CP Promotes Albiston to VP
Maeghan Albiston has taken on the role of Vice President Capital Markets at Canadian Pacific (CP).
Breaking News
Another ‘Down’ Week for U.S. Rail Traffic
For the week ending Jan. 22, 2022, U.S. Class I railroads hauled 223,395 carloads and 254,067 containers and trailers, a decline of 3.3% and 14.8%, respectively, from the prior-year period, the Association of American Railroads reported on Jan. 26.
Sexhus Joins Patriot Rail
Jacksonville, Fla.-based Patriot Rail Co. LLC has tapped Sam Sexhus as President and Chief Operating Officer.
Sponsored Content
New From Greenbrier, NS and U.S. Steel: High-Strength, Lighter-Weight ‘Green’ Gondola
The open-top gondola car is one of the oldest freight car types. The first gondola cars in North America were developed in the 1830s, and used primarily to haul coal. Early designs were flat cars with wooden sides added; they were small—30 feet or less in length, and about 13 tons or less in weight. Now, nearly two centuries after the first gondola turned a wheel, this ubiquitous car type has reached a design pinnacle through a collaboration of The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., United States Steel Corp. and Norfolk Southern.
NS Reports 4Q, Full-Year ’21 Financials, Board Changes
Norfolk Southern (NS) on Jan. 26 reported fourth-quarter 2021 results, including net income of $760 million, up 13% from the same period in 2020; diluted earnings per share of $3.12, up 18% from 2020; and an operating ratio of 60.4%, a fourth-quarter record, down 140 basis points from the 2020 period. The Class I also named Amy E. Miles Non-Executive Board Chair, effective May 1.
UP’s Loup Acquires Phoenix-Based Transload
Union Pacific subsidiary Loup Logistics Company has purchased Precision Components Inc. (PCI Reload), a 100-plus-acre transload in Phoenix, Ariz.
DOT to STB: ‘Set a Precedent’ in Amtrak Gulf Coast Case
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have been allowed to file additional comments with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) regarding Amtrak’s application to operate Gulf Coast service.
Brightline Breaks Ground in Boca
Brightline on Jan. 25 held a groundbreaking ceremony for its $56.2 million Boca Raton Station project; slated for completion this fall, the station is located on the private-sector passenger rail operator’s 67-mile line between Miami and West Palm Beach, Fla.
Atlantic Track Elevates Schuler
Atlantic Track has promoted Paul “PJ” Schuler, MBS, to Vice President-Operations to manage the growth and development of its manufacturing operations.
TugVolt: Autonomous Plus Standard Interchange
Intramotev, a St. Louis, Mo.-based technology startup, has developed an autonomous freight car that can be used in standard railroad interchange service. The vehicle, called the TugVolt, is “currently focused on short-haul routes of 600 miles or less, and designed with standard couplers and air braking that allow it to be hauled in or haul a traditional consist in addition to independent operation,” according to company Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Timothy Luchini.
![CP on Jan. 24 shared via Twitter: "The project team is now preparing for field-testing with the H2OEL [pictured]. This is a significant milestone for CP’s Hydrogen Locomotive Program."](https://www.railwayage.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-24-at-8.50.50-PM-315x168.png)
CP’s Hydrogen Locomotive Powers Up
Canadian Pacific (CP) on Jan. 24 shared via Twitter a video of its fully painted hydrogen fuel cell-powered linehaul freight locomotive (H20EL), which the railroad said has run under its own power.
Opinion
Happy New Year! STB Releases a New Rate Study
On Dec. 17, the Surface Transportation Board released a new rate study, which you may have missed in the holiday rush. I know I did. If you did and have an interest
CSX/Pan Am: Bringing New England Into the Class I Railroad Network
Currently pending before the Surface Transportation Board are an application by CSX to acquire Pan Am Railways (PAR) and a related petition regarding operation of Pan Am Southern (PAS) by the Berkshire & Eastern Railroad (B&E), a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming. These transactions will bring strong transportation and safety benefits to New England.
First Thing We Do Is Automate All the Trains
FINANCIAL EDGE, JANUARY 2022 ISSUE: It might be the meme of all memes, at least for the COVID-19 pandemic: Al Pacino’s iconic “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!” right before collapsing from a diabetic stroke, sums up what Omicron feels like (collapse included).
Don’t Stop the Trains
Something you don’t want to hear: “Please hold all train traffic while we trench under the tracks to install this fiber optic cable.” Ports and railyards are busier than ever, and new
Taking Measure of STB’s Oberman
What’s the consequence of appointing as chairperson of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) a veteran of rough-and-tumble Chicago politics? Contentment and consternation, it seems.