With just a few weeks to go before the federal government releases its rail freight review panel report, rail transportation is again the talk of the grain industry.
Several groups recently made headlines by making public their two cents’ worth when it comes to moving grain to market by rail.
Viterra, Canada’s biggest grain handler, took the lead by signing in mid-February memoranda of understanding with both Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways designed to improve logistical efficiencies in the grain handling system.
That was followed a critique of the grain system by the Conference Board of Canada which called for more deregulation to improve system performance, and a statement by the Western Grain Elevators Association accusing CPR of “extremely poor service.”
The Viterra MOUs focus on supply chain performance and establishing strong accountability among players.
Bob Miller, Viterra’s senior vice president for North American Grain, welcomed the railways into a joint effort to improve grain-hauling performance.
“We are pleased they share our commitment and through joint collaboration, are taking measures to improve rail service delivery.”
The plan is to establish specific performance measures in areas such as order placement and handling, country execution, transit and port performance.
More details on the various statements and commentaries will be available in the March 10 issue of The Western Producer.
