Cando:
Keeping potash on track Cando Rail Services helps move 19 million tons of potash a year, handling approximately 90 per cent of all potash produced in Canada. Cando provides services ranging from unit train operations, to railcar switching, to air brake testing, and more. Cando helps its customers and the Class 1 railways come up with solutions to complex challenges that allow them to move massive volumes of potash more efficiently by rail. Another important part of the service Cando provides potash producers with comes from the company’s track expertise. Cando engineering crews have been providing track services at potash mines for decades and it’s a huge value-added service for customers. “We have the track expertise and equipment to provide things like track inspections, tie and rail change
Cando engineering crews have been providing track services at potash mines for decades and it’s a huge value-added service for customers.
with Canadian Rail Operating Rules, General Mine Safety Awareness, and TIGS. Cando can assess customer requirements based on their operations and provide the necessary crew and equipment to maintain, repair, and advise on track requirements.
frog and switch point changeouts. With eyes in the field and an experienced estimating team in office, Cando offers a full spectrum of rail services. Ongoing maintenance can alleviate costly repairs and is a safeguard against potential track failure.
outs, and snow removal on site so the
Cando also provides an experienced
With one of the best in-house safe-
customer can focus on what they do
track inspector to do annual inspec-
ty programs and with top ratings in
best – producing potash,” says Dave
tions. From those recommendations,
Peters, manager of engineering for
Cando will prepare a five-year rec-
Western Canada.
ommended maintenance plan with
Embedded track maintenance
budgetary numbers so customers
North America, customers’ track requirements are covered by a team with over 45 years of combined experience.
can plan appropriately for future
“We’re a phone call away from what-
To ensure customers can meet their
needs. Cando can also provide a CN-
ever the customer needs,” says Pe-
logistics deadlines, Cando works with
approved certified Red Seal welder
ters. “We can do extra inspections,
existing potash producers providing
for switch component welding and
help with a derail or perform a quick
on-site embedded track maintenance
grinding
regular
maintenance job to make sure their
crews to monitor and repair tracks
welding and grinding maintenance
tracks are in good shape and within
during operations. Embedded crew
program can extend the life of turn-
operating standards. If they have any
personnel are trained and qualified
out components by years and reduce
track issues, we’re there.” s
maintenance.
A
Embedded track maintenance A key aspect to Cando’s service is long-term track maintenance contracts where Cando crews are on the ground providing track maintenance experience on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis for the customer. The client can customize their daily, weekly or monthly plan to include whatever track requirements suit their needs. Light and medium maintenance services include: • Track inspection • Track upgrades (including design/build)
48 PotashWorks 2021
• T hermite welding and destressing • Rail joint build up • Switch grinding • T ie and rail change out • Surfacing and alignment • A djusting switches and complete turnout replacements/installations • C rossing replacements and repairs • T rack remediation services such as replacement of failed sub-ballast • S now and ice removal • Derailment assistance and repairs • Evaluating track assets and catering a multi-year maintenance plan to suit