CN Reports Second-Best January for Grain Shipments Amid Extreme Cold

Event summary

  • CN shipped 2.72 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada in January 2026, marking its second-best January on record.
  • The figure is slightly below the all-time January record of 2.85 million metric tonnes set in 2020.
  • CN adjusted operations to manage extreme cold weather across its network while maintaining grain movement.
  • The company's 2025-2026 Winter Plan outlines proactive solutions for winter operations.

The big picture

CN's strong grain shipment performance in January 2026 underscores the critical role of rail logistics in the agricultural supply chain. The company's proactive winter operations plan reflects broader industry trends toward resilience and efficiency in transportation networks. As a key player in North American rail, CN's performance impacts trade dynamics and the economic prosperity of the regions it serves.

What we're watching

Operational Resilience
How CN's ability to adjust operations during extreme weather will impact its long-term reliability and customer trust.
Market Demand
Whether sustained grain shipment volumes will continue to support CN's operational and financial performance.
Regulatory Compliance
The pace at which regulatory requirements for winter operations may evolve and affect CN's strategies.