BNSF Railway is investing $1 billion US in its northern corridor so that it can haul more commodities in the northern tier states. The railway plans to spend $5 billion in capital investments over its entire operation this year.  |  Robert Arnason photo

Railways spend big on upgrade

An American railway is increasing capital spending by 25 percent to keep up with growing demands from an expanding commodity sector. Canadian railways are also spending more to keep up with expanding production of petroleum, grain and other commodities in Western Canada, but the increases are more modest. BNSF Railway captured attention this month, announcing […] Read more

Grain shippers say railways are refusing to compromise on binding level of service agreements.  |  File  PHOTO

Shippers frustrated at lack of rail service agreements

Negotiations to work out a system of binding level-of-service agreements between railways and shippers are faltering because railways refuse to compromise, say shipper sources. The Conservative government continues to promise legislation that will require service agreements between the two sides that are enforceable with penalties for non-compliance, but a bill will likely not appear until […] Read more

Short-line railways and producer car shippers have had trouble accessing incentives for larger unit trains. | File photo

Farmers must retain producer car access

I am a farmer and the chair of a newly formed new generation co-operative that bought a branch line from Canadian National Railway one year ago. The branch line runs from Camrose to Alliance, Alta., a distance of 100 kilometres. We bought the line from Alliance to Highway 56 and then we have a running […] Read more


Judge reserves decision on railway suit

An Alberta judge has reserved her decision on whether a class action lawsuit against Canada’s two major railway companies can proceed. Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Sheilah Martin is expected to rule in a few months on whether a suit seeking $577 million in damages from the Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway should […] Read more