Canadian National Railway (CNI) moved a record 2.82 million metric tonnes of grain in December 2025, the fourth consecutive month of record volumes. The figure eclipses the previous December record of 2.74 million tonnes set in 2020 by more than 80,000 tonnes, underscoring a sustained uptick in grain demand and CNI’s ability to scale operations during peak harvest season.
The record month contributed to CNI’s highest single‑year grain movement totals to date: 31.3 million tonnes moved across Western Canada and 32.7 million tonnes nationwide. These totals surpass the all‑time record of 32.25 million tonnes set in 2024, marking a 1.4 % increase in national volume year‑over‑year. The growth reflects both stronger crop yields in the Canadian Prairies and CNI’s execution of its 2025‑2026 Winter Plan, which prioritizes network reliability and weather‑resilient operations.
Grain transport is a high‑margin segment for CNI, and the record volumes have a direct impact on revenue and profitability. In the first nine months of 2025, freight revenue from grain and fertilizers rose 6 % YoY, driven by the higher volume and favorable pricing. The record December movement is expected to lift the full‑year grain revenue above the 2024 level, helping offset headwinds in other commodity segments such as oil and gas, where freight volumes have been more volatile.
Executive Vice‑President and Chief Commercial Officer Janet Drysdale highlighted the role of customer collaboration and operational discipline: “Canadian farmers produced record grain crops. Through consistent execution and close collaboration across the grain supply chain, CN railroaders supported the movement of these volumes to market.” She added that the consecutive record months demonstrate the effectiveness of CNI’s planning and the dedication of its railroaders, reinforcing the company’s competitive advantage in the grain market.
The record grain volumes also signal strong network utilization and capacity management. CNI’s extensive rail network, spanning nearly 20,000 miles, has maintained high service levels even during winter disruptions, allowing the company to absorb the surge in grain traffic without compromising reliability. This operational resilience positions CNI to capture further growth as crop yields remain robust and demand for grain transport continues to rise.
Overall, the record December movement and the annual volume record reinforce CNI’s leadership in the grain segment, provide a solid revenue base, and enhance margin potential. The achievement demonstrates the company’s ability to translate high demand into operational excellence, supporting its broader strategy of delivering reliable, high‑margin freight services across North America.
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