Cargo moving through the port of Halifax may be experiencing delays due to the recent snowstorm. Over 3 feet of snow fell total, closing the port on Thursday and Friday. At this time, we cannot access the impact of the snowstorm until the port re-opens. An update can be expected Monday, 2/23/2004.

CANADIAN NATIONAL (CN) RAILROAD STRIKE/LABOR ACTION

The CN railroad is on strike as of 0001 hours Feb 20. However, operations are functional but delays are possible. Please note below update from CN and updates will continue to be posted on CN's website, www.CN.ca.

CN to keep trains rolling as CAW plans strike at 0001 hours Feb. 20

MONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2004 - CN is activating its contingency plan to maintain operations across Canada after the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union stated tonight it will strike the company at 0001 hours Feb. 20, 2004.

CN will operate normal freight schedules, with management staff performing key CAW functions. However, shippers may experience some delays.

CN and the CAW adjourned talks this evening after the two sides, aided by federal mediators, could not come to terms on new agreements. Earlier this week the CAW said its CN membership had rejected three tentative agreements negotiated by the company and union on Jan. 23, 2004.

CN has no plans at this time for further discussions with the CAW.

The CAW represents approximately 5,000 CN shopcraft, clerical and intermodal yard employees in Canada. The union's current contracts expired at the end of 2003.

Our Services which call Halifax / Montreal are: PAX, A-SHIP, AEX, SLCS.

CSX DERAILMENT

We have been advised of a train derailment on the CSX Riverline, in Haverstraw N.Y. on 2-19-04.

The derailment, which occured inside a single track tunnel, has stopped all trains routed to and from the Port of New York moving via the CSX Riverline.

No CSX Trains are currently moving to or from ramps serviced by this line, inclusive of Express Rail, Pnct Rail, CSX Little Ferry and (partially) CSX Kearny.

Present congestion and car shortages at New York ramps will worsen and can only have a domino effect in all directions until the line is cleared.

It is anticipated service on the CSX Riverline could resume on 2-21-04 but this has yet to be announced