Canadian National Railway transported a record 31 million tonnes of grain in the 2024-25 crop year, exceeding the previous record by over one million tonnes. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited transported more than 27 million tonnes of Canadian grain, the highest volume since 2021-22. However, both railways faced challenges in rail car order fulfillment, with only 31% of orders filled in Week 29 of the crop year—the lowest point since tracking began a decade ago.

Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC) reported record volumes of grain transportation in the 2024-25 crop year, with CN moving 31 million tonnes and CPKC transporting over 27 million tonnes—both exceeding previous records. Despite this volume growth, timeliness of shipments remained a critical issue, with only 31% of rail car orders fulfilled in Week 29, the worst performance since tracking began a decade ago. Industry experts, including Wade Sobkowich of the Western Grain Elevator Association, emphasized that volume alone is insufficient without precision in movement timing. Both railways plan to adjust capacity based on seasonal operations and port availability, with CPKC highlighting its role as a land bridge between Canada and Mexico due to shifting trade routes. CN and CPKC have called for federal policy changes, including 100% immediate depreciation for supply chain capital investments and increased exports to Mexico, to address challenges from labour disruptions, weather, and global trade friction.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek has requested Prime Minister Mark Carney to designate the Prairie Economic Gateway project as a project of national interest to expedite its development. The proposed inland port, located near Calgary's southeastern tip and serviced by CPKC rail lines, aims to strengthen supply chains by enabling goods arriving by ship to be processed before being transported by rail or truck. The project, a collaboration between the City of Calgary, Rocky View County, and private developer Shepard Development Construction, is described as shovel-ready and nationally significant. It is estimated to generate over $7 billion in economic activity and create up to 30,000 jobs during construction. Gondek has written letters to Prime Minister Carney, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, urging them to consider the request. Calgary's lone Liberal MP, Corey Hogan, supports the project's consideration and has communicated with ministers Hodgson and LeBlanc. Gondek also mentioned discussing the project with Carney during his Stampede visit and plans to meet again soon.

The proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern aims to improve the efficiency of U.S. rail logistics, particularly for the petrochemical sector. By combining their rail networks, the merger would reduce interchanges, delays, and costs for transporting high-value commodities like oil, natural gas, and petrochemical products across the country. The Gulf Coast, which produces nearly 90% of U.S. petrochemicals, could benefit from improved access to eastern ports, reducing congestion at the Port of Houston. The deal is positioned as a connectivity-focused initiative rather than a market consolidation, offering a strong East-West alternative to existing transcontinental carriers. Critics have raised concerns about consolidation, but proponents argue it would enhance competition and support U.S. competitiveness in global markets, especially as demand for gas-based petrochemicals grows in Asia and Latin America. The Surface Transportation Board will decide on approval.

CPKC has published its 2024 sustainability data report, detailing environmental, social, and governance metrics. Key achievements include expanding its hydrogen locomotive fleet, advancing biofuel usage, achieving industry-leading safety performance, improving emergency response training, and supporting communities through charitable investments. The report covers CPKC’s first full year as a transnational railway following its 2023 merger with Kansas City Southern.