en.Wedoany.com Reported - Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and U.S.-based CSX recently announced an upgrade to their Mexico Southeast Express (SMX) premium intermodal service, which launched on May 4. The two companies stated that the intermodal transit times have improved by 20% to 45%, with the Atlanta to Dallas route approximately one day faster, and the Atlanta to Central Mexico route about 2.5 days faster.
CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel said in a statement: "These intermodal service upgrades reflect our continued commitment to providing customers with more best-in-class, flexible transportation solutions that help them expand into new markets in innovative ways." He noted that the corridor offers "a premium rail solution that cannot be replicated," aimed at shifting more freight from trucks to rail. CSX President and CEO Steve Angel stated: "By working closely with CPKC, we are expanding access and delivering substantial improvements for shippers moving goods between the U.S. Southeast and key markets in Mexico."
The upgraded dedicated intermodal train service offers two-day service from Atlanta to Dallas, three-day service from Monterrey to Atlanta, and four-day service from Central Mexico to Atlanta. The companies also added Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Central Florida as origin and destination points. These enhancements stem from capital investments in track, bridges, and signal infrastructure along the former Meridian & Bigbee Railroad corridor, as well as other investments across Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
The SMX intermodal corridor was first launched in December 2024, following the companies' acquisition of a segment of the former Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, enabling direct Class I railroad interchange near Myrtlewood, Alabama, and creating a continuous east-west freight route connecting Mexico, Texas, and the U.S. Southeast.
Mark Rourke, President and CEO of major intermodal logistics provider Schneider National, said the upgraded SMX intermodal service provides "more reliable, truck-like service" for cross-border freight. Rourke stated: "Demand for these lanes is strong, and the upgrade further enhances intermodal's ability to compete with trucks on speed and consistency."
The two companies also noted that each train can replace up to 300 semi-trucks, potentially reducing emissions while increasing freight capacity, and the railroads highlighted technology applications aimed at speeding up border clearance and improving cargo security.
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