Kansas City Southern (KCS) announced today the introduction of KCS Certified Premier Sites. These sites are larger, shovel-ready sites that are certified and pre-approved for rail service.

"Prospective shippers often need a quick turnaround from site selection to shovel ready. A KCS Premier Site saves time and money, because the site has already been carefully evaluated to ensure it has what shippers need for safe and reliable rail service," said KCS executive vice president and chief marketing officer Mike Naatz. "KCS is customer-focused and we strive to be top of mind when shippers need a transportation partner in the industrial development process. As part of our focus on growth, additional KCS Certified Premier Sites will be added as they become available in the near future."

To become a KCS Certified Premier Site, the location must go through a rigorous certification process which includes verifying access to rail services, proximity to highways, workforce availability, access to industrial grade utilities, proper zoning and strong public-private support. KCS Certified Premier Sites can reduce the industrial development timeline by six to nine months mitigating potential up-front risks for projects.

KCS Premier Sites in the U.S. currently include Beaver Lake Industrial Park in Pineville, La., Infinity Mega Site in Columbus, Ms., Ward 2 Industrial Park in Vivian, La., Airport Industrial Park in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Southwest International Gateway Business Park in El Campo, Texas and Franklin Farms in Holly Ridge, La. KCS Premier Sites in Mexico currently include Interpuerto Monterrey in Salinas Victoria, N.L., Propark at Pesqueria, N.L., Node Park at San Luis Potosi, S.L.P., Puerta Querétaro at Querétaro, Qro. and Puerta México at Toluca, Mex.

Prospective shippers can learn more about this program by visiting kcsouthern.com/raildevelopment or by contacting the Industrial Development team directly at IndustrialDevelopment@kcsouthern.com. KCS Certified Premier Sites in the U.S. and in Mexico are highlighted on the company's Network Map. Select “KCS Certified Premier Sites" from the menu.

Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., KCS is a transportation holding company that has railroad investments in the U.S., Mexico and Panama. Its primary U.S. holding is The Kansas City Southern Railway Company, serving the central and south-central U.S. Its international holdings include KCSM, serving northeastern and central Mexico and the port cities of Lázaro Cárdenas, Tampico and Veracruz, and a 50 percent interest in Panama Canal Railway Company, providing ocean-to-ocean freight and passenger service along the Panama Canal. KCS' North American rail holdings and strategic alliances with other North American rail partners are primary components of a unique railway system, linking the commercial and industrial centers of the U.S., Mexico and Canada. More information about KCS can be found at www.kcsouthern.com.

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