Rail traffic continues downward trend as of week ending June 6, 2020

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 6, 2020. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 433,171 carloads and intermodal units,

Gateless in Seattle: BNSF technology eases truck entrance into intermodal facilities

From steam engines to hybrid diesel-electric locomotives, the freight rail industry has long been a pioneer of technology to expand our ability to move the global economy. As a technology leader, BNSF

Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern braces for Tropical System Cristobal

With Tropical System Cristobal approaching New Orleans, Norfolk Southern issued this service alert today: “The New Orleans Flood Protection Authority will close the floodgates in and around New Orleans beginning Saturday, June

Precision scheduled railroading: Longer trains means dramatic derailments

Having worked in the industry for 50 years, if you consider my postretirement involvement, I will be the first to admit that today’s railroads are, in many respects, much safer than they

CP completes acquisition of Central Maine & Quebec Railway, expanding reach and optionality

Canadian Pacific [yesterday] completed its previously announced acquisition of the Central Maine & Quebec Railway US Inc. (CMQ US). Together with the earlier acquisition of Central Maine & Quebec Railway Canada Inc.

Rails to trails project not a total loss as 85 miles of track will be refurbished

Lake Placid was home to the 1980 Winter Olympics, which produced the “Miracle on Ice” when team USA defeated the Soviet Union en route to hockey gold. Some might say the Lake

KCS

INVEST Act appears to fund Gateway Project but comes down hard on liquefied natural gas transport by rail

The House of Representatives has introduced the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act. The measure, introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure

AAR rail traffic for May and the week ending May 30—’somewhat heartening’

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 30, 2020, as well as volumes for May 2020. U.S. railroads originated 740,171 carloads in May

Georgia Port Authority selects RailComm for Savannah Yard automation

The Georgia Port Authority selected RailComm, LLC as the Yard Management System provider for the new Port of Savannah Multi-Modal Connector. In a competitive bid, the Georgia Port Authority awarded the yard

Norfolk Southern derailment in Virginia on Friday morning

A Norfolk Southern train derailed Friday morning in Warren County, Va. Norfolk Southern and its contractors worked through the day to assess the derailment site and begin work to clear the area.

short line railroad

NCRR to build lead track, switches for foundry relocation in N.C.

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry will construct a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Oakboro, N.C., an investment of $325 million. Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is a North Carolina-based manufacturer and distributer of cast

Bells & Whistles—5/29/20

Officials believe the Gateway Project should be funded in the next stimulus bill. Federal Railroad Administration awards $302.6 million in grants. Austin voters might be reluctant to pass tax hike for Project

BNSF continues layoffs in Topeka, Kan.

RT&S has reported previously on BNSF layoffs in Topeka, Kan. This week, the railroad announced the layoff of 8 additional employees. In a statement from BNSF spokesman Ben Wilemon, the railroad said:

RT&S Special Report: Railroad Cybersecurity – an interview with AAR

During the past several months, RT&S News has reported on concerns about cybersecurity in the industry. These concerns are not new, as they have been the subjects of numerous articles, speeches and

U.S. DOT to distribute cloth facial coverings to America’s transportation workforce

Today, the Trump Administration announced millions of cloth facial coverings will be sent to workers in critical sectors of America’s economy. Approximately 15.5 million will be sent to the Nation’s transportation workforce.

After fatal strike on Ky. bridge parents of victim say more safety measures need to be installed, file suit

The goat man is supposedly an urban legend in Louisville. Apparently, he can be summoned when people step on or cross the Pope Lick trestle. The goat man is related to the

Focused Technology Solutions strikes a deal with Australia distributor

Focused Technology Solutions, a Marmon/Berkshire Hathaway Company, President Peter Bartek announced May 27 that the company has entered into another international market sector by partnering with Freightquip, a distributor located in Australia.

Rail traffic—a faint light at the end of the tunnel? ‘Perhaps,’ says AAR

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 23, 2020. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 428,715 carloads and intermodal units,

U.S. DOT announces $302.6 million in State of Good Repair grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced the recipients of more than $302 million in grant funds under the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program (Partnership

short line railroad

Measure would help infrastructure loan program for short lines, passenger rail

Legislation has been introduced that could help short line railroad companies and passenger lines with their infrastructure projects. The Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing Innovation Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate that

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