Canadian National Railway Company (CN) and Iowa Northern Railway Company announced they had officially joined their operations earlier this month.
The announcement means the two railroads can begin integrating their operations to better serve customers, the Iowa economy and communities along the network, officials said. The joining of the two companies was previously authorized by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.
“This additional investment in the United States underscores our dedication to delivering outstanding rail service while driving economic growth. CN customers and partners along this network will benefit from single-line service offering new options and access to new markets,” Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of CN, said.
The merger will join Iowa Northern’s 175 route miles with CN’s nearly 20,000-mile rail network to provide seamless single-line service and connect grain, fertilizer, renewable fuels, and industrial markets from Iowa to CN’s North American network, officials said.
“Today we celebrate this important milestone, as we welcome the Iowa Northern team into our CN family of railroaders. Both CN and Iowa Northern have built their reputations on putting safety first, and by delivering innovative, sustainable and reliable transportation solutions to our customers,” Derek Taylor, executive VP and Chief Field Operating Officer for CN, said
In January 2024, CN and Iowa Northern filed an application with the STB for CN to acquire Iowa Northern. The board found that the proposed transaction has potential anticompetitive impacts, but that the impacts may be sufficiently mitigated through targeted conditions and approved the acquisition with conditions.