Archer Daniels Midland Company and the Midwest Inland Port announced August 23 that their collaborative logistics and marketing efforts are driving increased container shipments over ADM's privately owned intermodal ramp located in Decatur, Ill.
CN is transporting an increasing number of import containers from the Port of Montreal and the Port of Prince Rupert, B.C., to the Decatur facility in thrice-weekly train service to deliver to customers across the Midwest.
ADM then reloads the empty 40-foot import containers in Decatur with export loads of grain and processed products destined for global markets via CN's rail network and its Canadian port gateways. CN and ADM have a strong history of partnering together on other rail freight opportunities including shipments to Mexico.
JJ Ruest, CN executive vice-president and chief marketing officer, said: "CN is a supply chain enabler and its collaborative efforts with ADM and MIP through the Midwest Inland Port Strategic Development Coalition is forging new logistics chain and growth opportunities for ADM and other enterprises in Decatur and the surrounding region. "CN brings to the table an unparalleled three-coast network reach, extensive contacts in Asian markets, sophisticated freight-forwarding knowledge, and expert U.S. customs and marketing support."
Dennis Whalen, vice-president – transportation, intermodal freight for ADM, said: "We are pleased to see rising volumes of imported containers arriving at our intermodal ramp via CN for area distribution in Illinois. The resulting empty container capacity is essential to our efforts to grow exports of our products to global markets, especially in Asia."
Ryan McCrady, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County, which oversees MIP, said: "CN and ADM are helping to grow our area economy, which benefits from CN's connectivity to Atlantic and Pacific ports, our region's uncongested rail network, a good supply of land for development located on the Decatur Central Railroad served by CN, and a skilled, motivated workforce."