CPKC sets new grain freight records across Canada and the US
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) transported record volumes of grain and grain products across its Canadian and US rail operations in October 2026, setting new company-wide monthly highs for both tonnage and railcar movements.
The railway operator handled a combined 5.91 million metric tonnes of grain and grain products during the month, representing 61,561 carloads across the two countries. According to CPKC, these totals exceeded all previous monthly records for its combined Canadian and US grain transportation activities.
The performance was supported by strong agricultural freight movements at the beginning of the 2026–2027 Canadian crop year and continued demand for grain transportation in the United States.
CPKC operates a rail network connecting Canada, the United States and Mexico, providing agricultural producers and shippers with access to domestic markets, ports and international export routes.
Canadian grain shipments reach third consecutive record
In Canada, CPKC transported 3.26 million metric tonnes of grain and grain products in October, equivalent to 33,822 carloads. Both figures exceeded the previous October records established in 2022.
The result marked the third consecutive record month at the beginning of the 2026–2027 Canadian crop year.
During the first 13 weeks of the crop year, the company transported more than 8.5 million metric tonnes of Canadian grain and grain products, representing 88,064 carloads.
The continued increase in volumes reflects strong demand for rail capacity to move agricultural commodities from production regions to processing facilities, distribution markets and export gateways.
US grain operations also establish new highs
CPKC’s US operations transported 2.65 million metric tonnes of grain and grain products during October, corresponding to 27,739 carloads.
The October result exceeded the previous record established in the same month of 2024.
According to the company, its US grain operations have now established monthly transportation records in five of the past six months, including May, June, July, September and October 2026.
John Brooks, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of CPKC, linked the company’s performance to above-average agricultural production and the reach of its North American rail network.
The company expects a strong grain transportation season, supported by demand for agricultural commodities and its connections to international markets.
Rail network supports agricultural supply chains
CPKC’s transnational rail system provides connections between agricultural production regions, industrial markets and major seaports across North America.
Its network extends approximately 20,000 route miles and serves trade corridors linking Canada, the United States and Mexico, including connections to Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf Coast gateways.
The railway published its 2026–2027 Grain Service Outlook Report on 31 July 2026, outlining its operational plans for the current crop year.
The October records indicate strong agricultural freight volumes across CPKC’s Canadian and US operations, although the announcement does not provide a full-year grain transportation forecast.
The reported figures relate specifically to CPKC’s network and should not be interpreted as records for the entire North American railway industry.
