News / Crowley and CN set to launch North American intermodal service in May

Crowley and Canadian National (CN) are to start an enhanced intermodal service linking Mexico with the US Midwest and Canada.

The Mexico Gulf Express utilises a weekly liner run between the ports of Tuxpan, in Veracruz, and Gulfport, Mississippi, connecting with CN’s network serving the US and Canada.

With three days’ ocean transit, the partners claim the service offers a faster and more sustainable alternative to land transport between Mexico and those markets, avoiding congested roads and bottlenecks at border crossings. It includes customs brokerage and trucking legs at either end to provide an end-to-end offering.

Operating in both directions, the Mexico Gulf Express will target all types of cargo, from appliances and electronics to retail goods, perishables and food, said David DeCamp, Crowley’s director of corporate communications, in a mix of 40ft, 53ft, and reefer containers.

“This service was created in response to increasing supply chain solution needs to link producers and consumer markets in North America by offering competitive transit times compared with trucking, with transit to Chicago of approximately four days and ocean transit times of two to two-and-a-half days. Customers can benefit from getting their goods to or from Mexican markets and avoid congested border crossings,” said CN media relations advisor Michelle Hannan.

“Canadian agricultural shippers can greatly benefit from this rail to vessel service, as inspections are often done the same day upon arrival at Tuxpan terminal. This facility is also equipped with a cold storage room for inspections, ensuring the agricultural goods stay cool and fresh when arriving at their destination,” she added.

The new service replaces an intermodal offering Crowley and CN launched in September 2023 around a sea leg between Tuxpan and Mobile, Alabama.

“We made a strategic decision to realign the service to optimise efficiency and value for customers,” said Mr DeCamp.

Unlike in Mobile, Crowley has its own terminal in Gulfport, a 40-acre facility with on-dock rail. It also serves customers in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador with weekly service.

“Gulfport enables us to establish a strong connection with Mexico and those Northern Zone of Central America countries. This means shippers as well as customers will benefit from the same connectivity for these four countries, as well as an extended reach to the Midwest and Canada. This expanded network not only enhances our logistical efficiency but also opens new opportunities for trade and collaboration,” Mr DeCamp said.