Rail contributes to the fulfillment of the e-commerce transaction by providing the necessary delivery mechanism. Technology played a pivotal role in the re-structuring of CP Rail that began in 1995. The company cut costs, re-invested in assets, adopted growth strategies, adopted better work practices and tried to change mental and physical barriers that have been in the way of innovation. CP Rail invested one billion dollars in technologically advanced alternating current locomotives. Technology allows companies to invest in improved productivity and an improved product.
Technology is important, but so are results in safety and profitability.
There has been a major change in CP Rail's traffic base as a result of changes in the economy. Two years ago, CP Rail was primarily a bulk resource commodity carrier. Today it has moved to a more balanced commodity mix that can compete with trucking. In 1999, CP Rail earned more revenue from hauling intermodal containers than grain. Modal freight requires a different service approach.