MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA — Canadian National Railway is building on operational improvements introduced this crop year among initiatives it has launched as part of its 2023-24 Grain Plan, following extensive consultations with grain producers, grain-handling companies, customers and government officials.

The annual Grain Plan, a regularly updated requirement of the government of Canada, establishes goals for the effective, efficient and timely movement of grain throughout the coming crop year (Aug. 1 to July 31). The latest plan, which was released Aug. 1, contains several new actions and initiatives for 2023-24 as well as details regarding ongoing initiatives. 

These include the delivery of 750 new high-efficiency grain hopper cars in 2024, the expansion of CN’s locomotive modernization program to upgrade older direct current locomotives to the newer, more powerful and reliable alternating current technology, and a new precision dispatch system to help optimize train movement across the network. CN also will standardize the improved coordination and execution established between network and field operations this year. CN’s staff resourcing for 2023-24 will be in line with anticipated customer demand and labor availability.

“We at CN know that Canada’s agricultural industry has always been the cornerstone of our nation’s economy, contributing significantly to its growth and stability,” said Tracy Robinson, chief executive officer of CN. “Through the collaborative efforts of CN and our supply chain partners, we aim to optimize the movement of agricultural goods efficiently and sustainably. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead, capitalize on new opportunities, and ensure the continued success and prosperity of the Canadian agricultural sector.” 

CN’s annual Grain Plan is prepared through extensive consultation with, and input from, key stakeholders, including the CN Agricultural Advisory Council, a group of western Canadian farmers and industry leaders. The plan reviews CN’s performance during the last crop year and assesses the company’s ability to move anticipated levels of grain during the upcoming crop year. It also explains specific steps CN is taking to ensure it has the capacity to move grain safely and efficiently on behalf of farmers, customers, and supply chain partners.

Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, CN’s network connects Canada’s eastern and western coasts with the southern United States through an 18,600-mile rail network. CN shipped over 30.3 million tonnes of grain and processed grain products during the 2022–23 crop year. 

To read the complete CN Grain Plan, visit https://www.cn.ca/grain.