CPKC: The First Single-Line Railway Connecting Canada, the US, and Mexico
The landscape of North American logistics shifted significantly on April 14, 2023, with the official formation of CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited). By merging the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Kansas City Southern Railway, the company achieved a historic milestone: becoming the only rail corporation to connect Canada, the United States, and Mexico using a network of lines it owns entirely, without relying on competing railroads for primary transit.
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, CPKC operates a massive infrastructure spanning approximately 32,000 kilometers (20,000 miles). This integration creates a seamless corridor for trade, reducing the complexity of cross-border shipping and enhancing the efficiency of moving goods across the continent.
Key Facts
- Founded: April 14, 2023.
- Network Length: Approximately 32,000 km (20,000 mi).
- Service Area: Canada, United States, and Mexico.
- Workforce: Approximately 20,000 employees.
- Unique Status: The only railway connecting all three North American nations via owned tracks.
- Headquarters: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The Path to Integration
Formation and Merger
The journey toward CPKC began on March 21, 2021, when Canadian Pacific (CP) announced its intent to acquire Kansas City Southern (KCS) for US$29 billion. Despite various objections during the regulatory process, the merger received final approval on March 15, 2023. The completion of the deal in April 2023 unified the two entities under the CPKC brand.
Expanding the Network
Since its inception, CPKC has continued to expand its reach. In November 2024, the company finalized the purchase of the M&B line between Meridian and Myrtlewood, establishing a direct interchange with CSX. This agreement allows for two trains per day in each direction for the first five years of operation.
Operational Challenges and Legal Milestones
The Dispute with Union Pacific
Integration has not been without friction. CPKC entered a legal dispute with Union Pacific (UP) regarding trackage rights—the legal permission for one railroad to operate over the tracks of another. The conflict centered on the "South End" agreement, which UP argued only covered grain originating in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. CPKC sought to use these rights for grain from the Upper Midwest, including North Dakota and Minnesota.
In July 2025, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) ruled in favor of CPKC, affirming their right to move this grain traffic to Gulf ports.
Intermodal Growth
To capitalize on its unique three-nation reach, CPKC has aggressively pursued intermodal partnerships. In January 2024, the company signed a major agreement with Bison Transport. This partnership leverages the "Mexico Midwest Express" (MMX), specifically the I180 and I181 trains, to provide reliable, punctual multimodal services from Chicago to Mexico.
Cultural and Community Engagement
The Final Spike Steam Tour
To celebrate its first anniversary, CPKC launched a historic tour featuring the steam locomotive CPR #2816, known as "The Empress." The tour began on April 24, 2024, in Calgary, traveled through the network to Mexico City by June 7, and returned to Calgary on July 10.
Holiday Traditions
Continuing a tradition started by CP in 1999, CPKC operates annual holiday trains from mid-November through December. The company deploys four trains in total: two utilizing former CP rolling stock in the north and two utilizing former KCS and KCSM Office Car Special (OCS) equipment in the south.
CPKC Corporate Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade Name | CPKC |
| Public Trading | TSX: CP | NYSE: CP |
| Key Leadership | Keith Creel (President & CEO), Isabelle Courville (Chair) |
| Track Gauge | 1,435 mm (Standard Gauge) |
| Subsidiaries | Canadian Pacific Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway, Kansas City Southern de México |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes CPKC unique compared to other North American railroads?
CPKC is the only railway corporation that connects Canada, the United States, and Mexico using its own owned lines, eliminating the need to rely on competing railroads for transit across the three countries.
How long is the CPKC rail network?
The network spans approximately 32,000 kilometers, which is roughly 20,000 miles.
What is the "Mexico Midwest Express"?
The Mexico Midwest Express (MMX), consisting of the I180 and I181 trains, is a key intermodal corridor that provides fast and reliable transport between the U.S. Midwest (specifically Chicago) and Mexico.
Who leads CPKC?
The company is led by President and CEO Keith Creel and Chair Isabelle Courville.
What was the purpose of the "Final Spike" tour?
The tour, featuring the steam locomotive CPR #2816, was a celebratory event marking the first anniversary of the CPKC merger, traveling from Calgary to Mexico City and back.