Press Releases April 1, 2026 08:00 PM

CN Reports March Grain Movement

CN sets new March grain movement record with robust operational recovery and strong demand

By Nina Shah CNI
CN Reports March Grain Movement
CNI

CN reported moving over 2.96 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada in March 2026, setting a new record for the month and achieving the highest first quarter grain movement results ever. Despite late-month weather disruptions affecting terminal capacity, CN quickly restored network performance, supported by a strong export demand and the seasonal reopening of the Port of Thunder Bay.

Key Points

  • CN moved a record 2.96 million metric tonnes of grain in March 2026, surpassing previous monthly records.
  • The company demonstrated strong operational resilience by rapidly recovering from weather-related terminal capacity issues in Vancouver and Prince Rupert corridors.
  • Reopening of the Port of Thunder Bay and sustained export demand contributed significantly to record grain volumes.
  • The rail and transportation sector benefits from CN's strong performance, impacting agricultural commodity markets and supply chain logistics across North America.

MONTREAL, April 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today that it moved more than 2.96 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada, setting a new record for the month of March and achieved our highest ever first quarter results for grain movement. Weekly volumes exceeded 600,000 tonnes for two consecutive weeks, reaching a peak of over 650,000 tonnes, reflecting robust network performance and demand across both the West Coast and eastern corridors.

CN quickly restored network velocity following late-month weather events that temporarily impacted terminal capacity in Vancouver and the Prince Rupert corridor. That efficient recovery, along with record export demand, and the seasonal reopening of the Port of Thunder Bay, enabled CN to achieve this new March record.

CN Winter Plan
CN remains focused on executing its winter operations plan across the network. For more information and details about how the Company has put proactive solutions in place please consult its 2025-2026 Winter Plan.

About CN
CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.

Contacts:

MediaInvestment CommunityAshley MichnowskiJamie LockwoodSenior ManagerVice-PresidentMedia RelationsInvestor Relations and Special Projects(438) 596-4329(514) 399-0052
[email protected]
[email protected]
  

Risks

  • Weather-related disruptions can affect terminal capacity and network velocity, potentially impacting shipment volumes and timings.
  • Dependence on seasonal ports like Thunder Bay means seasonal variations could impact grain movement volumes.
  • Export demand fluctuations represent a key uncertainty, with changes in global commodity markets possibly influencing future grain shipments.

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