In a historic first for Canada, freight traffic on the country’s two largest railways, Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC), has come to a complete stop following a lockout of 9,300 engineers, conductors, and yard workers. This unprecedented work stoppage, which began after both rail companies and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference failed to reach a new contract before the midnight deadline, has sent shockwaves through the supply chain, affecting industries from agriculture to retail.

However, despite the widespread disruption, Buchner Manufacturing is pleased to reassure its customers that our operations remain fully unaffected by this railway lockout. Our commitment to producing and distributing high-quality exterior building materials continues uninterrupted, thanks to our strategically managed logistics and supply chain resilience.

A key factor in our continued operations is the sourcing of our coils from the USA, which are all shipped by truck tractor trailers. This logistical strategy ensures that our supply chain is not reliant on the railways, which are currently immobilized. In contrast, many of our competitors source their coils from overseas. These shipments typically land at ports in British Columbia and are then loaded onto rail to be transported across the country. With the current rail lockout, those relying on this method will likely face significant delays and disruptions.

The lockout, which has already impacted the movement of $1 billion worth of goods each day, according to the Railway Association of Canada, is expected to cause significant delays across various sectors. Many shipments were pre-emptively halted to avoid stranding cargo, and businesses across Canada are bracing for further challenges as negotiations remain at a standstill. The Teamsters Union has begun setting up picket lines across the country, and commuter train services in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have been severely disrupted due to the lack of traffic controllers.

At Buchner Manufacturing, our extensive network of suppliers and transportation partners has ensured that our supply chain remains intact. We understand the importance of timely deliveries, especially in the construction industry, and we have taken proactive measures to secure alternative transportation routes to keep our products flowing smoothly.

While many businesses are facing uncertainty, we remain fully operational and committed to supporting our customers’ needs. Our aluminum siding, metal roofing, and other exterior building materials continue to be available without delay. We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to challenges and maintain our exceptional service standards, even in the face of industry-wide disruptions.

As the railway lockout continues to unfold, we will closely monitor the situation and remain transparent with our customers about any potential impacts. For now, you can rest assured that Buchner Manufacturing is well-positioned to weather this storm, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with the reliability and quality you expect from us.

Source: CP24 News (adapted from the article published on August 22, 2024).