Canadian Pacific Kansas City Breaks February Grain Transport Records
In a significant milestone for the rail industry, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) announced on March 3, 2026, that it has shattered its previous February record for grain transportation. The company reported moving an impressive 2.232 million metric tonnes of Canadian grain and grain products during the month of February, surpassing the earlier record set in the same month in 2021. This achievement underscores CPKC's commitment to enhancing its operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.
The company's performance can be attributed to its strategic investments in the grain supply chain, combined with collaborative efforts among supply chain partners to maximize efficiency. Elizabeth Hucker, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing Bulk at CPKC, stated, "This is the second consecutive monthly record for Canadian grain, highlighting a powerful start to 2026 as our teams work diligently and safely with supply chain collaborators to transport this bumper grain crop across Western Canada."
In January 2026, CPKC already established a new record by transporting 2.395 million metric tonnes of grain, setting a precedent for what became a record-breaking February. The total number of carloads also hit a record high of 23,088 carloads for February, reinforcing the company’s capability to meet growing demand in the agricultural sector.
The data further reveals that through the first 30 weeks of the 2025-2026 crop year, CPKC has successfully transported over 17.1 million metric tonnes of Canadian grain and grain products, marking the highest totals since the record-setting 2020-2021 crop year. Notably, the entire CPKC network saw record-breaking numbers with 46,896 carloads and approximately 4.501 million metric tonnes transported at the same time, accentuating the extent of CPKC's operations across North America.
However, CPKC emphasizes the importance of all parties participating in the grain supply chain, including customer loading facilities and terminal operators, to maximize their operational capacity. Planning and forecasting for crop years and winter demands allows CPKC to tailor its services to better suit its customers while contributing to the broader economy. Hucker added, "The volumes we are moving exceeded average supply chain capacity targets outlined in our annual grain service plan, and it is vital that all players in the grain supply chain are well-coordinated to maintain this momentum."
With its headquarters located in Calgary, Alberta, CPKC holds the distinction of being the first and only transnational railway that links Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Stretching over 20,000 route miles, the railway plays a crucial role in connecting major ports across Canada and the Gulf Coast of Mexico. CPKC continues to add value through a variety of freight transportation services and logistics solutions aimed at optimizing supply chains for customers.
For those looking for more information about CPKC and its plans for Canadian grain transportation in the upcoming years, the company's annual outlook is available on its official website, cpkcr.com.
As CPKC continues to innovate and adapt to the needs of its clientele, this latest achievement reiterates the company's role as a leader within the North American rail landscape and highlights its commitment to helping ensure a steady supply of Canadian grain to markets worldwide.