CP cites improvements in grain train performance
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefSpeaking at the Dec. 8, 2014 “Post-Harvest Handling and Transportation for Agricultural Products: Issues and Challenges” conference in Fargo, N.D., hosted by North Dakota State University’s Center for Agriculture Policy and Trade Studies, Canadian Pacific Vice President Marketing and Sales, Bulk John Brooks said the railroad continues to move more grain from North Dakota to key markets domestically and internationally as it invests in its network.
Brooks joined officials from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture, North Dakota Corn Growers Association, other grain shippers, academic experts in agribusiness, industry peers, and U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D) and John Hoeven (R) of North Dakota at the conference.
“The CP team is focused on investing more, moving more, and working with all stakeholders to strengthen the supply chain,” said Brooks. “CP’s current grain performance is robust. Record levels of grain were moved to the Pacific Northwest in October. We’re well positioned to move grain with our rail partners to the East and West markets. We plan to invest more than $500 million in infrastructure on our upper plains network between 2014 and 2016.”
“Every component of the supply chain must work together to move more grain; CP is open for business 24/7,” said Brooks. “Asset velocity will be a key in driving sustainable growth with our customers. We’re working with them to enhance transparency of car supply and predictability of service. Among other initiatives, we’ve developed a dedicated railcar program for our larger shippers. For smaller producers, we’ve implemented a flexible, open distribution system. These innovations, along with ongoing investment in people and infrastructure, show CP’s commitment to customers, competition, and growth throughout the region.”
