REGINA, Sask. — The Canadian Transportation Agency (CRA) has concluded that Canadian National (CN) Rail failed to fulfill its common carrier obligations during the 2000-2001 crop year.

The decision came after a week-long CTA hearing following complaints issued by Naber Seed and Grain.

After hearing testimony from both sides, the CTA concluded that CN didn’t provide adequate and suitable service by rationing the allocation of hopper cars for the shipping of special crop products, such as peas, chick peas and lentils. The CTA went on to say CN’s grain handling and transportation system isn’t suitable to meet the needs of special crop shippers, but is more honed towards grain shippers.

"The delivery of cars to (Naber) during the complaint period was restricted and the car shortage experienced by Naber was severe at times with consequent adverse effects on its operations," the CTA concluded. "The evidence produced during the proceedings clearly demonstrates that this practice does not suit the specific transportation requirements of special crop shippers and in particular, those of Naber."

Through the hearing, Naber appealed to the CTA to allow rival Hudson Bay Railway Company to operate its trains over a portion of CN lines. The CTA, however, is seeking other ways to remedy the situation. It has ordered a series of 11 operational measures regarding everything from car ordering, allocation, spotting and other elements that will help alleviate level-of-service problems.