CN Rail Sets Record Grain Haul of 33.8 Million Tonnes in 2025-26

Canadian National Railway moved a record 33.8 million tonnes of grain out of Western Canada during the 2025-26 crop year, surpassing the previous high of 31.2 million tonnes set the year before, the company said August 11.

The record-setting year was capped by a strong July, when CN hauled 2.62 million tonnes of grain -- itself a new monthly high, beating the prior July record of 2.43 million tonnes set in 2020. CN credited the performance to strong customer demand, close coordination across the grain supply chain, and consistent execution of its operating plan.

For the 2026-27 crop year, CN projects it will move between 30 and 33 million tonnes, while noting it has built-in capacity for up to 36.7 million tonnes should demand require it.

The record comes in a strong year for Canada's grain-hauling railways overall: rival Canadian Pacific Kansas City also moved a robust 30.66 million tonnes of grain and grain products over the same period.