16 November 2004 CPR Selects RAILINC's NextPath VAN Messaging Services Today, RAILINC announced the signing of a multi-year commitment for - along with a successful implementation of - its NextPath Value Added Network (VAN) messaging services with the Canadian Pacific Railway.   A VAN that facilitates the flow of supply chain information among railroads and their trading partners, NextPath provides CPR and its trading partners with standard and non-standard messaging protocols, as well as data translation and integration.   NextPath is designed to facilitate the flow of mission-critical information by linking more than 1,500 trading partners, including railroads, shippers, equipment owners, government agencies and all North American VANs. Using a robust data and document translation capability, NextPath enables users to send and receive all kinds of business documents, from bills of lading to purchase orders. All major data protocols are supported, and NextPath can receive and translate data in any format.   "RAILINC's NextPath service is a valued partner that provides connectivity to our customers and trading partners", said CPR Vice President Information Services Allen Borak in a prepared statement.   RAILINC provides information technology services to North American railroads, shippers, equipment owners and suppliers, and manages e-commerce web site Steelroads.com.