Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), CSX Corporation (CSX) and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) announced they have reached agreements that when completed will create a new direct CPKC-CSX interchange connection in Alabama.

As part of the series of proposed transactions, CPKC and CSX would each acquire or operate portions of Meridian & Bigbee Railroad LLC (MNBR), a G&W-owned railway in Mississippi and Alabama, to establish a new freight corridor for shippers that connects Mexico, Texas, and the U.S. Southeast.

“This strategic acquisition will bring more shipping options to intermodal, automotive and other customers by providing a new, efficient corridor connecting expanding markets in Mexico, Texas and the U.S. Southeast,” said Keith Creel, CPKC president and chief executive officer. “With this new east-west connection taking advantage of each railway's routes and service, we can extend our reach converting more freight traffic to rail and off our highways.”

Joe Hinrichs, president and CEO of CSX, commented: “CSX is excited to establish this new interchange connection with CPKC which provides shippers with a compelling transportation option with access to markets in Texas and Mexico as well as into the heart of the thriving and dynamic U.S. Southeast. This new service is a demonstration of our commitment to creating product offerings for shippers that help them leverage the efficiency and sustainability advantages of rail to drive growth.”

The MNBR runs between Meridian, Miss. and Montgomery, Ala., and currently is operated under a combination of ownership and operating agreements.

Under the new agreements, CPKC would acquire and operate the segment of the MNBR between Meridian and Myrtlewood, Ala. and CSX would operate the lines currently leased by MNBR east of Myrtlewood. As a result, CPKC and CSX would establish a direct CPKC-CSX interchange at or near Myrtlewood, Ala. In exchange, G&W would acquire certain Canadian properties owned by CPKC and other rights. MNBR would receive rights to continue to provide local service to existing customers on former MNBR-owned lines and connect with other railroads without interchange restrictions.

Terms of the transactions were not disclosed and will be addressed in definitive agreements that the parties have agreed to negotiate. Certain portions of the transactions are subject to regulatory review and approval from, or exemption by, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.