class action against cn cpr

[Hopperbin]

Are we not due? Farmers against railroads.

[bucket]

Good idea. But finding a law firm not in conflict of interest would be the struggle.

[wilagro]

Perhaps we need more GOVERNMENT REGULATION when it comes to monopolies in the transportation of ALL goods.

You won't get it from the Liberals or the !@#$%^ Conservatives.

[rockpile]

On what grounds? Did they breech a written contract you signed with them or what?

[Braveheart]

We feel the pain Hopper, but in a class action like you propose the winners would be lawyers.

[Braveheart]

Here's another idea. The gov't provides investment tax credit for any company to build grain elevators close to BNSF lines, starting in SK where the hurt is felt the most. In some cases they would be on the line, in others close enough that interswitching limits would be in effect.

Next, the monies levelled when the railroads exceed the revenue cap should be used to build the infrastructure including highways, bridges, etc to the new facilities.

Level of service strictly enforced and fines for nonperformance used to build more infrastructure to competition.

[Hopperbin]

Brave if the lawyer wins we also would in a class action. I dont care if their fee is 100 million. Could be a few million it for several individuals to prove poor service is costing us billions. Rockpile the grounds are poor service. The system is not working well. There are a lot of issues involved in poor service. Like moving grain out of one area over another. Like not allowing oats to be shipped south. Not allowing running rights. Not making strategic investment. The list could go on of course. There are a few individuals who could give a lawyer enough info to take a hard look at it.Its not me of course . Just think someone like larry webber could. The pay back could be huge.

[rockpile]

Hopper, this was talked about over 25 years ago when they started ripping out branch lines. The trouble is, the CTA only defines "a reasonable expectation of service and availability for all shippers". Nowhere does it say "how"or "how much to whom". The problem is you have public shareholder ownership of a very strategic part of the survival and profitability of every aspect of the Canadian economy, because of the nature of the beast. And I'd remind you, a class action suit would take at least 8 to 10 years to resolve. And more importantly, it would absolve Government from any responsibility during that time period because "it is before the courts". I've thought long and hard about this, sat on several reviews and Committees, and have come to only one conclusion: nationalize the damn rail beds and the iron. But we all know that will never happen. So, do what you can to reduce your reliance on rail.

[Hopperbin]

I am not convinced public ownership is the problem. A class action can be placed on a public company. How come in the usa the shippers appear to take no shit. And we do. They have also public traded companies.

[Braveheart]

US shippers are taking lots of shit, last year and this year maybe worse. If and that's if there are sales, cars are either not easily available, or command a huge premium to book.

[Hopperbin]

Although it was talked about 25 years ago. Does it hurt to relook at it. Things have changed. But you bring up the question. Who is at fault. I am sure cn cpr would like to blame poor service every where they can. But could they really. As a class one truck driver the only person resonsible in an accident even if the boss is directing traffic is the driver. Cn and cpr are the drivers.

[Hopperbin]

look at usa corn production increase over the years. Now that is a challenge for shippers.

[freewheat]

Here is an idea. We grow something that does not need to be shipped by rail.

[freewheat]

Here is an idea. We grow something that does not need to be shipped by rail.

[Hopperbin]

And that is????? I am sure the rr lawyer will try that one also. Problem is if the judge dont know shit then just bullshit him. There we can bullshit the judge. We win. Everyone go home.