Winter Weather Update: Ensuring Safe and Reliable Logistics Operations – December 20, 2024
Dear Valued Customer,
As severe cold conditions grip parts of Canada, we want to assure you that the safety of our employees, communities, and the goods we transport remains our top priority. To that end, our logistics partners have implemented enhanced safety measures to navigate the challenges posed by extreme winter weather.
Severe cold and heavy snowfall can significantly impact rail operations, particularly the braking systems. To maintain safe operations, a tiered system is used to adjust train lengths when temperatures drop below -25°C.
At -25°C (Tier 1): Train lengths are restricted to a maximum of 10,000 feet.
At -31°C (Tier 2): The maximum train length is reduced further to 8,500 feet.
At -36°C (Tier 2): Train lengths are further restricted to 8,500 feet, with additional safety measures in place.
These tier restrictions often require additional train starts—up to three in certain cases—to safely transport the same volume of goods. While these adjustments are essential for maintaining safety, they may lead to increased operational complexity, particularly as multiple corridors experience severe weather simultaneously.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to minimizing disruptions and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of your goods during these challenging conditions. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to your account representative.
Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we navigate this winter season together.
Warm regards,
The M-O Team