Second TCRC-CTY, CN contract narrowly fails ratification

Canadian National (CN) has proposed binding arbitration to reach a contract settlement with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference – Conductors, Trainpersons and Yardpersons (TCRC-CTY) after the union advised that the tentative labor agreement negotiated with CN on February 5, 2014, failed to ratify.

Union Pacific Board elects Koraleski chairman, adds Dillon as member

The Union Pacific Board of Directors has voted to elect the company’s chief executive officer, Jack Koraleski, chairman of the board and has also added David Dillon to the board, effective immediately.

UP makes multiple marketing and sales, operating and finance department appointments

Union Pacific has recently promoted many in the marketing and sales, operating and finance departments.

CREATE keeps Chicago rail moving

In it’s 11th year, the CREATE program continues its capacity and safety enhancements to secure Chicago’s place in a strong national rail network.

UP performing $4.5 million in trackwork between Nebraska and Iowa

Union Pacific will strengthen transportation infrastructure in Nebraska and Iowa by investing nearly $4.5 million in the rail line between Omaha, Neb., and near Missouri Valley, Iowa. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific, began March 5 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of May.

UNITRAC, NRC host Rep. Duncan for Knoxville facility tour

U.S. Rep. John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN-02), joined representatives from UNITRAC Railroad Materials, the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC), the Gulf & Ohio Railway and Nisus Corp. for a tour of UNITRAC’s manufacturing facility in Knoxville, Tenn., on March 17.

Watco names GMs to two railroads

Watco Transportation Services named James Moore general manager of the Pacific Sun Railroad (PSRR) and Garrett Bolyard general manager of the Eastern Idaho Railroad (EIRR).

Industry rallies for freight rail on Capitol Hill

Representatives from Class 1s, shortlines, suppliers, as well as other railroad supporters joined forces on Thursday, March 13, to take part in Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, the industry’s annual event to advocate for freight rail-related issues.

OTCA opens first grade separation project in OC Bridges program

Orange County Transportation Authority (OTCA) has opened the first grade separation project of seven in its OC Bridges program and has opened Placentia Avenue to traffic where BNSF now crosses over the road.

OmniTRAX 2014 Safety Awards winners

OmniTRAX, Inc., named the 2014 Safety People of the Year; each of the five winners was selected by division managers based on nominations from team members at the individual rail lines.

KCSM introduces Safety Fridays, promotes One Text or Call Could Wreck It All campaign

Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) has initiated a new Safety Friday program, following an in-depth analysis that found more injuries occur early on Fridays than any other time of the week.

Fort Worth & Western awards construction management contract for bridge project

Atkins has been awarded a construction management services contract by the Fort Worth & Western Railroad (FWWR) for a bridge and retaining wall construction project adjacent to FWWR’s operational facilities on East Long Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas.

Railway Age names 2014 Short Line, 2014 Regional Railroad of the Year

Railway Age magazine has named Coos Bay Rail Link the 2014 Short Line Railroad of the Year, and Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Co. its 2014 Regional Railroad of the Year. The awards will be presented at the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s annual meeting in San Diego, Calif., Friday, April 25, 2014.

Watco names VP of transportation safety and compliance, regional VP of marketing

Watco Transportation Services has named Travis Herod vice president of transportation safety and compliance. In this position, Herod’s responsibilities include leading the Transportation Safety Team in safety training, certifications, safety incident solutions and proposals and mentoring managers and team members.

AAR: Freight railroads to spend $26 billion on infrastructure in 2014

According to an estimate released by the Association of American Railroads (AAR), the nation’s freight railroads project they will spend approximately $26 billion to build, maintain and upgrade their nationwide rail network this year.

CSX names VP of corporate communications

CSX appointed Gary Sease to vice president, corporate communications, effective March 30. He succeeds Vance Meyer, who is leaving CSX after leading significant communications efforts, including successfully strengthening the company’s brand and developing social media capabilities over the past nine years.

UP recognized for veteran hiring in 2013

Profiles in Diversity Journal has recognized Union Pacific as one of the nation’s 25 Most Influential Companies for Veteran Hiring for its commitment to veteran hiring, progressive reservist policies and dedication to supporting employee veterans.

BNSF plans $250 million in capacity enhancements in North Dakota

BNSF has committed to making $250 million in investments for rail transportation improvements in North Dakota.

Massachusetts Senate approves transportation bond bill

The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill authorizing $13 billion in capital spending over the next five years to fund improvements to the commonwealth’s transportation system.

UP to begin Nebraska crossing project

Union Pacific will begin a$1-million track improvement project in Nebraska March 10 and will start at the Webb Road crossing and progress eastward through Grand Island. The work is anticipated to be completed in three weeks.

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