(Kansas City Southern issued the following press release on February 4, 2011.)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In 2006, KCS and NS closed on a joint venture to increase capacity and improve service on KCS’ Meridian Speedway between Meridian, Miss. and Shreveport, La. This rail line is an important direct rail connection moving rail traffic between the southeast and southwest U.S. The joint venture involves the contribution of KCS’ 320-mile line between Meridian and Shreveport to the joint venture company, MSLLC, and an investment by NS in capital improvements to increase capacity and improve transit time over the line. The majority of these improvements are complete.
In the first month of 2011, KCS is operating intermodal and haulage traffic on the line at 94.4 percent run time compliance with the transportation service plan.
“This run time performance is building confidence among our intermodal customers with time-sensitive shipments that we can consistently deliver to their final destination,” said vice president intermodal and automotive operations Morris Godwin.
“This operating performance is record high for the Speedway and attributable to the focused communications and teamwork between the sales and marketing team and the operating team including the Network Operations Center, field managers, train and engine crews, mechanical and engineering,” said vice president transportation Mark Redd. “Special thanks to everyone involved in ensuring exceptional service to our customers and the continued growth of the joint venture.”