North East Association of Rail Shippers

Observations From NEARS Fall Conference: Cowen

After attending the North East Association of Rail Shippers (NEARS) Fall Conference in Burlington, Vt., Cowen and Company Managing Director and Railway Age Wall Street Contributing Editor Jason Seidl “came away with the view that while economic growth is sluggish, most do not expect a full-blown recession. In addition, several railroad executives admitted that the rails need to do a better job marketing to and servicing their customers. It was clear that Class I’s, short lines, and shippers need to do a better job of working together if rail wants to take share from the trucking space in the future.”

Seidl named NEARS President at Fall Conference

The North East Association of Rail Shippers (NEARS) wrapped up its Fall 2017 Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., “with record attendance and a plethora of outstanding speakers.,” according to Executive Director Scott McCalla. “This impressive lineup was highlighted by speakers from industry leading companies such as CN, Conrail, CSX, Koppers, Transplace, and US Steel.” And Cown and Company Managing Director and Railway Age Wall Street Contributing Editor Jason Seidl was elected President, succeeding Donald Cameron of Yusen Logistics (Americas), to serve the next two years.

Shippers sound off at NEARS meeting

Shippers are upbeat on the economy, feel rail pricing is definitely going higher, and vehemently oppose any Class I consolidation, according to responses to questions posed by Cowen and Company Managing Director and Railway Age Contributing Editor Jason Seidl at the North East Association of Rail Shippers (NEARS) 2015 Spring Convention in Newport, R.I., on April 24.