CN, Target Steel partner to move more steel coils by rail

CN this week reported on the progress of its partnership with Target Steel Inc. to open a steel transload logistics facility in Flat Rock, Michigan.

Primarily, the facility has addressed the specific needs of the southeast Michigan automotive supply chain, CN officials said in an article on the Class I's website. 

Developed with financial support from the Michigan Department of Transportation and opened in May 2024, the facility enhances operational efficiency by shifting deliveries from long-haul trucking to rail, CN officials said.

Steel coils arrive by rail and are transloaded to trucks for final delivery, which supports just-in-time delivery models that are critical to the automotive manufacturing sector, they said.

Since the facility's opening in May 2024, Target Steel has opted to use rail over truck for a portion of its deliveries, leading to over 400 rail carloads being delivered and reduced truck traffic on regional highways, said CN officials. The facility was strategically designed to support current operations and future growth. 

The 20,000-square-foot facility features a 50-ton overhead crane, a 10-car track, outdoor coil storage and on-site logistics management by International Bulk Services, a CN subsidiary. Infrastructure is already in place to support multiple other commodities, including iron ore and dry bulk, CN officials said.