CPKC and Americold heat up the cold chain

CPKC and Americold are transforming the way temperature sensitive food moves between the US and Mexico.

CPKC’s strategic collaboration with Americold delivers temperature-controlled rail service from Kansas City to Mexico, revolutionizing cross-border logistics for perishable goods. Together, we provide customers with direct access to an integrated, end-to-end cold chain network designed for reliability, efficiency, and compliance. In this corridor, perishable commodities such as produce and protein maintain optimal conditions throughout every stage of transit.

Americold’s world-class import-export hub in Kansas City, conveniently co-located with CPKC’s intermodal terminal, serves as a consolidation and launch point, where precision temperature control and rigorous handling standards expertly safeguard goods within precise temperature ranges.

“Our collaboration with Americold exemplifies how strategic relationships can redefine cross-border supply chains,” said Jordan Kajfasz, CPKC Vice-President Sales and Marketing Intermodal. “By combining CPKC’s seamless, single-line rail network with Americold’s world-class temperature-controlled facilities, we’re setting a new standard for cold chain efficiency in North America. Together, we’re delivering speed, reliability, and peace of mind to our customers across the continent.”

Key features include onsite USDA and SENASICA inspection services. SENASICA, Mexico’s National Service of Health, Food Safety and Quality, oversees agri-food imports, ensuring products entering Mexico meet strict requirements. Completing mandated inspections and certifications in Kansas City bypasses costly bottlenecks at the U.S.-Mexico border. Teams conduct thorough checks, provide necessary documentation, and certify loads, streamlining customs clearance before departure for Mexico-bound product and after arrival for U.S.-bound product.

“This partnership is strengthening the most important part of the food supply chain — reliability for our customers,” said Bryan Verbarendse, President, Americas at Americold. “By combining Americold’s temperature-controlled expertise with CPKC’s single line rail network, we’re creating a faster, more predictable, and more resilient cross border solution. It’s a smarter way to move food, and a meaningful step toward building a North American cold chain that delivers for our customers every day.”

As a result, trains crossing the border avoid inefficient inspection lines that impact truck traffic. This pre-inspection process accelerates delivery timelines and preserves product quality by maintaining the integrity of shipments throughout the journey. CPKC’s direct, nonstop service leverages seamless rail connections and reduces overall handling, further diminishing chances of spoilage, temperature excursions, or theft.

In collaboration with Americold, CPKC creates a competitive advantage for shippers, and our innovative approach opens avenues for growth in North American refrigerated transport.