SPECIALTY RAILROAD
Central Manitoba Railway (CEMR)
Central Manitoba Railway: Manitoba’s 67-mile Shortline Connects Over 20 Industrial Customers with Daily 24/7 Service CEMR, owned by Cando Rail & Terminals, operates a dedicated shortline network from East Selkirk to Carman, providing critical freight links for grain, fertilizer, paper, fuel, steel, and chemicals.
Company Overview
Central Manitoba Railway (CEMR) operates one of North America's most focused shortline freight rail networks, connecting businesses across southern Manitoba with safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The network spans approximately 67 miles, serving over 20 industrial customers and interchanging with both Canadian National and Canadian Pacific in Winnipeg.
FOUNDING HISTORY & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
CEMR was founded in 1999 by Cando Contracting Ltd. following the acquisition of Canadian National’s Pine Falls and Carman subdivisions.
HEADQUARTERS & OPERATIONAL BASES
The headquarters of Central Manitoba Railway is located at 2675 Day Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2C 2Z2. This facility serves as the operational hub, housing offices, a transload facility, a railcar storage yard, and a comprehensive railcar and locomotive repair shop..
LEADERSHIP & EMPLOYEES
Our People Drive Excellence
Key Leadership
Tom Mangnall serves as General Manager – Operations of Central Manitoba Railway. The executive team includes experienced leaders from Cando Rail & Terminals, with backgrounds in rail operations, engineering, and logistics. The leadership team is responsible for strategic direction, safety, and customer service, ensuring the railway meets the needs of its diverse industrial clientele.
Employee Demographics
Central Manitoba Railway employs approximately 50 people, with about 40 serving as skilled craftspeople, maintenance workers, and service teams. The workforce is primarily focused on operations, engineering, and customer service, with a strong emphasis on safety and technical expertise.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
Strategic Regional Operations
Major Operating Facilities
Major facilities include the Winnipeg Terminal in North Transcona, which features offices, a transload facility, a railcar storage yard, and a 12,000-square-foot maintenance facility for locomotive and railcar repairs. The Pine Falls subdivision operates from northeast Winnipeg to Selkirk, while the Carman subdivision runs from Carman Junction to Graysville, Manitoba. The network also includes private railcar storage for over 700 cars.
Site Certifications
Central Manitoba Railway adheres to all Transport Canada and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety and operational standards. The company has received recognition for its safety record and maintains compliance with industry best practices, though specific ISO or environmental certifications are not publicly listed.
EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Regional Equipment & Technology
Container Types & Equipment
CEMR handles a variety of railcar types, including boxcars for paper and lumber, covered hoppers for grain and fertilizer, tank cars for chemicals and fuel, and flatcars for steel products. The network is equipped to manage both full carload and less-than-carload shipments, with railcar capacities tailored to customer needs.
Technology Platforms
The railway utilizes modern tracking and dispatch systems to manage train movements and customer shipments. CEMR offers a customer portal for shipment status, billing, and service requests, and employs digital tools for maintenance scheduling and operational efficiency.
Network Coverage & Market Position
Geographic Scope
Central Manitoba Railway serves the province of Manitoba, operating approximately 67 route miles between East Selkirk and Carman. Key corridors include the Pine Falls and Carman subdivisions, with daily interchanges in Winnipeg connecting to national and international markets.
Strategic Partnerships
CEMR maintains strategic partnerships with Canadian National and Canadian Pacific, interchanging at Symington Yard and Transcona Yard in Winnipeg. These relationships enable seamless freight movement across North America and support a diverse customer base.
Carrier Partners & Regional Networks
- Carrier CollaborationsThe railway collaborates with vessel carriers and trucking partners through interline agreements, facilitating multimodal logistics solutions for customers shipping to and from Manitoba. These collaborations enhance service flexibility and reach.
- Freight Network MembershipsCentral Manitoba Railway is a member of industry associations such as the Railway Association of North America and participates in regional freight networks and trade organizations to stay aligned with industry standards and best practices.
FINANCIAL METRICS & STABILITY
Regional Focus & Operational Efficiency
Annual Revenue
In 2024, Central Manitoba Railway reported a pre-tax profit of $3 million on revenues of $18 million. The company’s operating ratio improved to 78 percent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency.
Investments & Acquisitions
Recent capital investments include upgrades to the Winnipeg Terminal and maintenance facility, totaling over $2 million in the past three years. There have been no major acquisitions since the original purchase of the CN subdivisions in 1999.
SERVICE PORTFOLIO
Comprehensive Regional Transportation
Core Logistics Services
Central Manitoba Railway offers a range of logistics services, including full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) shipments. Additional services include transloading, railcar storage, railcar and locomotive repair, and customized switching solutions for industrial customers.
Digital Offerings
CEMR has launched a new customer portal to enhance self-service capabilities and improve day-to-day activities for its clients. Additionally, the company offers digital tools for shipment tracking and maintenance requests, supporting seamless integration with customer systems.
INDUSTRY REPUTATION & NEWS
Regional Transportation Leadership
Recent Developments
Central Manitoba Railway is actively working to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. The company has implemented 24/7 operations and expanded its engineering team to improve track maintenance and reliability. Recent upgrades to the Winnipeg Terminal have increased capacity for railcar storage and transloading.
Awards & Certifications
CEMR’s Site Certification Program has identified optimal rail-served sites and conducts in-depth reviews to ensure readiness for development. This program aims to minimize development risks for customers and enhance supply chain efficiency.
ANALYSIS & FUTURE OUTLOOK
Regional market position and growth strategies
Strengths
- Strong daily interchange connections with both Canadian National and Canadian Pacific in Winnipeg
- Dedicated 24/7 operations and in
- house engineering expertise for track maintenance and repair
- Flexible service offerings tailored to diverse industrial customers in southern Manitoba
Challenges
- Limited network size compared to larger regional or Class 1 railroads
- Reliance on interchange partners for broader market access
Opportunities
- Continued investment in infrastructure and technology to support growth
- Expansion of services hubs and intermodal facilities to enhance service offerings
Risks
- Economic downturns are affecting freight volumes
- Operational disruptions due to external factors such as labor disputes or regulatory changes