Canadian National Railway

Corporate brand

A major North American freight railway connecting Canadian ports and markets with the industrial and agricultural regions of the United States.

Last updated November 2, 2026

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Overview

Canadian National Railway Company, commonly known as CN, is a Class I freight railway headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Its network links the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic-facing regions of Canada with major commercial centres in the United States, including Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Memphis and New Orleans. CN is one of Canada's two principal freight railways, alongside Canadian Pacific Kansas City, and is generally regarded as the country's largest railway by network size and revenue. CN was created in 1919 by the Government of Canada during a period when several Canadian railways were financially distressed. The new system consolidated government-owned railways and lines taken into public control, including the Canadian Northern system, the Canadian Government Railways and, later, the Grand Trunk and Grand Trunk Pacific systems. The resulting railway was intended to preserve essential transportation infrastructure and provide a coast-to-coast network in a country where highways and long-distance trucking were not yet alternatives on a comparable scale. For much of the twentieth century, CN operated both freight and passenger services. Passenger operations continued until the creation of Via Rail in 1978, after which CN's core business became freight transportation. The company also operated railways in Newfoundland until 1988 and had commuter operations in the Montreal region for a period. Its traditional Canadian east–west role changed substantially after privatization, as management pursued productivity improvements, sold or abandoned lower-density branch lines and expanded the company's reach into the United States. The Canadian National Railway Company was privatized in 1995 through an initial public offering. The privatization legislation preserved Montreal as the company's headquarters and placed restrictions on individual or corporate ownership. After privatization, CN developed a more integrated North American operating model. The 1998 acquisition of Illinois Central connected Canadian routes with Chicago and the Mississippi Valley, creating a major north–south freight corridor from the Great Lakes and Canadian Prairies toward the Gulf Coast. The 2001 purchase of Wisconsin Central strengthened connections around the Great Lakes and added related rail assets. CN subsequently acquired or integrated other railways and logistics businesses, including parts of British Columbia Railway, the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway, TransX and several short-line or regional operations. CN transports a broad range of commodities. These include intermodal containers, petroleum and chemicals, forest products, metals and minerals, grain and fertilizers, coal, automotive products and manufactured goods. Its intermodal services connect marine terminals, distribution centres, ports and inland markets. Bulk freight operations support Canadian agriculture, mining and energy supply chains, while merchandise and automotive services connect manufacturers with suppliers and consumers across the continent. The brand's competitive proposition is based on network reach, port access, scheduled freight capacity and the ability to move large volumes over long distances with lower energy use per tonne than many land-based alternatives. CN also operates through subsidiaries, trackage rights and partnerships that extend its commercial reach beyond track directly owned by the company. Its network is commonly described as spanning roughly 20,000 route miles, although exact mileage and operating assets vary with acquisitions, dispositions and reporting conventions. CN remains a publicly traded transportation company serving Canada and the United States. Its identity combines a historic Canadian national railway heritage with a modern North American logistics role. The company is primarily a freight carrier rather than a passenger brand, and its present business depends on industrial production, international trade, agriculture, port traffic, intermodal distribution and the efficiency of continental supply chains.

History

Canadian National Railway emerged from the Canadian government's response to a railway financial crisis during and immediately after the First World War. Several railway companies had become insolvent or were unable to meet their obligations, while railways remained essential national infrastructure. The government assumed control of the Canadian Northern Railway in 1918 and directed it to be managed with the Canadian Government Railways. In December 1918, the government created Canadian National Railways as an operating framework for the combined systems. The consolidation continued through the incorporation of the Canadian Northern assets in June 1919, the handling of the Grand Trunk Pacific after its financial default, and the eventual acquisition of the Grand Trunk system. The Grand Trunk was formally absorbed into the national system in January 1923. Other railways and regional assets entered the system over time, including the Intercolonial, National Transcontinental, Prince Edward Island and Hudson Bay railways. CN therefore began not as a conventional private start-up but as a state-created network assembled from multiple inherited systems. During the middle decades of the twentieth century, CN served as a central instrument of Canadian transportation policy. It carried freight across a geographically difficult country and also operated passenger trains. Its network reached ports on both coasts and served resource-producing regions, manufacturing centres and communities that depended on rail access. As automobiles, highways, aviation and trucking expanded, passenger rail became less central to CN's business. Via Rail assumed most CN passenger services in 1978. Remaining specialized or mixed passenger operations continued in limited form, including Newfoundland services until 1988 and Montreal-area commuter operations for a period. CN's structure and operating philosophy changed in the late twentieth century. Management under Paul Tellier and Michael Sabia pursued productivity, reduced administrative layers, rationalized the network and disposed of lower-density routes. Some abandoned or sold lines became independent short-line railways. At the same time, CN reorganized its American subsidiaries and increasingly presented itself as a North American railway rather than solely a Canadian east–west carrier. The Canadian National Railway Company was privatized in 1995. The transaction ended more than seven decades of Crown ownership while retaining statutory protections for the company's Canadian identity and Montreal headquarters. Privatization gave CN access to private capital and a stronger incentive to improve asset utilization, control costs and expand its commercial footprint. The most important post-privatization expansion was the 1998 purchase of Illinois Central. That railway connected Chicago with the Mississippi Valley and the Gulf Coast, allowing CN to combine Canadian export flows with United States agricultural, industrial and consumer markets. CN then acquired Wisconsin Central in 2001, strengthening its position around Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and adding access to related regional rail assets. A proposed merger with BNSF was announced in 1999 but collapsed amid regulatory and industry opposition. CN expanded further through the operating-asset transaction involving BC Rail, the 2009 acquisition of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern, and purchases of regional railways and logistics companies. These moves reflected two complementary strategies: building a denser mainline network and adding local transport or supply-chain capabilities. The company also consolidated several subsidiaries into broader operating structures. In the twenty-first century, CN has remained focused on freight, intermodal transportation and logistics. Its network supports international ports, agricultural exports, mineral and energy shipments, forest products, automotive production and industrial supply chains. The company continues to operate across Canada and the central and southern United States, competing primarily on network breadth, connections to ports and terminals, operating reliability and the economics of long-haul rail transportation. Its history is consequently marked by three major transformations: state consolidation in the early twentieth century, the transfer of passenger services away from the railway, and privatization followed by North American network expansion.

2025
Iowa Northern acquisition approved
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
The Surface Transportation Board approved CN's acquisition of Iowa Northern Railway, a short line serving agricultural and biofuel traffic.
2018
TransX acquisition
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
CN acquired Winnipeg-based TransX to add trucking and logistics capabilities to its rail-oriented network.
2009
Elgin, Joliet and Eastern acquisition
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
CN acquired the Chicago-area belt railway to provide an alternative route around congested central Chicago.
2004
BC Rail operating-asset transaction closes
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
CN took over BC Rail's surface operating assets under a long-term arrangement while the province retained the rail infrastructure.
2001
Wisconsin Central acquisition
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
CN acquired Wisconsin Central and associated assets, improving its Great Lakes and Chicago connectivity.
1998
Illinois Central acquisition
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
CN acquired Illinois Central, adding a strategic Chicago-to-Gulf Coast corridor and reshaping the company's network around north–south traffic.
1995
Privatization
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
The Government of Canada completed CN's privatization through an initial public offering.
1978
Most passenger services transfer to Via Rail
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
Via Rail assumed most of CN's passenger operations, leaving CN principally focused on freight transportation.
1923
Grand Trunk system joins CN
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
The Grand Trunk Railway system was finally absorbed into the national railway, substantially completing the original consolidation.
1919
Canadian National Railways is incorporated
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
The Canadian National Railway Company was incorporated on June 6, 1919, bringing major government-controlled and acquired railway assets into a common system.
1918
Government control of Canadian Northern Railway
[1]Canadian National Railwayen.wikipedia.org
The Canadian government assumed majority control of the financially distressed Canadian Northern Railway and began organizing a unified national railway system.

Products and positioning

Large-scale North American freight railway and integrated supply-chain transportation provider

Rail freight · 1919
Carload freight
CN moves merchandise and bulk commodities in conventional railcars across Canada and the United States. Traffic includes grain and fertilizers, forest products, metals and minerals, petroleum and chemicals, coal, industrial materials and manufactured goods. These services use the railway's mainline network, classification yards, terminals and customer sidings to connect producers with ports, processors, distributors and end markets.
Intermodal logistics
Intermodal transportation
CN's intermodal business transports containers and trailers between marine terminals, rail ramps, distribution centres and inland markets. It integrates long-haul rail with drayage and terminal operations, supporting international imports and exports as well as domestic consumer and industrial supply chains. The offering is especially important on corridors linking Canadian ports and major United States markets.
Specialized freight
Automotive transportation
CN provides rail transportation for finished vehicles, parts and related automotive materials. Its service connects manufacturing plants, ports, inland terminals and distribution facilities in Canada and the United States. Specialized equipment and automotive logistics facilities support high-volume movements between production regions and consumer markets.
Bulk rail freight
Bulk commodity logistics
Bulk services move agricultural products, fertilizers, minerals, coal, petroleum products and other high-volume commodities. CN's port and elevator connections are particularly relevant to Canadian grain exports, while its United States network serves agricultural, energy and industrial customers. The railway combines train operations with terminals and storage-related logistics provided by customers or partners.
Logistics · 2018
Supply-chain and logistics services
Beyond core rail movement, CN supports customers through terminals, transload facilities, port connections, equipment and related logistics capabilities. Acquisitions such as TransX broadened the company's ability to participate in multimodal transportation. These services are designed to connect rail with trucking, marine shipping and industrial distribution rather than treating rail as an isolated product.

Controversies

2021
CN fined for pesticide spraying near the Skeena River
Canadian National Railway Co. was fined $2.5 million after pleading guilty to violating the Fisheries Act by using pesticides in or around waters frequented by fish. Government enforcement officers had observed pesticide spraying along the rail corridor in August 2017, and an investigation confirmed the pesticides were harmful to fish.
Source
2021
CN Rail fined for unauthorized herbicide spraying
CN Rail was fined $100,000 after pleading guilty to spraying pesticide without proper authorization along tracks in northwestern British Columbia; the spraying damaged nearby vegetation.
Source
2021
CN Rail fined $100,000 over pesticide application
CN Rail pleaded guilty in Prince Rupert court to applying pesticide to its tracks without the required Pest Management Plan and was sentenced to a $100,000 penalty. The Conservation Officer Service said the spraying damaged nearby vegetation.
Source
2020
Jackson sues Canadian National Railway over underpass closure
The city of Jackson sued Canadian National Railway and sought to have the company pay the full cost of reopening a blocked underpass. City officials said the closure created public health, safety and quality-of-life concerns. The railway had said it closed the road over safety concerns.
Source
2004
Controversy surrounding the BC Rail transaction
The sale of BC Rail's surface operating assets to CN drew accusations from opponents, including Canadian Pacific, that the provincial bidding process had been improperly structured. The government and CN denied wrongdoing. Related documents were subject to court restrictions because of a parallel investigation involving government aides.
Source

2018
TransX acquisitionM&A
Background
CN aimed to broaden its rail network with complementary trucking and logistics capabilities.
Action taken
CN acquired TransX Group of Companies, which continued to operate independently.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded CN's participation in multimodal and supply-chain services.
Source
2009
Elgin, Joliet and Eastern acquisitionM&A
Background
Chicago-area rail congestion constrained the movement of freight through the region.
Action taken
CN acquired the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway to provide a belt-route alternative around central Chicago.
Aftermath
CN obtained additional routing flexibility and a way to reduce reliance on congested Chicago interchange routes.
Source
2001
Wisconsin Central acquisitionM&A
Background
CN wanted to improve the efficiency of its routes around the Great Lakes and strengthen its Chicago connections.
Action taken
CN acquired Wisconsin Central and associated regional assets, including Algoma Central Railway interests.
Aftermath
The transaction created a denser network around Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and improved access to central United States markets.
Source
1999
Proposed merger with BNSFM&A
Background
CN and BNSF sought to combine their networks during a period of consolidation in the United States rail industry.
Action taken
The companies proposed creating North American Railways, headquartered in Montreal, but regulatory and industry opposition led to a merger moratorium and the withdrawal of the proposal.
Aftermath
CN and BNSF abandoned the transaction and did not refile the merger application.
- Canadian Pacific Railway — Canadian Pacific opposed the proposed combination.
- Union Pacific Railroad — Union Pacific was among the major rail companies opposing the proposed merger.
Source
1998
Illinois Central acquisitionM&A
Background
CN sought to extend beyond its traditional Canadian east–west system and create a more commercially integrated North American network.
Action taken
CN acquired Illinois Central and related Chicago Central assets, creating a continuous strategic connection between Canadian markets, Chicago, the Mississippi Valley and New Orleans.
Aftermath
The acquisition shifted CN's strategic emphasis toward north–south continental freight flows.
Source
1995
Privatization and public listingStrategy
Background
The Canadian government sought to commercialize CN after years of public ownership and operational restructuring.
Action taken
The company was privatized through an initial public offering, while legislation preserved Montreal as headquarters and limited the ownership concentration of any individual or corporation.
Aftermath
CN gained private ownership and capital-market access and subsequently pursued network rationalization and expansion in the United States.
Source

Recent events

2022-01-25
Canadian National Railway appoints Tracy Robinson CEO[8]加拿大国家铁路任命Tracy Robinson为首席执行官finanznachrichten.de
Reported: 2022-01-26
Canadian National Railway said it appointed Tracy Robinson as president and chief executive officer and as a board member, effective February 28, 2022.
2021-09-16
CN fined for pesticide spraying near the Skeena River[5]CN fined for pesticide spraying near the Skeena Riverwinnipegfreepress.com
Reported: 2021-09-16
Canadian National Railway Co. was fined $2.5 million after pleading guilty to violating the Fisheries Act by using pesticides in or around waters frequented by fish. Government enforcement officers had observed pesticide spraying along the rail corridor in August 2017, and an investigation confirmed the pesticides were harmful to fish.
2021-09-15
Kansas City Southern terminates Canadian National merger agreement[9]堪萨斯城南方铁路终止与加拿大国家铁路的合并协议finanznachrichten.de
Reported: 2021-09-15
Kansas City Southern terminated its merger agreement with Canadian National Railway after determining that Canadian Pacific's proposal remained a superior proposal.
2021-08-18
Class-action lawsuit alleges CN and CP railways contributed to Lytton wildfire[4]Jackson sues Canadian National Railway over underpass closurewinnipegfreepress.com
Reported: 2021-08-18
A proposed class-action lawsuit alleges Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railways caused or contributed to the wildfire that destroyed the Village of Lytton, British Columbia. The statement of claim alleges the fire was set off by heat or sparks from a CP freight train operated by CN employees on CN-owned tracks; the allegations have not been established as findings.
2021-05-27
CN Rail fined $100,000 over pesticide application[7]CN Rail fined $100,000 over pesticide applicationinfotel.ca
Reported: 2021-05-29
CN Rail pleaded guilty in Prince Rupert court to applying pesticide to its tracks without the required Pest Management Plan and was sentenced to a $100,000 penalty. The Conservation Officer Service said the spraying damaged nearby vegetation.
2021-05-27
CN Rail fined for unauthorized herbicide spraying[6]CN Rail fined for unauthorized herbicide sprayingcbc.ca
Reported: 2021-05-28
CN Rail was fined $100,000 after pleading guilty to spraying pesticide without proper authorization along tracks in northwestern British Columbia; the spraying damaged nearby vegetation.
2021-05-21
Kansas City Southern enters merger agreement with Canadian National[10]堪萨斯城南方铁路与加拿大国家铁路签订合并协议finanznachrichten.de
Reported: 2021-05-21
Kansas City Southern entered into a merger agreement with Canadian National Railway after determining CN’s proposal remained a superior proposal. Under the terms, each KCS common share would be exchanged for $200 in cash and 1.129 CN common shares.
2021-01-26
Canadian National reports fourth-quarter and full-year results[11]加拿大国家铁路公布第四季度及全年业绩ttnews.com
Reported: 2021-01-27
Canadian National Railway reported fourth-quarter net income up 16.9% year over year to C$1.02 billion and revenue up 2% to C$3.65 billion. Its full-year income declined 15.5% to C$3.56 billion and revenue fell 7.4% to C$13.8 billion.
2020-04-27
Jackson sues Canadian National Railway over underpass closure[3]Jackson sues Canadian National Railway over underpass closureclarionledger.com
Reported: 2020-04-27
The city of Jackson sued Canadian National Railway and sought to have the company pay the full cost of reopening a blocked underpass. City officials said the closure created public health, safety and quality-of-life concerns; the railway had said it closed the road over safety concerns.
2019-12-03
Canadian National Railway cuts 2019 profit guidance[12]加拿大国家铁路下调 2019 年利润指引finance.yahoo.com
Reported: 2019-12-03
Canadian National Railway cut its 2019 adjusted diluted earnings-per-share growth target to the low-to-mid single-digit range, citing the impact of an eight-day strike.

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