CN Seeks $1.4 Million from Amtrak for Freight Delays in 2024

CN proposed an operating agreement requiring Amtrak to pay $1.4 million for freight train delays in 2024, according to its filing with the Surface Transportation Board on July 22, 2025. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Both CN and Amtrak responded to an STB request for additional details on 14 key points in their ongoing dispute over operating terms. The disagreement dates back to 2013, leaving Amtrak under an agreement from 2011.

CN Pushes for Delay Penalties in New Agreement

Traditionally, agreements addressed freight delays impacting passenger trains, but CN now seeks penalties for disruptions caused by Amtrak.

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The filing describes a detailed cost-calculation method, though much of it remains redacted. CN claims it can now quantify incremental costs linked directly to Amtrak and proposes charging per hour of freight delay.

The company insists its formula is conservative, suggesting actual costs are higher. It also expressed willingness to work with Amtrak to create a simplified calculation method for penalties.

Amtrak Disputes CN’s Compensation Claims

Amtrak strongly opposes the plan, arguing that federal law gives it operational preference over freight. Therefore, CN cannot seek payment for following this statutory obligation. Amtrak also notes CN benefits from not providing its own passenger services.

Additionally, Amtrak contends these costs are not “incremental” because they arise from CN operating its own freight trains, not from Amtrak using CN’s facilities.

Both companies addressed an STB question about whether host railroads should compensate Amtrak when cancellations result from the host’s decisions. Amtrak supports such a requirement, calling it essential for accountability.

CN rejects this, arguing it would need legislative change and fundamentally alter relationships with passengers and hosts. The railroad says such compensation is unreasonable because it has no control over ticketing policies and no direct contractual link with Amtrak passengers.

Amtrak counters that without compensation rules, CN faces no responsibility for delays affecting passengers or for the costs Amtrak incurs to accommodate them.

Source: www.trains.com

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