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| A new CPR locomotive hauls automotive and mixed freight through the mountains. (Photo: Canadian Pacific Railway) |
Lawre Allen, Vice President of Intermodal and Automotive, comments on the purpose of the new VIN-based program. He states that, "Automotive producers are aggressively looking for ways to decrease plant-to-dealer deliver times. In response, CPR is providing them with automated, real-time data on what is happening not only to the rail cars carrying their shipments but also each individual vehicle whenever and wherever it is in our care."
Furthermore, Allen said, "the major justification for our investment in the system is that our customers will experience enhanced service at our terminals with faster and more detailed information availability. VIN-based tracing and query capabilities of the new system will, by this summer, put our level of customer service at the front of the line."
As well AutoTrack will replace arduous paperwork for employees at the CPR's motor vehicle distribution compound in Toronto, the railways major southern distribution point for new vehicles. Toronto will be the first compound to use the new system come summer.