How It Works: FLOW Data Inputs and Outputs—Members of the FLOW program (e.g., beneficial cargo owners, ocean carriers, ports, terminals, railroads) share individual logistics data (highlighted in bold in the graphic above) with the USDOT and in return receive an aggregated, anonymized, and holistic view of the relationship between incoming containers (demand), the available assets to move containers (supply), and throughput within a supply chain region. Incoming demand is shared up to 90 days in advance of arrival. (USDOT Graphic)

USDOT Marks Milestone on Second Anniversary of FLOW

The Freight Logistics Optimizations Works (FLOW) platform is now publishing data on inland freight hubs, including rail terminal and warehouse end destination data, that will provide an “enhanced view” of future container import volumes and traffic, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) reported March 20, the second anniversary of the platform’s launch to provide an integrated view of supply chain conditions in the United States and to help users forecast how current capacity and throughput will fare against future demand.

Commentary

Big Picture Trends, Areas of Collaboration, Next-Gen Advice: 2 Female Rail Execs Weigh In

While rail has traditionally been perceived as an industry driven by men, the fact is women have played a role from the start. Dating back to the late 19th century, individuals like Mary

Rahul Jalali, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Commentary

NetControl Positions Union Pacific as Technology Trailblazer

Union Pacific made history on Jan. 6, 2024, when we became the first Class I railroad to modernize the “big three” core operating platforms: Positive Train Control (PTC), Computer-Aided Dispatch (CADx) and Transportation Management (NetControl).

Class I Briefs: CSX, CN, UP, NS

CSX donates $10,000 to the Red Cross for storm relief efforts. Also, CN and Union Pacific (UP) are recognized by CDP as 2023 Supplier Engagement Leaders; CN sends a “supply chain salute” to MacroSource, LLC for their new facility in Memphis, Tenn.; and Norfolk Southern (NS) honors customer sustainability achievements.

STB Denies UP’s Motion to Keep Employment Data Confidential

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on March 14 announced that it has denied a motion for protective order filed by Union Pacific (UP) to keep certain required, temporary employment data reporting confidential. STB also directs UP to submit public versions of previously submitted data.

Norfolk Southern representatives at Georgia Southern University’s 2024 Parker College of Business Gala.

Class I Briefs: UP, NS

Union Pacific (UP) announces new intermodal service, honors employees for outstanding public safety commitment, and is named Railroad Carrier of the Year by MODE Global. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) is honored with the Outstanding Corporate Partner Award by Georgia Southern University (GSU) and recognizes Billy Garris for 51 years of safe service.

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

Pictured: Terry Hanken, UP Senior Manager-Train Operations in Pratt, Kans. (Union Pacific Photograph)
Commentary

Near Miss Illustrates Need for Constant Safety Vigilance

Railroaders can’t become complacent or lose respect for the heavy equipment they work around every day. A close call early in my career brought that message home for me and underscored why safety must always be top of mind.

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 2023 cargo volumes [at the Ports of Indiana] were even more impressive considering some of the major challenges facing our industry this past year with low water levels and lock closure,” Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said on Feb. 28. (Ports of Indiana Photograph)

Intermodal Briefs: Ports of Indiana, UP/Port Houston

The Ports of Indiana’s 2023 tonnage was the second highest in its 63-year history. Also, Union Pacific’s (UP) Port Houston-based on-dock rail service is now connecting two additional inland markets; and Port Houston’s container volumes are on the rise.

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