CALGARY, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific
(TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) today 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 realizing
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.
Note on forward-looking information
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements
relating but not limited to our operations, anticipated financial
performance and business prospects. Undue reliance should not
be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may
differ materially.
By its nature, CP's forward-looking information involves
numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, including
but not limited to the following factors: changes in business
strategies; general North American and global economic, credit and
business conditions; risks in agricultural production such as
weather conditions and insect populations; the availability and
price of energy commodities; the effects of competition and pricing
pressures; industry capacity; shifts in market demand; inflation;
changes in laws and regulations, including regulation of rates;
changes in taxes and tax rates; potential increases in maintenance
and operating costs; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings
or other types of claims and litigation; labour disputes; risks and
liabilities arising from derailments; transportation of dangerous
goods; timing of completion of capital and maintenance projects;
currency and interest rate fluctuations; effects of changes in
market conditions and discount rates on the financial position of
pension plans and investments, including long-term floating rate
notes; and various events that could disrupt operations, including
severe weather, droughts, floods, avalanches and earthquakes as
well as security threats and governmental response to them, and
technological changes. Other risks are detailed from time to
time in reports filed by CP with securities regulators in
Canada and the United States. Reference should be
made to "Management's Discussion and Analysis" in CP's annual and
interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F.
Except as required by law, CP undertakes no obligation to update
publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information,
whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) operates a North American
transcontinental railway providing freight transportation services,
logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Incorporating
best-in-class technology and environmental practices, CP is
re-defining itself as a modern 21st century transportation company
built on safety, service reliability and operational efficiency.
Visit cpr.ca and see how Canadian Pacific is Driving the Digital
Railway.
SOURCE Canadian Pacific