How Cando and Suncor Built a Trusted, Network-Wide Rail Partnership Through Performance and Solutions
“Suncor comes to us because they know we understand their operations and can find practical solutions. Whether it’s in-yard switching, transloading, or terminal services, our focus is always on improving reliability and creating real value.”
Josh McInnes, Manager, Sales & Industrial Development
Suncor operates large, complex industrial facilities where rail plays a central role in moving products safely and efficiently. As volumes and service needs grew across the network, Suncor required a rail partner capable of more than basic switching services. They needed a trusted provider with the experience, flexibility, and network reach to support evolving operational demands across multiple locations and regions. Suncor sought a partner that could integrate seamlessly into its operations, improve efficiency, add capacity where needed, and provide consistent service across locations. Most importantly, the company needed a rail provider capable of addressing challenges proactively and delivering practical solutions as issues arose.
Cando’s integrated, network-based approach has enabled Suncor to increase efficiency, improve railcar velocity, and achieve greater production certainty across its operations. At the Edmonton refinery, switching and indexing services are expected to increase loading capacity by 50% while allowing CPKC to drop and lift cars in a single move, saving time and resources.
Through transloading services at Sturgeon, Enterprise, and Milton, Cando supports the movement of diesel, gasoline, and ethanol into key markets, including additional rail capacity to move product out to market from the Edmonton region, the Northwest Territories mining sector, and the Greater Toronto Area. National railcar storage capabilities across multiple terminals provide Suncor with increased flexibility, improved fleet utilization, and reduced demurrage costs.
Additionally, Cando’s value-added terminal services, including product sampling and rapid-turn fleet inspections demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver customized solutions that support Suncor’s broader supply chain needs.
2020
In-yard switching services begin at Suncor sites in Thunder Bay and Oakville.
2020-2023
Scope of services expands to include railcar offloading assistance and external railcar cleaning.
2024
Transloading services launched at Sturgeon, Enterprise, and Milton to support fuel and ethanol movements.
2024-2025
National railcar storage provided across multiple Cando terminals, improving flexibility and fleet utilization.
2025
Value-added terminal services delivered, including jet fuel sampling at Southlands and fleet inspections at Sarnia.
2026 (Planned)
Switching and railcar indexing operations begin at Suncor’s Edmonton refinery, as well as transloading services at Winnipeg, increasing loading capacity and improving reliability.
With more than 47 years of rail operations experience and over 55 locations across North America, Cando brings proven expertise in first-mile and last-mile rail services, terminal operations, and infrastructure development. Supported by long-standing relationships with CN and CPKC and trackage rights at more than 30 locations, Cando helps customers like Suncor optimize their rail supply chains safely, efficiently, and reliably.