Canadian Pacific unveils new hopper cars

05th December 2018

Canadian Pacific (CP) have unveiled latest generation of grain hopper cars at the G3 Pasqua elevator near Moose Jaw, Sask. The Canadian made cars form the 8,500-foot High Efficiency Product (HEP) train and mean that approximately 44 percent more grain can be moved when compared to the previous generation of train.

G3 created an all new state-of-the-art loop track at Pasqua terminal in order to handle the mammoth train. Offering greater operational flexibility, this allows CP to keep locomotives attached to the train during loading meaning the same locomotives are in place to launch the train once loading has been completed.

The new hopper cars are only a small part of what will be an enormous fleet investment made by CP to offer a better and more efficient service to farmers and the Canadian economy. By the end of this year, it is expected that over 500 new hoppers will be in service and this will grow to 1,000 by Spring 2019. Over the coming four years, CP intends to expand this further by purchasing over 5,600 new hopper cars.

This unveiling also comes at a time when CP revealed that October was the biggest month ever for moving Canadian grain, with 2.64 million metric tonnes (MMT) of Canadian grain and grain products moved in this period, breaking the record from September 2017. Records were also broken for carloads of Western Canadian grain and grain products shipped to the Port of Vancouver in a single month.

Among those attending the landmark event alongside the CP Vice-President Sales and Marketing Joan Hardy were Mark Dyck, G3's Senior Director Logistics, and the Honourable Lori Carr, Saskatchewan Minister for Highways and Infrastructure.

Joan Hardy, CP's Vice-President Sales and Marketing – Grain and Fertilizers said:

"A state-of-the-art loop track terminal like this is the perfect backdrop for launching our first HEP train and bringing in a new, more efficient era of moving Canada's grain to market. As CP continues to take delivery of new railcars, and elevator operators expand their facilities to handle 8,500-foot trains, this HEP train will become the new gold standard – driving further efficiencies for farmers, shippers and the entire grain supply chain."

"The future of the grain supply chain is bright. With continued collaboration, a commitment to innovation, and strategic capital investment in key markets, like Saskatchewan, the grain supply chain is well positioned for continued success."

G3 CEO Don Chapman said:

"CP's new high-capacity hopper cars add an important link in the grain supply chain. Combined with fast, efficient loading on G3 loop track systems, these trains will accelerate the flow of grain to market, to the benefit of all our customers. G3 is proud to work in close collaboration with CP."

Lori Carr, Saskatchewan's Minister of Highways and Infrastructure said:

"We are pleased to see CP unveil their high-capacity hopper cars. CP's investment along with G3's investment in a long loop track will help our producers get their product to market more efficiently and in greater volume.

Author: Darren Porter
Image: Canadian Pacific