Supply Chain Research

Rail operator Kansas City Southern reported better-than-expected profits in 3Q as a result of rising volumes of refined oil shipped from the U.S. to Mexico. The underlying market is weakening with total Mexican imports of refined oil down 6.8% year over year in the three months to Aug. 31. However, the share of rail is surging after a 74.1% year over year jump in shipments to reach a 12.7% share. The low share of shipments by rail would suggest further gains at the expense of maritime shipments is possible. Exxon Mobil had a 27.8% share of volumes shipped via rail in the three months to ...