Chemical companies keep up doubletalk
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has battled with railroads over rates and service on and off ever since the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 was enacted.
Author: Lawrence H Kaufman
Transitions can be difficult
The death recently of A. E. (Ted) Michon reminded me just how difficult transitions can be for those who must go through them.
What kind of future should Amtrak have?
My conservative friends will not agree with this essay. So be it. I am tired of hearing the demands that Amtrak either show a profit or that it be put to a merciful death.
RNC: A little hypocrisy goes too far
The Republican National convention the last week in August was the kind that party pooh-bahs like: There was virtually no controversy and little occurred that affected the mood of the convention or its schedule.
Joy, trepidation, fear at CP—all at the same time
The worst kept secret in the railroad industry for more than a month has been the identity of the new chief executive of Canadian Pacific Railway. For the record, E. Hunter Harrison was named president and chief executive of CP on Friday, June 29.
Lines on a map do not a merger make
While the railroad world waits for the Canadian Pacific Railway board of directors to name a permanent chief executive to succeed acting CEO Steve Tobias, some railfans are whiling away the hours speculating on the good things that would come from a merger of CP and Kansas City Southern Railway.
To you I say: Do not hold your breath.
CP in the time of E. Hunter Harrison
As this is written, much of the railroad world awaits the Thursday, May 17, vote by Canadian Pacific share owners. Early book betting says that insurgent hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management and its head William Ackman will take a majority if not all of the seven contested board seats.
CP vs. Pershing Square: Here we go again!
Reaction to the fight for control of Canadian Pacific seems to depend on whether the person reacting is a railfan or an investor.
Bigger trucks: House T&I just doesn’t get it
Here we go again. A “friendly” GOP House committee chairman has introduced legislation that would reauthorize the expired surface transportation program. Without benefit of any hearings, the bill introduced by Rep. John
Market shifts create opportunities and risks
Seismic market shifts in the oper- ating leasing marketplace for railcars are providing new opportunities for lessors to put cars parked in the grass back into revenue service. For lessees facing lease terminations for equipment they need, the opportunities look more like risks. This month, I’ve interviewed my partner David Nahass, who represents both lessors and lessees in a variety of situations. Here is what he has to say about this evolving operating leasing marketplace.