Author: Jim Blaze

Commentary

North American Freight Forum Under Way

The North American Freight Forum (NAFF), created by Philadelphia-based Strategic Rail Finance Chairman and CEO Michael Sussman, uses an interesting, different approach to try to link the energy and environmental impact characteristics

Commentary

NEARS Report: ‘The Seidl & Hatch Show’

Jim Blaze reporting on the NEARS (Northeast Association of Rail Shippers) Fall Conference: ABH Consulting independent analyst Tony Hatch and TD Cowen Managing Director/Railway Age Wall Street Contributing Editor Jason Seidl have

Commentary

NEARS Report: How FTR Sees the Market

Jim Blaze reporting on the NEARS (Northeast Association of Rail Shippers) Fall 2023 Conference: FTR Transportation Intelligence Vice President Rail and Intermodal Todd Tranausky and his colleagues conduct high-quality research. They are one

Commentary

NEARS Report: Oberman’s Regulatory Views

Jim Blaze reporting from Portland, Me., NEARS: STB Chairman Marty Oberman delivered an interpretation that suggests his independent members are still awaiting insight from the private “Big Six” as to reciprocal switching

Commentary

Where Intermodal Can and Will Grow

I’ve accepted the challenge offered back in April 2022 by Gil Lamphere regarding the intermodal business options for the North American rail freight sector.

Commentary

Wayside Cameras, Integrated Sensors as Logistics Tools

The digital age of telematic network monitoring comes in different business models. It might even help resolve passenger and freight train capacity questions. Jim Blaze takes a look at how cameras might displace or at least supplement confusing private spreadsheet calculations as to network capacity and fluidity, as well as help shippers adjust their railway routing options when certain rail routes become congested.