A Steel Solution Built on Short Line Collaboration
JUN 17, 2026

A Steel Solution Built on Short Line Collaboration

A Steel Solution Built on Short Line Collaboration

In one of Canada’s busiest transportation gateways, collaboration is what keeps freight moving.

Southern Railway of British Columbia Limited, known as SRY, is a key CN short line partner in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Operating in a dense urban and port environment, SRY brings deep regional knowledge, strong customer relationships and reliable rail service to one of Canada’s most important trade corridors.

For CN and SRY, success starts with a shared focus: safe operations, practical planning and service that helps customers reach new opportunities.

Steel rebar shows what partnerships can deliver

Over the past year, CN and SRY worked together to respond to changing market conditions, including the impact of tariffs and shifting customer demand. One clear example is a new supply chain for steel moving into British Columbia.

The opportunity was not only about moving freight from origin to destination. It required a full transportation plan. CN brought its long-haul network reach, while SRY brought local knowledge and a transload option on its lines to help get the product to market.

Together, the teams built a practical solution for our customers that continues to evolve in a changing marketplace.



Shared safety culture supports reliable service

Operating in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland means working in a dense urban and port environment, where safety, precision and local awareness are essential. SRY understands the communities, customers and operating conditions, and that attention to safe operations aligns closely with CN’s own safety culture and core value.

SRY’s rigorous track maintenance and inspection programs help reduce risk, support predictable interchange and keep freight moving with care. CN brings supply chain planning and operational scale, while SRY brings regional insights, last-mile solutions, and experience operating safely in high-density areas.

For customers, the benefit is dependable service. They are supported by two partners that understand both the full transportation plan and the local details, and a shared focus on moving freight safely and efficiently.

A Steel Solution Built on Short Line Collaboration

Recognizing SRY as Short Line Partner of the Year

SRY’s commitment to collaboration, safety and customer-focused service earned them the 2025 Brandon Rudnikoff Short Line Partner of the Year Award at the CN Short Line Conference in Chicago.

The award recognizes short line partners that help CN deliver tailored customer solutions. The partnership has also supported strong coal operations at Roberts Bank and North Vancouver, where CN works closely with Blue Water Rail Services, SRY’s sister company, to build and spot trains. This work has contributed to record annual coal unloading volumes, showing the strength of the partnership across multiple commodities.

Pictured (left to right): James Gunter (CN), Spencer Whalen (SRY), Kevin Poulin (SRY), Mike Lovett (SRY), James Barnes (SRY), and Patrick Lortie (CN).


A Steel Solution Built on Short Line Collaboration

Partner with CN for Short Line Success

The CN Short Line Conference is where partnership turns into progress. Each year, the event brings CN and short line railroads together to share opportunities, strengthen relationships and find new ways to grow traffic across North America.

Learn more about how CN works with over 120 short line partners across North America to deliver smart, sustainable supply chain solutions. Visit our Short Line Services page to explore opportunities to grow with us.

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