This is an interesting topic regarding the "forgotten Class I" - the KCS.
Now that they enjoy some kind of trackage arrangement over the former MILW, they are in a position to interchange traffic with the SOO (MILW) at either Twin Cities or Chicago affording participation in Lakes to Gulf traffic.
But the fact remains with KCS's "over hill over dale" through the Ozarks, they cannot handle a ton mile of freight as economically as can the CN/IC where the traffic "rolls on down to the sea" - and for NB traffic, maybe somewhere in Southern Illinois is at 1000ft elevation.
However, what could prove to be KCS's "Ace in the hole" is its acquisition of the NdeM lines in Mexico. In addition to the auto traffic they enjoy, and for that matter throw in some household appliances, the Ace can be the Port of
Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacán . This deepwater maritime port "belongs" to KCS. While of course all West Coast maritime traffic is in jeopardy in a post-PANAMAX world, there remains a possibility that a lot of East Coast ports are getting ready to throw a big party. But will anyone come?
The West Coast ports, nor are the railroads serving them such as BNSF and UP, about to take that diversion lightly. For Asian manufactured goods, including "Frozen" dolls, better handling time should be reasonable for delivery than Trans Canal and to whatever East or Gulf port the maritime operators have in mind.
A Mexican port simply will have a more favorable cost structure than that of a US. Stevedorio Jose simply does not earn the same as does Longshoreman Joe - again KCS "owns" access to this port.
But alas, there is an "800lb gorilla" in the room - and that is the unstable political arena of contemporary Mexico - and the State of Michoacán is especially so.
disclaimer: author holds long position KSU