Schneider Reports Faster Mexico–U.S. Transit and 99.98% Security with CPKC Rail Network
Schneider National, is seeing strong results from its strategic shift to the CPKC rail network, especially on high-demand cross-border routes connecting Mexico and the United States. The company now reports that its average transit time from Mexico to Chicago is as much as three days faster than the industry standard of seven days — a significant efficiency gain in today’s dynamic supply chain landscape.
As a leading multimodal provider of transportation, intermodal, and logistics services, Schneider has become the only carrier offering a single-line, cross-border intermodal solution between Mexico and the U.S. This unique service model has enabled Schneider to rapidly expand its share of the growing cross-border intermodal freight market. Key advantages such as speed, security, and reliability are positioning the company as a top choice for shippers navigating evolving trade conditions and supply chain priorities.
Speed, Security, and Seamless Service
“Our cross-border objective isn’t just to move goods — it’s to move them smarter, faster, and more securely,” said Michael Baumgardt, Senior Vice President of Intermodal at Schneider. “Every day saved in transit can translate to faster replenishment on retail shelves, improved product availability, and greater satisfaction at the consumer level. In today’s market, our unmatched speed and security make all the difference.”
The partnership with CPKC — the only single-line railway connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico — has given Schneider a powerful platform to innovate and outperform industry benchmarks. Key differentiators of the Schneider-CPKC offering include:
- Transit Speed and Reliability: Schneider and CPKC deliver the fastest scheduled intermodal train service in and out of Mexico, with daily departures and consistent on-time performance. Transit times have been cut by up to 12%, making it one of the most time-efficient solutions available for cross-border freight.
- Best-in-Class Security: Schneider reports a 99.98% cross-border security rate, one of the highest in the industry. This is made possible by seamless, uninterrupted rail movement through the CPKC Laredo bridge and a suite of advanced theft-prevention technologies and protocols.
- Asset Control and Infrastructure Access: The company operates its own fleet of containers and chassis in Mexico, supported by on-the-ground operations teams. Through its strong relationship with CPKC, Schneider also has priority access to key terminals and infrastructure, ensuring capacity and flexibility for customers at scale.
- Local Expertise: With more than 30 years of experience in the Mexican market, Schneider supports shippers through every stage of the shipping journey with bilingual, in-country teams and deep knowledge of cross-border operations.
Riding the Wave of Intermodal Growth
The switch to the CPKC network is enabling Schneider to respond quickly to shifting customer needs, especially in light of growing nearshoring trends and potential supply chain bottlenecks. In late 2024, Schneider introduced direct intermodal service from Mexico and Texas to the Southeastern U.S., further enhancing its cross-border network.
Market data from the Asociación Mexicana del Transporte Intermodal (AMTI) shows that Mexico’s total cross-border intermodal market expanded by 17% in 2024. Remarkably, Schneider’s intermodal volume grew at twice that rate, a testament to its competitiveness and operational efficiency.
This surge in demand comes as shippers seek to move more freight off highways and into more sustainable, cost-effective intermodal networks. By converting traditional truckload freight into rail-based solutions, customers are able to realize the benefits of reduced emissions, improved cost-efficiency, and enhanced capacity — without sacrificing transit time.
To support this growth, CPKC has invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including the completion of a second rail-only bridge over the Rio Grande River at Laredo, Texas, in 2024. This addition more than doubles cross-border rail capacity and allows for bidirectional train crossings, eliminating a key choke point in the trade corridor.
The new bridge is also equipped with cutting-edge technology for real-time cargo inspection, including high-speed digital imaging, X-ray systems, and advanced inspection portals that can scan trains as they move. These innovations not only expedite customs clearance but also reinforce Schneider’s exceptional security performance.
A Long-Term Vision for Growth
The Schneider-CPKC partnership is proving to be more than just a tactical shift — it’s a long-term strategy for growth and innovation.
“Our strategic collaboration with Schneider has delivered new transportation solutions made possible through the unrivaled reach of the CPKC network,” said Jonathan Wahba, Senior Vice President of Bulk and Intermodal at CPKC. “Together, we’ve developed intermodal services that are secure, reliable, and competitive with traditional trucking. We’re proud of the market success we’re achieving and excited to support Schneider’s continued expansion into new markets.”
Intermodal is now Schneider’s fastest-growing business segment, and it serves a wide range of industries including automotive, appliances, food and produce, electronics, and tires. With the company’s continued investment in cross-border infrastructure, equipment, and personnel, Schneider is well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing transformation of North American freight flows.
As supply chains continue to evolve and nearshoring gains momentum, Schneider’s early investment in the CPKC cross-border corridor is setting a new standard for what intermodal service can deliver: faster transit times, near-perfect security, and seamless end-to-end operations — all backed by deep expertise and a proven track record.