CSX earnings decline despite higher quarterly volume

Train on bridge along river

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX reported weaker first-quarter profits today as revenue fell despite higher freight volumes. “Working together, the ONE CSX team delivered a good start to the year that was in line with our expectations,” CEO Joe Hinrichs said in a statement. “We were pleased to see our consistent customer service performance lead to […]

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Regulators end probe of Union Pacific’s use of embargoes, but slam railroad’s ‘delay and obfuscation’

Local switches factory while locomotive moves commuter railcars on overpass

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board today closed the book on its investigation of Union Pacific’s record use of congestion-related embargoes in 2022 – but not before scolding the railroad for failing to comply with board orders and requests for information. “UP’s conduct in this regard bordered on the contumacious and cannot be viewed as […]

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Watco announces executive leadership changes

Watco logo, new version as of 2022

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Watco has made several executive leadership changes that the short line holding company says will refine its focus and simplify its mission. “This new structure will better support Watco’s focus on ensuring we have the best possible solutions for our customers and that our team is armed with the tools necessary to […]

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Maine enacts new law on rail hazardous-material transportation

View of damaged track and derailed train

AUGUSTA, Maine — Railroads in Maine face new requirements for reporting the transport of hazardous materials in the state after Gov. Janet Mills signed an emergency bill into law on Friday, the Portland Press Herald reports. LD1937 was introduced last year following a Rockwood, Maine, derailment and fire that saw three crew members injured [see […]

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Jim Foote, who led CSX to record operating and financial performance, dies at 70 (updated)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former CSX CEO Jim Foote, who helped turn the railroad from industry laggard into a leader, died yesterday. He was 70. “Jim’s leadership was instrumental in guiding CSX through a transformational period in our company’s history, advancing CSX to new heights, marked by record operating and financial performance,” CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs […]

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Amtrak seeks information on zero-emissions replacements for diesel fleet

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON — Amtrak on Tuesday announced it has released a Request for Information seeking information on zero-emission technologies for the company’s rail fleet as a step toward eliminating its current diesel locomotive fleet. “Finding the cleanest technologies to carry customers across our vast network will be transformative as we deliver a new era of rail,” […]

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Alaska Railroad seeks funding for new Seward passenger dock

Illustration of cruise ship dock with train on adjacent track

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Railroad is seeking to replace its passenger dock and terminal building in Seward, Alaska, with a $137 million project proposed by local developer the Seward Co. If funding is approved, the new facility could be opened by spring 2026. “This dock is a vital piece of Alaska’s transportation infrastructure, not […]

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Canada pledges funds for rebuilding Ukraine transportation network at G7 meeting

Smiling man with gray hair and full beard

MILAN, Italy — The Canadian government will provide C$300,000 to the International Transport Forum to help rebuilding of Ukraine’s road and rail network, Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez announced last week at a meeting of the G7 Transport Ministers. The funding, under the Clean Transportation System program, will focus on aiding greener intercity and international travel […]

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Canadian National improves contract offer to engineers, conductors in Canada

MONTREAL — Canadian National last week improved its contract offer to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, which represents engineers and conductors in Canada. The railway said it offered the union better wages, more job security, and guaranteed earnings during talks held April 10-12. Both CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City have proposed abolishing the traditional […]

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AFL-CIO urges Norfolk Southern shareholders to vote against activist investor’s proposals

WASHINGTON — The AFL-CIO today became the latest organization to oppose an activist investor’s bid to gain control of Norfolk Southern. “In our view, Ancora’s business plan to reduce Norfolk Southern’s operating ratio while improving safety and service is not realistic. Railway labor unions, shippers, and federal regulators have warned that Ancora’s plans may jeopardize […]

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CSX debuts its first hydrogen-fuel cell locomotive (updated)

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – CSX today debuted its first hydrogen fuel-cell locomotive, which was converted from a conventional four-axle unit using a kit supplied by Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The locomotive, GP38H2 No. 2100, was built at CSX’s Huntington Locomotive Shop in West Virginia, which is handling hydrogen fuel cell conversions under a partnership with CPKC. […]

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NTSB names two to rail safety, research and engineering positions

National Transportation Safety Board logo

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board has named Patrick Warren as director of its Office of Railroad, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Investigations, and selected Mike Budinski as deputy director of the NTSB Office of Research and Engineering. Warren previously was chief safety and security officer for New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority for more than […]

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