Union Pacific lowers 2021 expectations as intermodal volume slumps

Yellow diesel brings train in to junction

NASHVILLE — Union Pacific has trimmed its volume, productivity, and operating-ratio expectations for the year amid sluggish operations and a sharp decline in international intermodal traffic due to global supply chain problems. UP now says it will see a 4% volume gain this year, down from the previous forecast of 5% growth; productivity gains will total […]

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Province seeks to amend constitution as a result of tax fight with Canadian Pacific (updated)

CP logo

REGINA, Saskatchewan — A long-running battle between Canadian Pacific and the province of Saskatchewan is leading to an effort to amend the provincial constitution to remove a disputed tax loophole for the railroad. The Canadian Press reports CP is suing the province for $341 million in taxes it has paid, arguing it is exempt from […]

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STB adopts streamlined emergency temporary trackage rights rule

Surface Transportation Board logo

WASHINGTON – Federal regulators have adopted a final rule that will streamline the process railroads follow when applying for emergency temporary trackage rights. The new Surface Transportation Board rule, adopted in a decision today, eliminates a required 30-day notice period. Instead, the trackage-rights exemption would become effective within five days. The rule will make it easier […]

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CN main line in British Columbia shut down again

Canadian National logo

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canadian National has shut down service on its route to Vancouver as additional rain, flooding, and landslides continue to plague a hard-hit area in British Columbia’s interior. The CBC reports CN moved seven trains over the weekend before it elected to “proactively close its network” as rain was causing increased debris, […]

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CP-KCS deal receives approval in Mexico

Logos for Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern

Mexican regulators have given their approval to the planned merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. The railroads announced on Nov. 26 that they had received the required approval from the Mexican Federal Economic Competition Commission and the Mexican Federal Telecommunications Institute. “This important milestone marks the next step on our path to creating […]

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Two hurt in Norfolk Southern derailment in Georgia (updated)

Norfolk Southern logo

HIRAM, Ga. — Two crew members suffered minor injuries Saturday night as three locomotives and at least seven cars of a Norfolk Southern train derailed late Saturday night. The lead locomotive and seven cars overturned, while the other two locomotives remained upright. WSB-TV reports the railroad said in a statement that the crew members “have […]

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Groundbreaking set for Baltimore tunnel project

CSX logo

BALTIMORE — CSX CEO Jim Foote and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan head the list of those those scheduled to take part today (Monday, Nov. 29)  in a groundbreaking ceremony for the start of work on the long-sought Howard Street Tunnel project in Baltimore. The 1 p.m. ceremony will be at the former Mount Royal Station […]

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Canadian publication names CP’s Creel as CEO of the year

CP Keith Creel speaks.

CALGARY — Canadian Pacific’s Keith Creel has been named 2021 CEO of the Year by Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail’s Report of Business Magazine. A profile in the magazine focuses on the 53-year-old Creel’s skill as a strategist in efforts to merge CP with Kansas City Southern. The magazine recognized other CEOs for leadership, […]

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Analysis: China’s ban on Australian coal is benefiting U.S. railroads

Coal hoppers rolling past fall foliage

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Railroads are benefiting from China’s continued appetite for U.S. coal as America exports coal to China in volumes unseen in much of the past decade. American coal producers are supplying China for electricity generation and steelmaking due to a now year-long unofficial ban China imposed on Australia. In late 2020, China quit […]

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Construction contract for South Shore double track project approved

A silver passenger train operates in the middle of a street.

CHESTERTON, Ind. — After its first effort to find a contractor was halted because bids far exceeded expectations, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board of directors has approved a contract for construction of the South Shore Double Track project, which will add a second main line between Gary and Michigan City, Ind. The Times […]

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