Freight

AAR names environmental award recipients

The Association of American Railroads on April 12, 2016 presented Michael Hoey, a CSX Transportation civil engineer from Philadelphia, Pa., the 2016 John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Award. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) was the 2016 John H. Chafee Congressional Environmental Award.

CP quits NS bid

On Monday, April 11, 2016, Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. terminated its efforts to merge with Norfolk Southern Corp.. This includes “withdrawal of a resolution asking NS shareholders to vote in favor of good-faith negotiations between the two companies,” CP sais. “No further financial offers or overtures to meet with the NS board of directors are planned at this time.”

Watco acquires River Road Terminals

Watco Transloading has acquired River Road Terminals and has entered into a 10-year lease of the underlying 38 acres of real estate. At the end of the term of the lease, Watco has the option to take ownership of the real estate.

Metra lays out 2016 construction program

Metra has laid out plans to begin infrastructure improvements to its stations, track, bridges and road crossings this year to ensure safe and reliable service and maintain a state of good repair systemwide. Construction work is expected to begin this week and continue through the fall, weather permitting.

Koppers hosts tour of South Carolina tie plant

Representatives from the offices of Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Tim Scott (R-SC) joined representatives from GoRail and the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) on April 5 to tour Koppers’ rail tie manufacturing facility in Florence, S.C.

CN reaches training milestone

Fifteen thousand Canadian National employees have completed a range of railway training programs at its two education campuses since they opened in 2014. The railroad also unveiled plans to provide customer safety training under its new CN Campus Partnership Program.

ASLRRA awards 2015 safety honors

The American Short Line Rail and Regional Association (ASLRRA) disclosed the winners of its 2015 Safety Awards including Safety Person of the Year, Safety Professional of the Year, Jake Awards with Distinction and Jake Awards.

Watco gains new hire, promotes another

Watco Terminal and Port Services has named Albert Perez II terminal manager at its Linden, NJ, location. In this role, Perez will be responsible for maintaining high quality customer service, ensuring targeted profitability, and supporting the overall attainment of expected performance goals. He will also be coaching his team and driving safety and operational efficiencies.