Ensuring a Strong Grain Supply Chain for 2024-2025

Posted on August 30, 2024

Canada’s grain farmers produce high-quality product that’s in high demand around the world. Canada’s railways play a vital role in transporting grain to global markets safely and efficiently.

As Canada’s railways prepare for the 2024-2025 grain crop year, CPKC and CN have released their grain plans. These plans provide insight into how both Class 1s will deliver Canada’s grain crop to the global market and continue to be a main driver of Canada’s economic growth.

CPKC:

With a history of moving Canada’s grain dating back to 1881, CPKC is well-positioned to handle this year’s crop. In their 2024-2025 Grain Service Outlook Report, CPKC aims to transport up to 34 million metric tonnes (MMT) of Canadian grain and grain products throughout the crop year. CPKC emphasizes the importance of precise and accurate demand forecasts and is working closely with grain customers to plan capacity effectively across all lines of business. This careful planning is crucial, given the potential for variability in grain transportation to impact other supply chains.

CN:

CN continues to build on its successful operational improvements and strategic capital investments from the previous grain season. Key initiatives outlined in their 2024-2025 Grain Plan include the delivery of 750 new high-efficiency grain hopper cars and a continued focus on scheduled railroading, which has shown significant improvements since its implementation. CN also plans to deploy new firefighting equipment and test mobile fire detection technologies to enhance safety across the network.

Both CN and CPKC recognize the challenges arising from labour instability, extended interswitching, and operational constraints at key ports. But with targeted investments, infrastructure improvements, and collaboration with customers, CN and CPKC will continue to support Canada’s economic growth and global grain demands.

For a deeper dive into each railway’s approach and specific initiatives, read thecomplete grain plans from CPKC and CN.

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