NS Confirms 1Q24 Prelim Results
Norfolk Southern (NS) has confirmed that its first-quarter 2024 financial results are in line with the preliminary results it announced April 9, one month before the May 9 shareholder’s meeting in which
Breaking News
Class I Briefs: UP, CSX, NS
Union Pacific (UP) collaborates with Vestas to ship the largest wine turbine blades across the country by rail. Also, CSX Assistant Controller Thomas McDuffie is named a Rising Star by the Florida Institute of CFOs (fiCFO); and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) commends Norfolk Southern’s (NS) role in supply chain continuity amid Baltimore disruptions.
AAR: Total Carload, Intermodal Volume Flat for Week 16
U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 20, 2024 (Week 16), came in at 474,544 carloads and intermodal units, up 0.8%—virtually flat—compared with the same week last year, based on 216,945 carloads—down 6.7% from 2023—and intermodal volume of 257,599 containers and trailers—up 8.2%, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported April 24.
RailPros Acquires Omega Rail Management
Irving, Tex.-based RailPros on April 24 reported acquiring Nashville, Tenn.-based Omega Rail Management, a TerraPact company that provides right-of-way management services on more than 70 corridors across 20-plus states. “The services offered
Industry Groups Urge EPA to Deny CARB Rule
Industry groups are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject an authorization request from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to implement a regulation that was finalized last year,
Intramotev, Carmeuse Partner to Deploy TugVolt Technology
Zero-emissions rail solutions technology company Intramotev announced April 24 that it is partnering with global mining company Carmeuse Americas to deploy its TugVolt technology at a mining site in Cedarville, Mich.
CPKC 1Q24: ‘Well Positioned to Deliver on 2024 Guidance’
“We exited last year with strong momentum and our performance in the first quarter, combined with an improving demand environment, has us well positioned to deliver on our 2024 guidance,” Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) President and CEO Keith Creel said in an April 24 earnings announcement. “As we enter the second year of our forever story, we are focused on safely executing on the unique and undeniable opportunities this franchise creates and delivering long-term value for our employees, customers and shareholders.”
Wabtec: ‘Strong’ Start to 2024 ‘Continues Momentum’ From 2023
“The Wabtec team delivered a strong start to 2024, continuing the momentum experienced in 2023. This was evidenced by higher sales, margin expansion, and increased earnings in the quarter,” President and CEO Rafael Santana said in an April 24 earnings announcement. Sales were up 13.8% year-over-year, driven by sales growth in both the Freight and Transit segments.
CN’s Robinson: ‘Our Team of Railroaders Delivered to Plan’
“Our team of railroaders delivered to plan in the first quarter and our scheduled operating model continued to enhance our service to customers,” CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson said during the Class I’s first-quarter 2024 financial and operating announcement on April 23. “Looking forward, we are confident for 2024. We are seeing the expected improvements in the economy, and our CN-specific growth opportunities are materializing. We remain committed to delivering on our growth agenda and powering the economy.”
WVCO Railroad Solutions Turns 25
WVCO Railroad Solutions is celebrating 25 years of service. Based in Eugene, Ore., it supplies crosstie remediation, dispensing, railcar coating, pavement and bearing pad repair, and bridge-deck waterproofing products. “As we reach
Class I Briefs: CSX, NS, UP
CSX recognizes six shippers for their “commitment to sustainability” by converting a portion of their freight from truck to rail. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) offers customers a Rail Emissions Report tool and introduces the “Safety Up” mobile app; and Union Pacific (UP) kick starts a plastics collection pilot.
Summer Launch Set for United Steel Supply Facility at Ports of Indiana
The Ports of Indiana on April 23 reported that United Steel Supply LLC will invest up to $10 million to open a steel processing and painting facility at its rail-served Jeffersonville, Ind.,
Transit Briefs: Metra, Denver RTD, Amtrak OIG
Metra schedules 47 safety blitzes in 2024. Also, Denver Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) Transit Police will implement 24/7 patrols beginning May 5; and the Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) identifies opportunities for Amtrak to better use its customer service data to improve the customer experience.
For GATX, 1Q24 Demand ‘Solid,’ 2024 Guidance ‘Unchanged’ (UPDATED, TD Cowen Insight)
“We continue to experience solid demand globally for most railcar types in our fleets,” GATX President and CEO Robert C. Lyons said during a first-quarter 2024 financial report. “At Rail North America,
Cochran Named Stadler US Head of Sales and Business Development
Stadler US on April 22 announced that Lauren Cochran has been named as Head of Sales and Business Development for North America.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
Brightline West on April 22 held an official groundbreaking ceremony in Las Vegas for its $12 billion, 218-mile high-speed rail project linking Nevada and Southern California. The route, which has full environmental
Watch: NS Reports Ops, Safety Improvements
Norfolk Southern’s Operations Task Force, led by Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Orr, reports that has made several improvements at the Conway Yard locomotive shop in Pennsylvania, northwest of
Amtrak Petitions FRA for Waiver of Compliance Regarding Loss of Shunt Incidents
Amtrak on Oct. 17, 2023, petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 229 (Railroad Locomotive Standards).
Intermodal Briefs: SC Ports, Stonepeak/CenterPoint Properties
South Carolina (SC) Ports marks its most significant container-volume uptick in 2024. Also, Stonepeak acquires a 1.7 million square-foot rail-served logistics portfolio in Chicago from CenterPoint Properties.
Commentary
UP Honors Train Dispatchers for ‘Exceptional Safety Focus’
Union Pacific (UP) train dispatchers are the railroad’s protectors, coordinating the safe movement of trains, engineering equipment and employees across more than 32,000 track miles covering 23 states. In recognition of their