CANADIAN RAILROAD
CPKC Railway (CPKC)
CPKC Railway: First and Only Single-Line Rail Network Linking Canada, U.S., and Mexico Across 20,000 Miles
Company Overview
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) operates one of North America's most extensive freight rail networks, connecting businesses across Canada, the United States, and Mexico with safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The network spans approximately 20,000 route miles and provides direct access to major ports on the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts, moving a diverse range of freight including intermodal containers, automotive, grain, energy, chemicals, and industrial products..
FOUNDING HISTORY & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
CPKC was formed through the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, two historic railroads, creating the only transnational rail network in North America. The original Canadian Pacific Railway was founded in 1881 to connect eastern Canada with British Columbia, while Kansas City Southern was established in 1887 to link the Midwest with the Gulf of Mexico.
HEADQUARTERS & OPERATIONAL BASES
The global headquarters of CPKC is located at 7550 Ogden Dale Road S.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2C 4X9, Canada. This facility serves as the central hub for executive leadership, network operations, and strategic planning, supporting the company’s cross-border activities and customer service functions..
LEADERSHIP & EMPLOYEES
Our People Drive Excellence
Key Leadership
Keith Creel serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of CPKC. He brings decades of experience in railroad operations and has led the company through its historic merger and network integration. The executive team includes Chris De Bruyn, Vice President of Capital Markets, and Ashley Thorne, Assistant Vice President of Investor Relations, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in finance, capital markets, and stakeholder engagement.
Employee Demographics
CPKC employs approximately 20,000 people, with a significant portion working as skilled craftspeople, maintenance workers, and service teams across its tri-national network. The company emphasizes workforce diversity and operational excellence, with employees representing a broad range of backgrounds and technical expertise.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
Strategic Regional Operations
Major Operating Facilities
Major facilities include the Vancouver Intermodal Terminal in British Columbia, the Chicago Clearing Yard in Illinois, the Kansas City Knoche Yard in Missouri, the Lázaro Cárdenas Intermodal Terminal in Mexico, and the Montreal Intermodal Terminal in Quebec. Additional key sites include the Winnipeg Symington Yard in Manitoba, the Minneapolis Humboldt Yard in Minnesota, and the Houston Englewood Yard in Texas, all of which serve as critical hubs for freight interchange, classification, and intermodal operations.
Site Certifications
CPKC maintains ISO 9001 certification for quality management and has received multiple safety awards from industry organizations. The company is compliant with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations in the United States and Transport Canada standards, and it has been recognized for its environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives.
EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Regional Equipment & Technology
Container Types & Equipment
The railroad handles a wide range of container types, including standard intermodal containers (20-foot, 40-foot, and 53-foot), boxcars for general freight, and tank cars for liquids and chemicals. Intermodal containers typically have capacities ranging from 20 to 53 feet, supporting both domestic and international shipments.
Technology Platforms
CPKC utilizes advanced technology platforms for real-time shipment tracking, automated dispatching, and customer self-service portals. The company offers an API Center for seamless integration with customer logistics systems and employs automation technologies such as automated obstacle scanners and predictive analytics to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Network Coverage & Market Position
Geographic Scope
The geographic scope of CPKC covers all Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Quebec, 13 U.S. states including Illinois, Texas, Missouri, Minnesota, and Louisiana, and extends deep into Mexico, reaching major industrial and port cities such as Monterrey and Lázaro Cárdenas. The network’s key corridors connect Vancouver to Chicago, Chicago to Kansas City, and Kansas City to Mexico City and Lázaro Cárdenas, providing seamless north-south freight movement.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships include alliances with major North American railroads, global shipping lines, and leading logistics companies. CPKC collaborates closely with ocean carriers at ports in Vancouver, Montreal, and Lázaro Cárdenas, and works with third-party logistics providers to offer integrated supply chain solutions.
Carrier Partners & Regional Networks
- Carrier CollaborationsCarrier collaborations involve interline agreements with other Class 1 railroads, vessel carriers serving Pacific and Gulf ports, and major trucking partners for last-mile delivery. These relationships enable CPKC to offer end-to-end transportation services across North America and beyond.
- Freight Network MembershipsCPKC is an active member of industry associations such as the Association of American Railroads, the Railway Association of North America, and various regional trade organizations. These memberships support advocacy, safety standards, and industry best practices.
FINANCIAL METRICS & STABILITY
Regional Focus & Operational Efficiency
Annual Revenue
In 2025, CPKC reported a pre-tax profit of approximately $230 million in the second quarter, with first-quarter revenues of $3.8 billion. The company’s operating ratio improved to 59.5 percent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency and cost control.
Investments & Acquisitions
Recent capital investments include significant upgrades to intermodal terminals and mainline infrastructure, with expenditures exceeding $1 billion in 2024 and 2025. In April 2025, CPKC sold its 50 percent equity stake in the Panama Canal Railway Company to APM Terminals Panama Rail LP, further focusing its resources on core North American operations.
SERVICE PORTFOLIO
Comprehensive Regional Transportation
Core Logistics Services
CPKC offers a range of logistics services, including full container load and less than container load shipments, transloading, warehousing, and cross-border customs brokerage. Additional services include trade compliance consulting, cargo insurance, and supply chain visibility solutions, supporting customers in diverse industries.
Digital Offerings
The company has launched a new customer portal to enhance self-service capabilities and improve day-to-day activities for its clients. Additionally, CPKC offers an API Center to facilitate seamless integration with customer systems, enabling real-time data exchange and shipment visibility.
INDUSTRY REPUTATION & NEWS
Regional Transportation Leadership
Recent Developments
Recently, CPKC has implemented automated obstacle scanners at its major hubs and loading parks to improve safety and efficiency in handling intermodal containers. The company continues to invest in digital transformation and operational enhancements to support growth and customer service.
Awards & Certifications
CPKC’s Site Certification Program identifies optimal rail-served sites and conducts in-depth reviews to ensure readiness for industrial development. The program aims to minimize development risks for customers and enhance supply chain efficiency, and the company has received recognition for its commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
ANALYSIS & FUTURE OUTLOOK
Regional market position and growth strategies
Strengths
- • Extensive rail network spans 13 U
- S. states and all Canadian provinces, reaching deep into Mexico • Strong partnerships with major ocean and motor carriers • Commitment to technological advancements and operational efficiency
Challenges
- Challenges in achieving higher profitability margins compared to competitors
- Ongoing efforts to enhance service quality and operational efficiency
Opportunities
- Continued investment in infrastructure and technology to support growth
- Expansion of services hubs and intermodal facilities to enhance service offerings
Risks
- Economic downturns are affecting freight volumes
- Operational disruptions due to external factors such as labor disputes or regulatory changes