CN releases annual grain plan

CN has published its 2022-2023 grain plan, which describes the railroad’s preparations for moving a western Canadian grain crop that is expected to rebound from last year's drought-impacted level.

The plan describes the actions CN will take to ensure it can meet the forecast demand from the grain sector in the new crop year. For example, the plan provides details on workforce recruitment and the addition of 57 new high-horsepower locomotives and new rolling stock aimed at supporting the delivery of grain and other commodities.

Faced with growing demands from all sectors, the plan also calls for greater balance across all rail corridors to reach the upper end of the maximum sustainable supply-chain capacity range. That requires making better use of the eastern Canadian network, including Thunder Bay when the St. Lawrence Seaway System is open to navigation, and direct rail shipments to St. Lawrence River ports when the Seaway closes for winter, CN officials said in a press release.

Also, the railroad will continue adding high-capacity grain-hopper cars to its fleet. This year, CN will acquire 500 new covered hopper cars, then bring on an additional 500 in early 2023, company officials said.

Through the remainder of 2023 and 2024, CN will take delivery of another 750 covered hoppers. The new cars can carry up to 15% more grain than less efficient legacy cars. The railroad will increase its active operating crew base in western Canada and plans to hire over 500 new employees.

"Our team at CN is confident that the adjustments we have made to our operations and planning heading into this fall, combined with the investments made with an eye to future economic growth, will enable us to deliver strong results in 2022–23 for western Canadian agriculture," said CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson.