Schneider National, Inc., a premier provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services, announced today that it is consolidating its network of primary rail providers and simplifying its container/trailer pool operations to further enhance its intermodal service. Schneider Intermodal will utilize BNSF Railway and CSX Intermodal as primary rail providers.
'Our goal remains consistent: to provide a door-to-door 'truck like' experience for our customers,' said Bill Matheson, president of Schneider National Intermodal. Establishing these rail relationships means we're making it easier and more beneficial to our customers. We have made it a priority to take intermodal and make it simple for our customers. In the end, this is going to save our customers significant time and money while increasing reliability.'
BNSF will serve as the primary western rail provider and CSXI will serve as Schneider's primary eastern rail provider in the United States. Schneider will maintain secondary relationships with the other Class I railroads to reach markets not served by BNSF and CSXI. The new agreements provide Schneider customers with preferential loading, capacity and operational interfaces that will increase accessibility and efficiency of rail moves.
'Being located in the corner of the US, the new agreements will enhance inbound and outbound Intermodal service for the Pacific Northwest to and from more areas of the United States,' said Sanmar Corporation's manager of logistics and transportation Larry Batson. SanMar Corporation is a leading supplier of wholesale apparel and accessories. The Seattle, Wash.'based company has six national distribution centers.
Officials at BNSF and CSXI are confident the expanded relationship with Schneider National will maximize customers' intermodal experience. 'We're proud of our long-standing relationship with Schneider National and we're enthusiastic about this opportunity to work even more closely with the Schneider National team,' said Steve Branscum, BNSF's group vice president, Consumer Products. 'We believe this agreement will build on that working relationship to provide even more Schneider National customers with access to the benefits of BNSF intermodal service.'
'CSXI values the recognition Schneider National has awarded us in the past and we are excited about our future endeavors,' said CSXI president Jim Hertwig. 'We appreciate the confidence of Schneider National to serve as its primary eastern intermodal rail provider in the United States. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will deliver consistent, safe and reliable service to Schneider National and its customers.'
In concert with the new agreements, Schneider is moving to one standardized intermodal container for customers' rail moves. The use of a single Schneider-owned container will simplify container pools while creating operational efficiencies in the areas of network management and operations. Trailer on flat car (TOFC) will continue as a Schneider intermodal offering for those who value a premium faster intermodal transit.
