Commentary
Sea Change in Railcar Supply
RAILWAY AGE, DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE: A railcar and lease rate outlook for 2024 and beyond.
Author: Robert H. Cantwell
Commentary
Clean Track Ahead
RAILWAY AGE, SEPTEMBER 2023 ISSUE: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) fired a shot across the freight rail industry’s bow to accelerate the drive to lower locomotive emissions to zero by 2035.
Commentary
North American Rail Supply and the Global Supply Risk: Why We Should Be Concerned
My article highlighting China’s strategy to dominate global rail supply and its desire to conquer the North American rail supply market, posted on June 2, 2021, received a lot of attention. This
Commentary
USITC-Imposed Chinese Coupler Tariffs a Good Decision
On March 3, 2023 the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that Chinese coupler producers were unfairly selling couplers into the North American market and imposed a duty of 265.99%. On May
Commentary
Real-Time Tracking: What Are We Waiting For?
“AEI (Automatic Equipment Identification) technology is 40 years old and tells us where our shipment was. What we need is a technology that tells us where our shipment is, and a more
Commentary
Get Used to Higher Railcar Prices and Lease Rates
“Rational” and “Disciplined” are words rarely used when talking about freight railcar supply. But perhaps this time is different.
Commentary
Rail Wheel Supply: North American Supply Chain is Critical
Nothing highlights the impact and risks of the global supply chain on the North American rail industry better than wheels. Yes, wheels for rail rolling stock: freight cars, passenger and transit cars, and locomotives.
Commentary
SAFE TRAINS Act: Get On Board
The response from my previous article, “North America Rail Supply and China: Why We Should be Concerned,” has been overwhelming and supportive. Apparently, I ripped a Band-Aid off a topic that’s been unfolding and finally being realized by many over the past decade.
Commentary
North American Rail Supply and China: Why We Should Be Concerned
Caveat: I am a free-market capitalist who believes in the importance of trade to elevate global prosperity. I believe in comparative advantage, and how countries excel at the supply of certain goods and services, to the benefit of others. I now believe that there needs to be market boundaries, for the long-term health of entire industries and the well-being and security of our citizens.
Commentary
Do We Need Another North American Railcar Builder?
ARS Canada Rolling Stock Co. is entering the North American freight railcar market with support from a $3 million repayable contribution from the New Brunswick Provincial government in Canada. Here we go again.