Canada’s freight rail network could come to a grinding halt this week as the country’s two leading railroad operators plan an unprecedented, simultaneous and indefinite work stoppage as talks over labor contracts remain deadlocked. …Canada is the world’s second-largest country by area and relies heavily on trains to transport grain, beans, automobiles, potash, coal and other goods. Here are some sectors that could take a hit from any potential rail stoppage. TRUCKING – About 85% of U.S.-Canada cross-border freight in either direction is primarily handled by Canadian trucking carriers. U.S. freight forwarder C.H. Robinson told Reuters they have seen rates in Canada double overnight. TIMBER – The forest sector is an important contributor to Canada’s economy. In 2022, exports of Canadian forest products stood at C$45.5 billion, according to the Canadian government. * According to the Canadian National Railway website, it is North America’s largest rail carrier of forest products.
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