Canadian Railroads > ex-BC lumber traffic

CN discontinued most freight service on the former BC, but in the U.S. lumber prices have skyrocketed.  A 4x8 sheet of OSB plywood went from $10 per sheet to $30.  And many kinds of wood are not available at any price.  Does this effect the former BC rail lines and their wood products?   

House construction is very strong, and rebuilding and renovation of existing homes is strong as well.  I am assuming the demand has a positive effect on Canadian lumber mills.  

Bought a nice bundle of 2x4s last summer to finish the basement and they were a product of Canada. Not sure where exactly, but yes, even then, lumber availability and pricing was a big concern.

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;A lot of BC lumber is trucked to reload facilities on the US side (like Sumas WA). Also a lot of lumber in out of BC on the BNSF..no idea where the cars are loaded.. There are trains off the old BCR.RB

Canadian lumber shipped to the US is still subject to significant tariffs and limitations.  Part of the problem is a Softwood Lumber Agreement that raises prices in the US for Canadian lumber.  The former Trump administration raised certain tariffs against Canada, causing dispute resolution in both North American Free Trade and World Trade Organization protocols.

In South Florida, a lot of lumber hauled on the railroads comes from the Carolinas, Maine, and New Brunswick.

Here's a summary of the issue in Door and Window magazine...

https://www.dwmmag.com/disputes-over-softwood-lumber-rage-on-following-tariff-reduction/

 

The BC Rail lumber traffic takes an eastward turn at Prince George and follows the CN to market. The big millls are in the middle of BC rail territory, instead of exiting at the south end they go with the CN routing. It would appear to be more mileage under one flag.

Thanks for the info on the latest agreements.

Thanks for the background info! 
Craig
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