CN has set a record by processing over 31 million metric tonnes of Canadian grain products in the 2020/21 crop year, the railroad company says in an August 3 news release. This beats the previous year’s record of 1.1 MMT of grain shipped from Western Canada, with additional grain volumes moved in Eastern Canada.
“As an essential transportation service to the economy, to our customers, supply chain partners, and the communities we serve, we remain committed to making capacity-enhancing investments to our network and to upgrade our rolling stock,” JJ Ruest, CEO and president of CN, says in the release. “CN’s grain movement has been resilient during the pandemic, achieving 14 straight months of Canadian grain volume shipment records.”
“We recognize that growing conditions across much of the Prairies have been very challenging as many producers face extremely hot and dry weather this year. Our dedicated team of railroaders will continue to work tirelessly with Canadian farmers, agri-organizations and grain customers to have the resources in place to move the upcoming harvest for the communities we proudly serve.”
The release notes that in May 2021, CN announced its plan to acquire 1,000 new-generation, high-capacity, grain hopper cars. CN also notes its plan to buy Kansas City Southern will allow for more options for Canadian farmers and grain customers to ship both grain and processed grain products but creating a new single-line service to the U.S. and Mexico.
