Western Railroad Discussion > Why would CPR offer perishible service?

https://www.progressiverailroading.com/canadian_pacific/news/CP-offers-new-service-for-shipping-perishables--53979?
Can't think of any place in Canada or the US where CP would originate perishibles.
Andy

Depending on port of origin there's a tremendous amount of Chilean produce that comes North every Winter, might be part of it.

Out

The article seems to be talking about 53' containers, mostly. I'd imagine there could be some transload business out of refrigerated marine containers...?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/18 12:41 by FiestaFoamer.

There are a quite a number of massive greenhouses in Leamington, Ontario, about 20 minutes southeast of Windsor. The trailers could be on an intermodal train in Toronto 4 or 5 hours after loading.

Jim

CPR has offered perishable service in containers for over two decades. I see nothing new here except for buying more containers and maybe a more concerted marketing effort. their rival CN is the largest carrier of perishables in Canada.
Dick Eisfeller

Fresh and frozen meat, cheese, and fish also come to mind.

10 years ago, while training at the CSX Intermodal Philadelphia ramp, 'our ship came in' 2-3 times per week when a ship from Europe or wherever docked across the street and a significant number of 20' reefer containers were brought directly in and immediately loaded on the train. It was a CP train that went directly to Montreal, I was told. Every 4th bucket or so we'd load a self contained 20' generator and run extension cords both directions to every container...double stacked, too!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/18 18:24 by BRAtkinson.

Well, you know those wily, clever Canadians. They can grow food and raise critters for food. Dang, they can even get chickens to lay eggs for human consumption. And they'll get dairy products from those cow critters too! (Yes, it is possible to haul shell eggs by rail intermodal.)

Seriously, Canada does produce beef and pork, eggs, dairy, potatoes, apples, etc., etc., etc. This all moves under refrigeration to their urban population centers. What better way to move it than by railroad?

In the US asinine government economic regulation of rail charges on perishable movements were a big part of diverting such movements from rail to truck. Canada wasn't that dumb. Their railroads have always been allowed to serve the perishable market.

The big step forward with these new containers is the increased cubic capacity. The new slim Thermo-King unit allows space for two extra pallets, and that is important.

One thing I frequently see on CN double-stack trains in Canada is containers that are basically generators that supply power for
the refrigeration units of other containers...usually supplying the other nine containers of a double-stack 5 pack set.

Used to often see CP domestic containers around central Washington State loading produce and vegetables.