Lockout shuts down Canada's freight rails for hours

• A prolonged shutdown would've been a huge blow to Canada's economy that could have eventually sparked inflation in the U.S.
• The U.S. relies on Canadian rail for fertilizer, lumber and auto parts shipments.

By the numbers: Moody's estimated the shutdown would've cost Canada about $250 million a day, a rate equal to about 4% of the country's GDP.

State of play: The two sides are deadlocked. The companies say the union isn't bargaining in good faith; the union says management is not seriously considering its offers.

What's next: It could take as long as a week to get rail shipments moving normally again.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with details on the stoppage end.