CN ships first grain unit train from expanded Illinois facility

Key facts

• CN and Total Grain Marketing (TGM) announced the shipment of the first unit train from TGM's expanded grain elevator in Lis, Illinois.
• The expansion at the Lis facility includes a new 115-car loop track, replacing a 25-car footprint.
• The project adds 3.1 million bushels of grain storage capacity.
• The facility can now receive up to 85,000 bushels of grain per hour.
• New shipping capacity allows unit trains to be loaded in as little as eight hours.

CN and Total Grain Marketing (TGM) announced that on September 16, 2026, CN shipped the first unit train from TGM’s recently expanded grain elevator at Lis, Illinois. This expansion marks the largest project in TGM's history, according to Ken Meinhart, Grain Division Manager for TGM. The project includes a new 115-car loop track, replacing the previous 25-car footprint, and significantly increases receiving, storage, and shipping capacity. The facility now boasts 3.1 million bushels of grain storage and can receive up to 85,000 bushels of grain per hour. The enhanced shipping capacity allows for unit trains to be loaded in as little as eight hours. CN stated that the operational efficiencies generated by this project will benefit TGM, its customers, and CN, improving the grain supply chain in CN’s Southern Region. CN continues to collaborate with partners on new projects to support economic growth and supply chain resilience.