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 outs, and snow removal on site so the customer can focus on what they do best – producing potash,” says Dave Peters, manager of engineering for Western Canada.

Embedded track maintenance

to ensure customers can meet their logistics deadlines, Cando works with existing potash producers providing on-site embedded track maintenance crews to monitor and repair tracks during operations. embedded crew personnel are trained and qualified

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.

Cando also provides an experienced track inspector to do annual inspections. from those recommendations, Cando will prepare a five-year recommended maintenance plan with budgetary numbers so customers can plan appropriately for future needs. Cando can also provide a CNapproved certified red seal welder for switch component welding and grinding maintenance. a regular welding and grinding maintenance program can extend the life of turnout components by years and reduce 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. With one of the best in-house safety programs and with top ratings in North america, customers’ track requirements are covered by a team with over 45 years of combined experience.

“We’re a phone call away from whatever the customer needs,” says Peters. “We can do extra inspections, help with a derail or perform a quick maintenance job to make sure their tracks are in good shape and within operating standards. If they have any track issues, we’re there.” s

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) • Thermite welding and destressing • Rail joint build up • Switch grinding • Tie and rail change out • Surfacing and alignment • Adjusting switches and complete turnout replacements/installations • Crossing replacements and repairs • Track remediation services such as replacement of failed sub-ballast • Snow and ice removal • Derailment assistance and repairs • Evaluating track assets and catering a multi-year maintenance plan to suit