# Canadian National Railway grain transport performance

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-national-railway-grain-transport-performance
> Updated: 2026-10-17T03:33:13.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Canadian National Railway (CN) has reported strong performance driven by significant grain shipments and operational improvements. In late September, the company maintained its full-year guidance, citing a bumper Canadian grain crop and productivity gains, including a 13% increase in crew productivity and a 7% increase in locomotive utilization.

By mid-October, the company reported record volumes for the transport of grain and agricultural products from Western Canada during the third quarter. This surge in agricultural freight is expected to impact upcoming quarterly financial results. In response to these developments, financial institutions have adjusted their price targets, with Scotiabank maintaining a ‘Sector Outperform’ rating and ATB Cormack issuing a ‘Sector Perform’ rating. The company has also bolstered operational efficiency through strategic agreements, such as a network access swap with Union Pacific.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Canadian National Railway reports record grain transport volumes

Canadian National Railway achieved record grain and agricultural transport volumes in Q3, prompting analysts to adjust price targets ahead of its October 30 earnings report.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canadian-national-railway-reports-record-grain-transport-volumes

### 2026-09-24: Canadian National Railway maintains outlook on grain and productivity growth

Canadian National Railway expects to meet its full-year guidance, driven by strong grain volumes and significant productivity gains in crew and locomotive utilization.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canadian-national-railway-maintains-outlook-on-grain-and-productivity-growth

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Cite as: Canadian National Railway grain transport performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-national-railway-grain-transport-performance