But, of course, being owned by CP, the coal could have easily been routed to east coast distribution points via CP/CN or the Great Lakes via the St.Lawrence Seaway. Obviously, DM&E trying to influence southwest and southeast markets is not an issue, and it never was.

Connecting with NS, CSX and KCS at junction points near Chicago, etc. allows for further flexibility, so a UP and BNSF totally dominated North American market is not exactly the case. If KCS ever overcomes Mexico's corrupt and bogus business practices, the coal then could be routed to "West Coast" embarcation points...just south of the border.