35  / SERVICE EXCELLENCE Average train length of 7,388 feet in 2019 increased by 75 feet, or 1%, compared with 7,313 feet in 2018. This was a result of improvements in operating plan efficiency and increased Intermodal volumes which move on longer trains. This increase was partially offset by the implementation of CP's winter contingency plan in the first quarter of 2019 resulting in shorter and lighter trains within the operating plan. Average train length of 7,313 feet in 2018 increased by 99 feet, or 1%, from 7,214 feet in 2017. This was a result of improvements in operating plan efficiency and increased Intermodal and Potash volumes, which move in longer trains. Average terminal dwell  is defined as the average time a freight car resides within terminal boundaries expressed in hours. The timing starts with a train arriving at the terminal, a customer releasing the car to the Company, or a car arriving at interchange from another railway. The timing ends when the train leaves, a customer receives the car from CP, or the freight car is transferred to another railway. Freight cars are excluded if they are being stored at the terminal or used in track repairs. Average terminal dwell of 6.4 hours in 2019 decreased by 6% from 6.8 hours in 2018. This favourable decrease was due to improved network fluidity. Average terminal dwell of 6.8 hours in 2018 increased by 3% from 6.6 hours in 2017. This unfavourable increase was primarily due to: Average train speed  is defined as a measure of the line-haul movement from origin to destination including terminal dwell hours. It is calculated by dividing the total train miles travelled by the total train hours operated. This calculation does not include delay time related to customers or foreign railways and excludes the time and distance travelled by: i) trains used in or around CP’s yards; ii) passenger trains; and iii) trains used for repairing track. Average train speed was 22.2 mph in 2019, an increase of 3%, from 21.5 mph in 2018. This increase in speed was due to the completion of network infrastructure projects, partially offset by the impact of harsh winter operating conditions and network disruptions in the first quarter of 2019. Average train speed in 2018 was 21.5 mph, a decrease of 5%, from 22.6 mph in 2017. This decrease was primarily due to: This decrease was partially offset by the completion of roadway capital programs, resulting in improved network fluidity in the fourth quarter of 2018. Fuel efficiency  is defined as U.S. gallons of locomotive fuel consumed per 1,000 GTMs. Fuel consumed includes gallons used in freight, yard and commuter service but excludes fuel used in capital projects and other non-freight activities. Fuel efficiency for 2019 of 0.955 U.S. gallons/1,000 GTMs was flat compared to 2018, and improved by 3% in 2018 compared to 2017. The improvement in fuel efficiency in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to improved productivity from running longer trains. An  employee  is defined by the Company as an individual currently engaged in full-time, part-time or seasonal employment with CP. The average number of total employees for 2019 increased by 347 compared with 2018. This increase was primarily due to growth in workload as measured in GTMs. The total number of employees as at December 31, 2019 was 12,694, a decrease of 146, or 1%, compared to 12,840 as at December 31, 2018, due to more efficient resource planning and reduced workload in the fourth quarter, partially offset by the addition of CMQ Canada employees. The average number of total employees for 2018 increased by 673, compared to 2017. This increase was primarily due to growth in volumes. The total number of employees as at December 31, 2018 was 12,840, an increase of 625, or 5%, compared to 12,215 as at December 31, 2017, which was in line with volume growth and volume growth expectations. Workforce  is defined as total employees plus contractors and consultants. The total workforce as at December 31, 2019 was 12,732, a decrease of 134, or 1%, compared to 12,866 as at December 31, 2018, due to more efficient resource planning. The workforce as at December 31, 2018 was 12,866, an increase of 572, or 5%, compared to 12,294 as at December 31, 2017, which was in line with volume growth and volume growth expectations. Safety is a key priority and core strategy for CP’s management, employees and Board of Directors. The Company’s two main safety indicators – personal injuries and train accidents – follow strict U.S. Federal Railroad Administration ("FRA") reporting guidelines. The  FRA personal injuries per 200,000 employee-hours  frequency is the number of personal injuries, multiplied by 200,000 and divided by total employee hours. Personal injuries are defined as injuries that require employees to lose time away from work, modify their normal duties or obtain medical treatment Safety Indicators Total Employees and Workforce • network disruptions from labour negotiations in the second quarter of 2018; • harsher weather conditions and increased network disruptions in the first quarter of 2018; and • higher volumes in the second half of the year and increased delays from accelerated track and roadway capital programs in the third quarter of 2018. • network disruptions from labour negotiations in the second quarter of 2018; • harsher weather conditions and increased network disruptions in the first quarter of 2018; and • higher volumes and increased delays from accelerated track and roadway capital programs in the third quarter of 2018.