NTSB unveils two-year Most Wanted List
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) unveiled its 2017-2018 Most Wanted List, implementing a new two-year cycle as opposed to the annual one previously used.
Freight
Watco to purchase 20 additional bulk terminals from Kinder Morgan
Watco Companies, LLC (Watco), and Kinder Morgan Terminals (KMT) have established a definitive agreement for Watco to purchase 20 U.S. bulk terminal operations.
TPW begins unit train service to Pacific Ethanol facility
Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (PEIX) and Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway (TPW), a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. (GWI), began unit train service Nov. 14 from PEIX’s Pekin, Ill., plant.
Siemens, Bentley Systems form alliance to push intelligent infrastructure
Siemens and Bentley Systems have formalized a strategic alliance agreement where the companies will invest €50 million (US$54.3 million) in developing joint solutions to enlarge their respective offerings for infrastructure and industry to the benefit of the end-customers.
Union Pacific to increase Modesto area train speed
Union Pacific (UP) will increase train speed Nov. 15 to 60 mph from 40 mph along about four miles of track between River Road and Plaza Parkway in Modesto, Calif.
CSX updates Q4 expectations
CSX has revised its expectations for fourth quarter performance to reflect a decrease in earnings per share, but says it remains committed to finding cost savings and efficiencies and invest in improvements to drive its long-term strategy.
Jim Hansen joins Herzog Railroad Services as CCO
Herzog Railroad Services, Inc. (HRSI), has named James Hansen chief commercial officer, where he will report directly to HRSI President Rob Crawford.
CP’s new website focuses on facts of Work-Rest-Time Off
Canadian Pacific (CP) launched a website Nov. 8 that makes available the facts relating to work, rest and time off for Canadian-based employees.
Amtrak and Michigan DOT wrap up this year’s construction season
Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have completed construction for the season for Wolverine Service trains, with more work scheduled in the New Year.
AAR’s 2016 Professional Environmental Excellence Award goes to Norfolk Southern’s Russ McDaniel
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) awarded the 2016 Professional Environmental Excellence Award, described as the highest honor for environmental professionals in the railroad industry, to Russ McDaniel of Norfolk Southern (NS) today.
KCS invests $14.3 million in New Orleans Subdivision improvements
The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR) has announced it will invest about $14.3 million in construction on its New Orleans Subdivision before the calendar year ends.
TWU on strike amid SEPTA contract dispute
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 has about 5,000 workers on strike today following the expiration of the union’s contract with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), a regional public transportation authority serving the greater Philadelphia area, at 12:01 a.m.
Union Pacific plans tie, bridge work along three Metra served lines in November
Union Pacific will be performing track work along three of Metra’s commuter lines throughout November.
Knox Kershaw hosts Rep. Mike Rogers for facility tour and rail discussion
Knox Kershaw, Inc., hosted U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL-3) for a tour and discussion of rail and manufacturing issues at its long-held Montgomery, Ala., facility.
Providence and Worcester shareholders approve GWI acquisition
Shareholders of Providence and Worcester Railroad Company (P&W) voted to approve the proposed acquisition of PWRR by Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI).
NECR breaks ground on rail upgrade project
Federal, state and local officials gathered on Oct. 25 for a groundbreaking of a New England Central Railroad (NECR) project that will upgrade infrastructure to accommodate freight carloads of up to 286,000 lbs.
Koppers extends contract with Norfolk Southern
Koppers Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Koppers Holdings Inc., and Norfolk Southern have agreed to extend Koppers existing contract with the Class 1 through 2021.
RailComm launches new yard inventory solution at Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks
RailComm launched its new iTrack Intelligent Yard Inventory solution and successfully deployed the system at Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks.
Maryland still seeking federal funds for CSX Howard Street Tunnel
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and CSX Chairman and CEO Michael Ward reaffirmed their pledge to find a way to make the infrastructure improvements needed to Baltimore’s Howard Street Tunnel.
BNSF names Burlington Junction Railway “Shortline of the Year”
BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) recognized the Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY) Oct. 20, naming the shortline as its 2016 “Shortline of the Year” at the company’s annual Shortline Conference.