BNSF lays off 95 mechanical workers in Nebraska
BNSF Railway has reduced its mechanical workforce in Nebraska by 95 people. The employees were located in Alliance, which is losing 83 workers, and Lincoln, where 12 workers were let go. BNSF
Author: David C. Lester
Union Pacific drops Cold Connect refrigerated train service
Union Pacific announced that it is discontinuing its refrigerated rail car and supply chain service offered under the marketing brand Cold Connect. The service began in 2017 when the railroad purchased three
Cyberattacks may threaten operation of rail freight network
Operating a freight railroad has always been a challenge. While the North American network is generally safe and well-maintained, there are multiple headaches to deal with. Maintaining a sound right-of-way to minimize
Amtrak announces passenger face mask requirement and limited restart of Acela service
After weeks of nearly no ridership, and the halt of Acela service in the northeast corridor, Amtrak announced yesterday that on Monday, May 11, passengers will be required to wear face masks
BNSF announces furloughs and shop closures impacting 243 employees
BNSF this week announced the furlough of 28 workers in the Topeka, Kan. mechanical department, and the closure of maintenance facilities in Glendive, Montana and Donkey Creek and Guernsey, Wyoming. The closure
Canadian National sets new grain movement records
Canadian National announced this week that it moved a record amount of grain in April 2020. Here is the company’s press release about this record. “Canadian National announced that, after having its
U.S. Department of Transportation announces more than $22 million in grants to restore and enhance intercity passenger rail network
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced more than $22 million in grant funding to three projects that collectively span eight states. Funding is provided through FRA’s Restoration
Rail traffic drops to lowest level since 1989
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 2, 2020, as well as volumes for April 2020. U.S. railroads originated 980,535 carloads in April
Washington, D.C. Metro leverages summer drop in ridership to work on the railroad
While the coronavirus is beyond horrible, and has impacted rail passenger ridership on Amtrak, commuter rail, and city transit lines, several roads have said they will use the reduced frequency of trains
Canadian Pacific hauls a record amount of grain in April 2020, the most grain movement in a month in company’s 139-year history
Canadian Pacific is proud to report another record-setting month in the movement of Canadian grain and grain products. In April, CP moved a best-ever monthly total of 2.8 million metric tonnes (MMT)
CP donates $1 million to four North American charities providing critical supplies and relief in the COVID-19 battle
Canadian Pacific is donating $1 million to four North American charities working on the front lines to help people impacted by COVID-19. In Canada, CP will donate C$350,000 to The Frontline Fund
BNSF reports Q1 2020 financial results
BNSF released its Q1 2020 financial results this weekend. Statement of Income (in millions) Q1 – 2020 Q1 – 2019 Q/Q % Change Total revenues $ 5,417 $ 5,762 (6)% Operating expenses
Union Pacific furloughs majority of workers at Jenks Locomotive Facility
Union Pacific announced that it is furloughing the majority of workers at its Jenks Locomotive Facility in North Little Rock, Arkansas. In addition, the shop will temporarily close, and these actions are
Railway Tie Association welcomes new executive director
RTA is excited to announce the hiring of Ashley Goodin as the new Executive Director, effective May 1st. He will be taking over the position, currently held by Jim Gauntt, who will
U.S. Department of Energy says that Bakken crude is no more volatile than other types of oil
The Department of Energy submitted a report to Congress on Tuesday that concluded, essentially, that Bakken crude oil is not any more volatile than other types of oil. The study was done
Union and SEPTA agree on new coronavirus protocols
Last week, SEPTA and the Transport Workers United union almost came to blows over the union’s position that SEPTA was not providing adequate safety protections from coronavirus for its workers. After a
Association of American Railroads weekly traffic report
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 25, 2020. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 414,123 carloads and intermodal units,
Norfolk Southern reports Q1 2020 financial results
Norfolk Southern Corporation today reported first-quarter financial results of net income equal to $381 million, diluted earnings per share of $1.47, and an operating ratio of 78.4%. These results include a $385
Some shippers facing shortage of preferred 20-foot containers
Watching an intermodal train roll by at track speed gives one a quick look at all of the different sizes of containers. Why are there different sizes? What are the economic factors
Canadian National posts Q1 2020 financial results
Canadian National yesterday reported its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020. “CN’s team of dedicated railroaders has demonstrated the Company’s ability to overcome difficult situations and