HALIFAX, N.S. — Canadian National will leverage its unique franchise to drive top-line growth, said Paul M. Tellier, president and chief executive officer of CN, speaking to CN’s annual and special meeting of shareholders.
According to a CN news release, Tellier told the shareholders that: “We have a clearly defined revenue growth strategy that will take us to the next level. We plan to leverage the strengths of our franchise to grow the top line.
“First, we will earn more revenue by providing premium service. Second, we will win new business by reaching beyond our rail lines. Third, we will develop new services in areas that will become a source of long-term profitable growth.”
Tellier said CN has considerable strengths – quality service, an extended network, a diverse customer base, and passionate people.
CN’s North American network and industry-leading scheduled service are key platforms for growth, Tellier said. The goal now is “to provide a premium service that is hard for our competitors to replicate – a transportation solution so superior that our customers recognize and are willing to pay for the added value. I call this CN’s service edge — an edge sharpened by CN people — and it will generate more revenue from our core network.”
Tellier said CN will also capture new business beyond its network via partnerships with short-line and other major railroads, and through CN transload centres — including new ones in Hamilton, Ont., and Memphis — that make it easier for short-haul truckers to deliver freight to and from the CN system.
CN’s third strategy is to develop new sources of long-term profitable growth.
“We are working with some of our customers to understand their supply chains,” Tellier said. “CN’s logistics management services provide a simple end-to-end process for customers. It makes CN easier to do business with. And that’s going to win new business for CN.”
Tellier concluded: “CN has come a long way, but we’re still not satisfied. We’re going to redefine what it means to be the best company in the transportation sector. We’re a different kind of railroad — a different kind of company.
“We are going to grow the business in a way that has not been done by a railroad before. We have proven we are not afraid to make bold moves. We are known for doing exactly what we say we will do. How far can CN go? Just watch us!”