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.

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.

RailPulse, Nexxiot Team on Telemetry

Nexxiot has signed an agreement allowing RailPulse™—the coalition established in late 2020 to “facilitate and accelerate the adoption of GPS and other telematics technology across the North American railcar network”—to act as a

Map of Norfolk Southern and Florida East Coast Railway’s domestic and international intermodal service offerings. (Courtesy of NS)

Class I Briefs: NS/FEC, CN, UP

Norfolk Southern (NS) and Class II Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) expand their international and domestic interline services. Also, CN’s “EcoChampions” share a creative way to extend equipment life and the railroad’s Intermodal International Sales and Marketing team earns a partnership award; and Union Pacific (UP) wins a supplier award.

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.

Michael Miller Featured at Next-Gen Freight Rail

Michael Miller, CEO of Genesee & Wyoming (G&W), is among the featured speakers at the Railway Age Next-Gen Freight Rail 2024 Conference. Miller will discuss why “people matter most,” including what G&W

(Screen Grab of NS Video Released Via Social Media, Courtesy of NS)

NS: ‘Committed to Enhancing Safety, Aligning Management With Shareholder Interests’

Ancora Holdings Group LLC, which has launched a formal takeover attempt of Norfolk Southern (NS), issued a statement critical of the railroad’s safety record and calling for the removal of CEO Alan

“Rescue Engine 1413 is currently on scene with a train derailment in the area of Riverside Dr. in Lower Saucon. It is reported there are no injuries, with train cars into the river. Lower Saucon Fire Rescue and Northampton County Emergency Management Services are working with multiple local and state agencies on this incident,” the Nancy Run Fire Company of Bethlehem, Pa., reported early March 2 on Facebook. (Photograph Courtesy of Nancy Run Fire Company, via Facebook)

NTSB Investigating NS Collision, Derailment in Pennsylvania (UPDATED)

Three Norfolk Southern (NS) trains were involved in a derailment March 2 just east of Steel City, Pa., along the Lehigh River. There were no reported injuries to crews. An eastbound train

NS EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins: Rail Group On Air Podcast

Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins began his railroad career at Norfolk Southern in 1988 as a Road Brakeman after serving in the United States Marine Corps.

“When a rail incident occurs, seconds count,” NS Vice President Safety John Fleps said. “Through our partnership with RapidSOS, 911 call centers and first responder agencies throughout our 22-state network will have faster access to the information they need to safeguard their response, save lives and protect the communities in which we operate.” (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, CPKC, UP

Norfolk Southern (NS) and RapidSOS debut their rail safety platform for first responders. Also, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) selects Rob Cikor as its Railroader of the Year; and Union Pacific’s (UP) Kenny Rocker joins the National Association of Manufacturers’ Board of Directors.

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