CN Achieves New Records in Grain Movement
Recently, CN reported a remarkable achievement in its logistical operations, moving over 2.85 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada and nearly 3 million tonnes across the nation. This exceptional performance marks a significant milestone for the company, illustrating its commitment to customer collaboration and operational excellence.
Collaboration at the Heart of Success
The surge in grain movement can be attributed to CN's strong partnerships with its customers. By working closely together, CN and its clients have effectively navigated the challenges posed by severe winter weather conditions. The collaboration allows for a seamless operation, ensuring that Canadian farmers and the grain industry can maintain their crucial supply chains even during the harshest of winters.
Statements from Leadership
Remi G. Lalonde, the Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer of CN, emphasized the importance of teamwork across the entire supply chain in achieving these record numbers. "Our team remains focused on delivering for Canadian farmers and our grain industry customers. We can only achieve record grain movements with close collaboration across all parts of the supply chain," he stated.
Managing Winter Operations with Safety in Mind
During extreme cold spells, CN implements train length restrictions to prioritize safety and ensure compliance with Transport Canada regulations. When temperatures dip below -25°C, it becomes essential to shorten train lengths. This strategy, while necessary, requires a greater number of personnel and resources to transport the same volume of goods.
January and much of February saw these restrictions in place for a prolonged period as Western Canada faced relentless cold weather. However, with improvements in weather conditions, CN’s traffic volumes have returned to normal, demonstrating the company's resilience and readiness to meet customer demands.
Operational Capacity in Optimal Conditions
Under ideal circumstances, CN's grain supply chain is capable of supporting up to 7,800 cars per week, equating to approximately 744,000 metric tonnes during non-winter months. In winter, that capacity adjusts to around 6,250 cars per week or 595,000 metric tonnes. Achieving these capacities hinges on several crucial elements, including well-balanced corridor flows, continuous operations at grain and export terminals, and the absence of significant disruptions from extreme weather or labor disputes.
About CN: A Leader in Transportation
CN plays a pivotal role in the North American economy by safely transporting over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods annually. With an extensive rail network spanning nearly 20,000 miles, CN connects both the Eastern and Western coasts of Canada with the U.S. Midwest and Gulf Coast, fostering sustainable trade and contributing to the prosperity of local communities since 1919.
Contact Information
For media inquiries, you can reach Ashley Michnowski, Senior Manager of Media Relations at (438) 596-4329 or via email at media@cn.ca.
For matters concerning investment, please contact Stacy Alderson, Assistant Vice-President of Investor Relations at (514) 399-0052 or through email at investor.relations@cn.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent records did CN achieve in grain movement?
CN achieved a record movement of more than 2.85 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada and nearly 3 million tonnes nationally.
How did CN manage operations during extreme cold?
CN implemented train length restrictions to ensure safety and compliance with regulations, which allowed it to manage operations effectively during the cold.
What impact did weather conditions have on grain movement?
The extreme cold earlier in the year necessitated adjustments to train operations, but improvements in weather have since allowed traffic volumes to return to normal.
How many cars can CN transport under optimal conditions?
CN can support up to 7,800 cars per week under optimal conditions, translating to 744,000 metric tonnes during non-winter months.
Who can be contacted for media or investor inquiries?
Ashley Michnowski handles media inquiries, while Stacy Alderson is the contact for investors. Their contact information is provided above.
