CPKC, CN report record grain movement as Canadian railways support strong crop year

Canada’s two major railways are reporting record grain movement during the 2025-26 crop year, with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Canadian National Railway (CN) highlighting strong volumes, network investments and collaboration across the grain supply chain.

CPKC said it moved 30.66 million metric tonnes of Canadian grain and grain products during the crop year, setting an all-time annual record and surpassing the previous record set in the 2020-21 crop year by about 72,500 metric tonnes.

The railway said the total volume was 11 per cent higher than the previous crop year, 16 per cent above the three-year average and 20 per cent above the five-year average. CPKC also set quarterly grain transportation records during the first and second quarters of 2026, along with monthly records in January, February, April, May and June.

“Our team of exceptional railroaders reliably delivered the largest Canadian grain crop in history with consistency throughout the crop year,” said John Brooks, CPKC executive vice-president and chief marketing officer. “Our dedication to service excellence, paired with solid execution by our customers and terminal operators, led to a crop year that saw more Canadian grain and grain products move on our network than ever before. This performance illustrates our long-standing commitment to the safe and efficient transportation of Canadian grain.”

CPKC said continued investment throughout the grain supply chain, including customer investments in 8,500-foot-capable elevators and the railway’s investments in its network, assets and operations, helped improve efficiency and capacity.

“Continued investment across the grain supply chain is unlocking more capacity for Canadian agriculture,” said Elizabeth Hucker, CPKC vice-president, sales and marketing bulk. “Our customers’ investments in 8,500-foot-capable elevators, combined with CPKC’s ongoing investment in our network, assets and operations, are enabling more efficient trains and stronger end-to-end performance. This shared commitment is helping move record amounts of Canadian grain to market safely, reliably and efficiently, while positioning the supply chain for continued growth.”

CN said it also achieved 10 months of record grain movement across its network during the 2025-26 crop year, crediting collaboration among producers, grain companies, terminals, customers and railway employees for helping maintain capacity and supply chain resilience.

“As the 2025-2026 crop year concludes, CN is pleased to have achieved 10 months of record grain movement across its network. This performance reflects the collaboration among producers, grain companies, terminals, customers and CN railroaders to manage capacity and ensure the resiliency of Canada’s integrated grain supply chain,” said Tracy Robinson, president and chief executive officer, CN.

“Every crop year presents new challenges and opportunities, but our focus remains constant: operating safely, delivering reliably for our customers and keeping the grain supply chain moving. Our Grain Plan reflects years of investment in our network and the importance of working closely with customers and supply chain partners. When we plan together, we perform better, helping ensure Canadian grain reaches domestic and global markets efficiently and reliably.”

Both railways said they will continue investing in their networks and working with supply chain partners to support Canadian grain exports and maintain reliable service during the 2026-27 crop year.