J.B. Hunt Adds Washington State, Texas Operations

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (J.B. Hunt) announced on Oct. 3 that it is expanding its transloading footprint with the addition of two new operations in Seattle, Wash., and Laredo, Tex., “for customers’ needs and to provide quick access to outbound rail and highway transport.”

Second KCS U.S./Mexico Border Bridge Getting Closer

Construction is expected to start in October or November on a second Kansas City Southern international rail bridge at the U.S./Mexico border connecting the border cities of Laredo, Tex. and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

The comment period for STB's Draft EIS for the proposed CP-KCS merger will be extended until October 14, 2022.

STB Extends Public Comment Period for Proposed CP-KCS Merger Draft EIS

In response to a request from “affected communities,” the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) issued on Sept. 6 a notice extending the deadline for public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS) by Canadian Pacific (CP) to Oct. 14.

KCS and CP locomotives at the top of the westbound grade at the Continental Divide in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. Photo by David Duffin

Class I Briefs: CPKC, UP

Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) merger proposal receives clearance from Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Also, Union Pacific (UP) takes Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) pledge

CP 2022-23 Grain Plan: ‘Deliver Outstanding Service’

Since 2018, the Canadian government, through changes in Section 151.01(1) of Canada Transportation Act, has required Canada’s railroads to publish grain movement plans for the forthcoming crop year. Grain is crucial to Canada’s

Draft EIS Released for CP-KCS Merger Proposal

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzing Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) potential impacts on the environment was issued Aug. 5 by the Surface Transportation Board (STB); comments are due by Sept. 26, 2022.

KCS, CP, GATX, Rotary, NASCO Team for a ‘Butterfly Effect’ (Updated)

Here’s something probably not too many rail industry people know: The migration path of the Monarch Butterfly, recently declared an endangered species, closely follows the alignment of the combined north-south Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern networks, which (pending merger approval by the Surface Transportation Board) will in early 2023 merge to form CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City), North America’s first transnational freight railroad.

Commentary

‘DDKN’ the ‘Textbook Definition of NIMBY’

A perhaps little-known bit of railroad trivia is that, according to a reliable industry source, Illinois Senator and Majority Whip Dick Durbin held the late E. Hunter Harrison in extreme contempt (that’s a polite way of saying “hated”), and the feeling was mutual.

CP, KCS to STB: CPKC ‘Compellingly in the Public Interest, Should Be Approved Without Conditions’

The document exceeds 4,300 pages: Canadian Pacific’s and Kansas City Southern’s Surface Transportation Board filing on their merger: “Applicants’ Response to Comments and Requests for Conditions, Opposition to Responsive Applications, and Rebuttal in Support of the Application.”

CPKC: CN, NS Seek Conditions

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 1 accepted for consideration responsive applications by CN and Norfolk Southern (NS) regarding the Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger, which is under STB review and seeks to create North America’s first transnational freight railroad, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, or CPKC.

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