Ahead of looming deadlines, it's unclear whether either situation will resolve in time to avert these twin crises, or how long any potential work stoppages might last.

The investment will contribute to the development of infrastructure, and play a vital role in boosting Pakistan's economy, said Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh.

Both companies said their gradual shutdown would ensure hazardous and vulnerable shipments aren’t stranded if a settlement isn’t reached by August 22.

Both CN and CPKC began to embargo shipments of toxic chemicals such as chlorine and ammonia on August 12.

Canada's Industrial Labor Board ruled on August 9 that there are no critical shipments that would be required to continue in the event of a strike.

Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon met with railways and the union on August 5 to "discuss the government's expectations in their collective bargaining negotiations."

The Railway Association of Canada says that more than half of the country's exports are moved by rail each year, worth an estimated $200 billion.

The British railway network plans to invest £2.8 billion ($3.6 billion) over the next five years to keep trains running safely even with “more frequent and extreme weather” conditions. 

The railroad has routinely given freight trains preference over passenger trains along a 1,140-mile stretch of the Crescent Route, a violation of federal law.

The optimism suggests one of the last industries still beset by pandemic-era disruptions may be finally recovering.