CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA — Canadian Pacific (CP) surpassed its previous first-quarter grain movement record by transporting more than 6.35 million tonnes of grain and grain products in the first quarter of 2020. The new record exceeded the previous by 300,000 tonnes.

“The CP family of operating employees delivers service excellence, day in and day out,” said Joan Hardy, vice president of sales and marketing grain and fertilizers for CP. “Whether it’s our employees operating the trains that bring railcars to the elevators, the teams that plan our train movements, or those who maintain our tracks and infrastructure, everyone is making sure assets are turned safely and efficiently. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to their work, but it has also strengthened their commitment to delivering. The combined efforts across CP, supply chain efficiency and a strong demand environment from our customers contributed to these records. Now more than ever, keeping the grain supply chain moving is critical to the well-being of North America and the world.”

The company also set two new monthly transportation goals in January and March.

First-quarter monthly tonnage results:

  • January: 2 million tonnes, best-ever January
  • February: 1.76 million tonnes
  • March: 2.5 million tonnes, best-ever March

As of March 31, 2020, CP’s movement of grain for the 2019-20 crop year was 18.53 million tonnes, a 6% increase compared to last crop year.

“We’re committed to delivering for our customers and farmers as seeding activities ramp up across western Canada,” Hardy said. “With significant volumes of fertilizer and potash shipped in 2020 to date, our customers are well-positioned for application as part of the spring planting processes. I wish farmers a successful and prosperous season.”

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