Class I Briefs: BNSF, UP, CSX
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
BNSF hosts University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers from the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) at its Fort Worth campus. Also, Union Pacific (UP) Assistant Vice President, External Relations Wes Lujan has been named one of Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2023 Latino Leadership Award winners; and CSX’s automated new vehicle inspection portals help make Total Distribution Services Inc. (TDSI) more efficient.
BNSF recently hosted University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers from RailTEC at its Fort Worth campus, the Class I announced, via a Twitter post.
BNSF stated in the post: “We value our ongoing partnership with RailTEC on research projects that aim to continuously improve the safety and reliability of our railway infrastructure.
“RailTEC at Illinois inspires students and faculty interested in rail engineering and transport. They teach the critical educational issues in rail transportation, and develop practical, effective solutions.
“At BNSF, we believe that partnerships like this are vital to keeping our railways safe, reliable and efficient. We look forward to continuing our work with RailTEC.”
UP Assistant Vice President, External Relations Wes Lujan has been recognized as one of Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2023 Latino Leadership Award winners for his leadership and achievements, the Class I announced April 11.
Lujan operates out of the railroad’s Washington, D.C., office, advocating on behalf of the company before federal lawmakers and regulators. His experience includes lobbying, coalition-building and association leadership, managing complex public and government affairs, legislative advocacy and policy development programs in 11 states and D.C. An expert in transportation, supply chain, port, freight and passenger rail, and trucking issues, Lujan is a tested decision-maker, well-versed in managing multiple issues during rapidly shifting legislative, regulatory and election cycles.
Lujan serves on UP’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and is a member of several employee resource groups, focusing on making the transition to UP smooth for families across the 23-state network. Additionally, Lujan is a mentor through the railroad’s UPLift program, which pairs employees with executives across the organization for guidance and career development. He strives to help his mentee think about the “long game” and provide new perspective to challenges.
“I was raised in a bicultural family with diverse perspectives, and my success leverages that perspective and teaches me to be open to all types of viewpoints and ideas across relationships,” Lujan said. “When I reflect on my career, I cannot overstate the value of being willing to be in every room and exhibiting a willingness to work with all types of people. The most effective way to achieve this is by learning how to be an active listener.”
CSX announced April 11 that it is installing inspection portals at TDSI facilities, utilizing high-definition and scanning technology to “more efficiently complete inspections and help ensure proper resolution of automotive damage claims.”
The first portal, according to the Class I, was installed at TDSI’s New Boston terminal outside of Detroit, which handles loading and unloading of a half-million vehicles annually. More installations are planned in 2023.
The following video shows the portal in action.
