Why Rail Is Canada’s Real Competitive Edge in Global Logistics

Why Rail Matters More Than Cranes

When people talk about supply chains, the spotlight often lands on ports: how much capacity, how many cranes, how many TEUs per day.

But the truth is: rail makes the difference. A port is only as strong as the rail networks behind it. For Canada to compete head-to-head with U.S. gateways, the conversation must shift inland.

The Customer’s View: Reliability Over Geography

Discretionary cargo doesn’t care about politics or patriotism. It flows to where the service is faster, cheaper, more reliable.

That’s why rail isn’t a “nice-to-have” — it’s the deciding factor in whether containers move through Vancouver and Prince Rupert or divert south to LA, Seattle, or Tacoma.

What Canada’s Rail Partners Bring

• Canadian National Railway (CN): Ties Prince Rupert and Vancouver directly to the U.S. Midwest — the fastest Asia–Chicago route, cutting days off supply chains.
• Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC): The only railway connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico on a single line, eliminating border handoffs.

“CPKC’s network advantage is simple — we offer the fastest service to the U.S. Midwest from Vancouver, and a seamless three-country single line network. Our advantage is unique and creates more opportunity for our customers,” says Jonathan Wahba, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing Bulk & Intermodal, CPKC.

Together, CN and CPKC give Canada an edge no U.S. port can match: two globally competitive railroads integrated with DP World’s terminal network.

Why Integration Is Critical

When terminals, rail, and logistics act separately, customers see risk and handoffs.

When DP World, CN, and CPKC act as one accountable chain, customers see velocity, reliability, and confidence.

That’s how discretionary cargo is won.

Why This Matters to Shippers Now

Global supply chains face pressure from every angle:

• Tariffs shifting trade lanes overnight.
• Decarbonization changing cost structures.
• Rising customer expectations for speed.

In this environment, integration is survival. Ports can’t stand alone. Rail can’t either. End-to-end solutions are the future.

What DP World Offers in Canada

DP World integrates Canada’s unique advantages into a seamless logistics offering:

• Two national railroads competing to deliver better service.
• Deepwater ports at Prince Rupert and Vancouver with uncongested Asia access.
• A coast-to-coast logistics footprint, from the Port of Saint John to Vancouver.

For customers, that means one partner accountable for moving cargo efficiently across North America.

Final Word

Geography doesn’t move cargo. Depth of water doesn’t move cargo. Cranes don’t move cargo.

Rail moves cargo — and with DP World’s integrated port and rail strategy, Canada has the competitive edge.