POLB: Cargo Volumes ‘Steady’ Through October

LONG BEACH, Calif. –– In light of the uncertainties brought about by tariffs, the Port of Long Beach says “shifting trade policies have brought uncertainty to consumers and the supply chain, but cargo continues to move smoothly.”

ICC Approves Rail Crossing Upgrades

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved funds for the Gessell Road rail crossing near Kinmundy and at the 100 East Road rail crossing in Galesburg, Knox County.

Eliminating Paper Barriers is the Pro-Competitive Move –– Commentary from Railway Age

NEW YORK –– Prior to the Staggers of Act of 1980, the only way a Class I railroad could shed the cost of marginal or money losing light density rail line was abandonment.

CN on UP+NS Merger: ‘Our Customers’ Voices Must Be Heard’

Joining BNSF and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) in expressing their concerns about the proposed Union Pacific (UP)-MONTREAL –– Norfolk Southern (NS) merger, CN recently launched a page on its website encouraging its customers to speak up and file a Notice of Intent to Participate with the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

Hoeven, Klobuchar to STB: ‘Closely Scrutinize’ UP+NS

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– An Oct. 30 letter to the Surface Transportation Board co-authored by Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) asks the STB to “closely scrutinize” the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, stressing “the potential disruptions to U.S. rail service resulting from a merger of this scale” and “the need for the STB to fully analyze the potential impact on long-term competition, including for agriculture producers, many of whom already face limited options for accessing rail service.”

ICC Approves Upgrades in Kankakee and Carroll Counties

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved upgrades in both Kankakee County and Carroll County.

American Chemistry Council Sends Letter to POTUS 47 Sharing Concerns About UP+NS

WASHINGTON, D.C.–– The American Chemistry Council is not in favor of the proposed UP+NS merger and sent a letter about it to POTUS 47.

Just For Fun: Illinois Railway Museum to Restore Union Pacific DD40X #6930 to Operation

UNION, Ill.––While this is not within the normal purview of RT&S coverage, we occasionally like to announce major historic restoration projects that will interest rail employees and enthusiasts of all ages. The announcement of the DD40X restoration is one such project.

Port of Longview Lands $35.9MM Federal Loan for Rail Expansion

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau is loaning up to $35.9 million for Phase 1 of the Port of Longview’s Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion project in Washington state that is slated to double freight

Computer Integration is Not an Issue to Dissuade Mergers

ATLANTA – from the September 2025 issue of Railway Track and Structures, Editor-in-Chief David Lester writes about computer integration after railroad mergers.

Did Primus Engineer His Own Ouster? –– Commentary

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– The firing by POTUS 47 of outspoken Surface Transportation Board (STB) member and Democrat Robert E. Primus Aug. 27 leaves the five-member agency short two members as it awaits a formal merger application from Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS). By early morning Aug. 28, Primus’ name was removed from the STB website’s listing of members.

WIR 2025: How Railroads Merge Environmental Responsibility and Operations

Freight and passenger railroads support communities, ensure reliable service for customers and consumers, and move the economy forward—sustainably and with a commitment to environmental stewardship. The Women in Rail 2025 Conference, presented by Railway

UP’s Texas MoW Team Marks 23 Years Without Injury

SAN ANTONIO – Union Pacific congratulates its New Braunfels-Taylor Maintenance of Way team for 23 years of injury-free service.

Executives Offer Personal Branding Advice at WIR 2025

The Women in Rail 2025 Conference, presented by Railway Age and RT&S, will feature a dynamic panel of executives, who will help you move forward in your current position or make a larger leap. In this

6,600 UP MoW Workers Ratify Contract

NOVI, Mich. – Represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED), 6,600 MoW workers at Union Pacific ratified a five-year contract to guarantee raises of 18.5 percent.

‘Railroading’s Heroes’: Military Veterans Share Successes at WIR 2025

The Women in Rail 2025 Conference, presented by Railway Age and RT&S, will feature a panel of railroaders covering how having a background in the military adds to their success in leadership roles across the freight

Union Pacific Opens New Intermodal Terminal in Kansas City, Kan.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. –– Union Pacific recently announced the opening of it’s newest intermodal terminal in Kansas City.

Railway Age Commentary Around UP+NS Proposed Merger – ‘It Will All Come Down to This’

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Cutting to the chase on the 2027 STB merger decision: On July 30, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted to the Surface Transportation Board their prefiling notification, which is basically a heads up on their official merger application, expected in three to six months (between Oct. 30, 2025 and Jan. 29, 2026).

WIR 2025: Building Your ‘Leadership Toolkit’

The Women in Rail 2025 Conference, presented by Railway Age and RT&S, will feature a dynamic panel of industry mentors, who will help you build your “leadership toolkit.” They will provide winning strategies and hard-earned lessons

Union Pacific Rebuilds 100th Tamper Machine

DENVER – Union Pacific’s Equipment Shop has rebuilt its 100th tamper machine.

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