Watco’s Transportation and Intermodal Services division will now be identified as Watco Terminal and Port Services (WTPS). The new name will more accurately reflect service offerings to customers.
The nation’s mayors renewed their call for enactment of job-creating bipartisan transportation legislation now pending in Congress.
Florida East Coast Railway, L.L.C., hired Andrew Westhoff as vice president of sales and marketing, effective immediately.
Westhoff has an extensive railroad background and was with CSX Transportation for more than 20 years in various finance and commercial roles.
The National Transportation Safety Board made safety recommendations regarding storm water issues that push for greater collaboration between entities affected by these issues. The following recommendation was sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation:
The United Transportation Union and Progressive Rail have finalized a first-time collective bargaining agreement for Progressive Rail train and engine workers represented by the UTU.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen reached a tentative on-property contract agreement with Union Pacific.
Nicholas Fry was named curator of the John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, the sixth archivist/curator since the creation of the Barriger collections at the St. Louis Mercantile Library Association in the early 1980s.
Twelve cities and states will share $16.9 million to relocate, replace and improve segments of railroad track under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Rail Line Relocation and Improvement competitive grant program.
Amtrak and the Texas Department of Transportation agreed on the scope of a feasibility study for new Amtrak service between the Bossier City -Shreveport area in Northwest Louisiana and along the Interstate 20 corridor to Dallas and Fort Worth.
Union Pacific’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer James Young will take a medical leave of absence from his responsibilities as president and CEO while he is being treated for recently diagnosed pancreatic cancer.
Mark Sinquefield has been named director police for Norfolk Southern, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., effective March 1. He succeeds Al Shackelford II, who retires after 39 years with Norfolk Southern.
CSX Transportation presented its Partnershipping Award to the Regional Economic Development Partnership in Wheeling, W. Va., in recognition of its efforts to locate three energy-related projects that will be served by CSX. The organization also supported state legislation providing incentives for energy companies investing in the state.
Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH) has become the Association of American Railroads’ newest full member. Based in Chicago, IPH is a privately-held company that provides freight and passenger rail service in six states and the United Kingdom.
Washington state regulators approved funds to improve the safety at a railroad crossing in Washougal, Wash.
Donald Graab has been named vice president mechanical for Norfolk Southern Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., effective March 1. He will be responsible for maintenance and repair of the railroad’s motive power and rolling stock. Graab succeeds Tim Heilig, who has retired after 41 years with Norfolk Southern.
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. reopened the Edith River Bridge in Australia’s Northern Territory following the December 27, 2011, derailment of a Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd freight train in flood waters associated with Cyclone Grant.
Union Pacific was named Logistics/Transportation Provider of the Year at the 2012 American Metals Market (AMM) Steel Tube and Pipe Conference. This award recognizes a transportation or distribution company that best meets the needs of the tube and pipe industry. Union Pacific was recognized for its Pipeline Express Product.
Watco Transportation Services named Dave Ruggles as general manager for the Swan Ranch Railroad.
Research grants were awarded to teams to further mitigate rail-related grizzly bear mortality in Banff and Yoho national parks in Canada. Projects will be supported by robust monitoring to determine effectiveness and begin in spring 2012, pending approval of animal care protocols.
Union Pacific is enhancing Missouri’s transportation infrastructure by investing $38.2 million in the rail line that runs between Labadie and Jefferson City. The project is in progress and is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.
