Canadian Pacific recently announced it will further develop its ‘long train strategy’ in 2012.
As part of CP’s previously announced 2011 capital expansion program, the Company’s installation of new and extended sidings in several key regions throughout its network will allow CP to further benefit from current double digit increases in train lengths.
By the end of 2013, the railway is targeting an 11 per cent increase in transcontinental train lengths by adding growing volumes into existing trains.
CP currently operates intermodal trains up to 12,000 feet long, an increase of 40 per cent since 2008.
The benefits of long trains include reduced fuel consumption, capital maintenance and labour savings, and improved safety and efficiency.
Long trains also offer important benefits to CP’s customers, as they are adaptive to traffic flows and service oriented.
“Long trains are the cornerstone of CP’s operating strategy,” said CP EVP Operations Mike Franczak.
“By increasing train lengths and realising strategic long siding investments, CP is maximizing productivity and service, while reducing labour costs and increasing fuel efficiency”
Mr. Franczak added, “Longer trains allow CP to respond to volume variability without adding extra train starts or leaving business behind, thus improving service for our customers.”
Similar capital investments in the western end of CP’s network are enabling potash train sizes to increase by 20 per cent and unit coal train sizes to increase by 18 per cent.
CP has been at the forefront of designing and running long trains using locotrol technology for remote locomotive operations and TrAM, its state-of-the art train area marshaling software.
TrAM’s advanced technology ensures that in-train forces are kept within safe standards, reducing wear on track infrastructure.
