you a high-performing transload operator or short line railway looking to expand your reach? Do you want to become part of a network focused on shared results? Let’s connect on how CN’s collaborative model can support your growth.