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Canadian National and CPKC plan capacity for 2026-27 Western grain crop
CN expects 30.0 million to 33.0 million tonnes of grain shipments in 2026-27, versus 36.7 million tonnes of sustainable end-to-end capacity, while CPKC targets up to about 34.5 million tonnes subject to demand.
Canadian railways Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City say their available capacity is set to handle another large, relatively normal Western Canadian grain crop year as outlined in their annual service plans for the 2026 to 2027 crop year. World Grain reports the outlooks, issued July 31, are submitted to the Minister of Transport as required by the Canada Transportation Act and include assessments of each carrier’s ability to move expected grain volumes.
CN said it anticipates transporting 30.0 million to 33.0 million tonnes of grain and processed grain products during the 2026 to 2027 crop year, compared with its crop year maximum sustainable end-to-end grain supply chain capacity of 36.7 million tonnes. The company also said it completed 10 months of record grain movement across its network as the 2025 to 2026 crop year comes to a close.
CN attributed its outlook to continued investment in its network and coordination with producers, grain companies, terminals, customers, and railroaders to manage capacity and maintain resiliency, while emphasizing safe operations and reliable delivery. CPKC said it expects to supply capacity to move up to approximately 34.5 million tonnes of Canadian grain and grain products throughout the crop year, subject to market demand.
For context on recent performance, CPKC said it transported more than 28.9 million tonnes of Canadian grain and grain products on its rail network up to week 49 of the 2025 to 2026 crop year. The figure was reported as 9% higher than the previous crop year, 15% higher than the three-year average, and 19% higher than the five-year average.