W&LE Carey, Ohio, rail yard next to National Lime and Stone Company. (Scott Young Photograph, Courtesy of W&LE)

2024 REGIONAL OF THE YEAR: W&LE

RAILWAY AGE, MARCH 2024 ISSUE: Customer dedication is key to this regional’s success.

Railway Age’s 2024 Short Line Railroad of the Year is Mississippi Export Railroad (MSE). (Chip Haffner Photograph, Courtesy of MSE)

2024 SHORT LINE OF THE YEAR: MSE

RAILWAY AGE, MARCH 2024 ISSUE: After more than 100 years, MSE continues to lead the way in its commitment to safety, growth and community outreach.

BLET, B&E Ratify New Contract

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and Genesee & Wyoming subsidiary Berkshire & Eastern Railroad have ratified a new agreement governing rates of pay, benefits and work rules for 32 members.

The Family Lines System heritage paint scheme was designed and applied at the CSX Locomotive Shop in Waycross, Ga. (Photograph Courtesy of CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs, via LinkedIn)

CSX Honors Family Lines System (UPDATED WITH VIDEO)

CSX ES44AH No. 1972, in the Family Lines System theme, is the eleventh in a series of heritage locomotives to roll out of the Class I railroad’s Waycross Mechanical Shop in Georgia. Its number recognizes the Family Line System’s first year.

Photo by BNSF team member Bryan Echols, who helped ensure the wind blade got to its destination safely.

Class I Briefs: BNSF, CSX, NS

BNSF makes history by moving the largest wind blade ever transported by train in North America. Also, CSX brings its locomotive simulator to the World of Nations event in Jacksonville, Fla.; and Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Coastal Division Maintenance of Way & Structures (MW&S) team celebrates two years injury-free.

The Port of Savannah set a February record of nearly 47,000 containers moved by rail, according to GPA. (GPA Photograph)

Intermodal Briefs: GPA, SC Ports

February was the second consecutive month of growth for the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), with rail accounting for 19% of container trade. Also, South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) advances rail-capacity projects.

Yes there is an official “Suds With Seidl” beer glass. Just remember Rule G if you’re on duty! William C. Vantuono photo.
Commentary

Suds with Seidl: Positives From TD Cowen ‘Railroad Happy Hour’

Industry leaders were more bullish on rail and intermodal at the latest “Suds with Seidl” event at TD Cowen, as they see strong February trends after some weather-related weakness in January. The 2022

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STB Orders New Status Report on Amtrak Gulf Coast Service

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Feb. 26 decided the Amtrak Gulf Coast Service proceeding will remain in abeyance and directed the parties to file a joint status report by March 15 covering issues raised during this month’s hearing on the slow pace of getting two Amtrak trains in each direction running between New Orleans and Mobile.

North Carolina is home to two Class I railroads and 24 short line railroads.

NCDOT Report Shows Rail’s Importance to Economy

North Carolina’s rail system contributes to more than $20 billion into the state’s economy and supports 88,000 jobs, according to a report released Feb. 26 by the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division.

CSX Launches Chatbot Feature to Streamline Real Estate Inquiries

CSX announced Feb. 16 that it has launched an innovative copilot chatbot feature on the Real Estate section of its official website, designed to assist customers with inquiries related to utility permits.

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