CN Publishes Winter Plan for 2024-2025

Rhea-AI Summary

CN has released its 2024-2025 Winter Plan, focusing on proactive solutions to address winter operational challenges. The plan highlights key initiatives:

1. Technology advancements: Deployment of 4th generation Autonomous Track Inspection Program (ATIP) using ground penetrating radar for detailed ballast and subgrade assessments.

2. Network reliability: $1 million investment in overhauling 20 air cars, part of a $61.6 million air car program since 2009 to improve service reliability and protect capacity.

3. Response readiness: Strategic reserve of locomotives in critical corridors and deployment of backup power generators across the network.

4. Workforce growth: 9% increase in available CN operating employees between April 2023 and May 2024.

Positive

• Deployment of advanced 4th generation ATIP technology for improved track inspection
• $1 million investment in overhauling 20 air cars to enhance network reliability
• 9% increase in available operating employees, improving operational capacity

Negative

• None.

Insights

Operations Analyst

CN's 2024-2025 Winter Plan demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing seasonal challenges. The deployment of 4th generation Autonomous Track Inspection Program (ATIP) with ground penetrating radar is a significant technological advancement, enabling more precise maintenance and potentially reducing downtime. The $1 million investment in overhauling air cars, part of a larger $61.6 million program since 2009, shows commitment to enhancing network reliability. This, coupled with strategic locomotive reserves and backup power generators, should improve service consistency during harsh weather. The 9% increase in operating employees also indicates preparedness for increased demand or potential disruptions. While these measures are positive for operational efficiency, their direct impact on financial performance remains to be seen, making this news moderately impactful for investors.

MONTREAL, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) has published its 2024-2025 Winter Plan.

“At CN, we know all too well that the winter brings unique operational challenges. Our Winter Plan reflects learnings and feedback from our railroaders, customers, supply chain partners and stakeholders. This collaborative approach allows us to put in place proactive solutions across the network as we make the operational shift for winter operations. Having this work done in advance ensures our continued ability to deliver safe and reliable service for our customers, supply chains and the North American economy.”

— Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN

Highlights of the 2024-2025 Winter Plan:

• Leveraging technology: This year, CN is deploying its 4^th generation Autonomous Track Inspection Program (ATIP) which uses ground penetrating radar to provide detailed assessments of ballast and subgrade conditions, allowing for prompt repairs.
• Enhancing network reliability: In 2024, CN invested over $1 million to overhaul 20 of its air cars, replacing air compressors and other major components to ensure reliability. CN has spent $61.6 million on its air car program since 2009, strategically deploying them during the colder months to reduce the need to shorten trains, improving service reliability and protecting capacity.
• Response Readiness: CN maintains a strategic reserve of locomotives in critical corridors to limit delays caused by weather and deploys backup power generators across the network, allowing operations to continue even during localized or widespread power failures.
• People: Between April 2023 and May 2024, the number of available CN operating employees grew by 9%.

For more information on CN’s Winter Plan, please download the complete plan here.

About CN
CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.

Contacts:

Media	Investment Community
Jonathan Abecassis	Stacy Alderson
Director, Public Affairs and	Assistant Vice-President
Media Relations	Investor Relations
(438) 455-3692 media@cn.ca	(514) 399-0052 investor.relations@cn.ca

FAQ

What are the key features of CN's 2024-2025 Winter Plan?

CN's 2024-2025 Winter Plan includes deploying 4th generation ATIP technology, investing $1 million in air car overhauls, maintaining strategic locomotive reserves, deploying backup power generators, and increasing operating employee numbers by 9%.

How much has CN invested in its air car program since 2009?

CN has invested $61.6 million in its air car program since 2009 to improve service reliability and protect capacity during winter months.

What technology is CN using for track inspection in its 2024-2025 Winter Plan?

CN is deploying its 4th generation Autonomous Track Inspection Program (ATIP), which uses ground penetrating radar for detailed assessments of ballast and subgrade conditions.

How has CN's operating employee count changed for the 2024-2025 Winter Plan?

Between April 2023 and May 2024, the number of available CN operating employees grew by 9%, enhancing operational capacity for the winter season.