UK investment analyst seeks paths to Class I mergers

With only six Class I freight railroads remaining and stringent merger rules set by the Surface Transportation Board’s 2001 framework, the consensus largely held that the window for large-scale transactions was closed. Any potential merger, under these rules, must not only demonstrably enhance competition but also clearly articulate public benefits — typically improved service or […]

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Norfolk Southern donates to West Virginia flood relief

Norfolk Southern logo

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern has donated $25,000 to support recovery efforts from June 14 flash flooding in West Virginia. The July 1 donation to the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley will support the foundation’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund, assisting nonprofit organizations involved in relief efforts, including supporting individuals affected. A storm brought 4 […]

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Amtrak to launch ‘Mardi Gras Service’ on Aug. 18

Crowd of people greeting passenger train in view from onboard train

MOBILE, Ala. — Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service between Mobile and New Orleans will launch on Aug. 18, ending the lengthy effort to restore passenger operations on a route that last saw an Amtrak train in 2005. Tickets were placed on sale this morning; adult coach fares will be as low as $15 for full-route service, […]

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ScaleTrains HO AC44C6M diesel

Photo of HO scale diesel painted blue, white, yellow, gray, and black on white background.

ScaleTrains HO AC44C6M diesel Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin connector, $225; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder two cube-type speakers, and ESU-designed PowerPack with two super capacitors, $335 Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 4901 Old Tasso Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com ScaleTrains HO AC44C6M features: Factory-applied snow plow, m.u. hoses, train line hose, […]

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No injuries reported in NS derailment in Georgia

Aerial view of derailed freight cars

POWERSVILLE, Ga. — Twenty-three cars of a Norfolk Southern train derailed near the community of Powersville in Peach County early Saturday (June 28, 2025), WMAZ-TV reports. The derailment occurred about 3 a.m., a railroad representative told the station.No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were involved. Byron Police Chief Wesley Cannon said flash flooding […]

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Coalition completes purchase of Saluda Grade for trail

Green and white diesels at crest of mountain pass

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — A coalition of nonprofit groups has officially completed its purchase of Norfolk Southern’s Saluda Grade line for conversion into a hiking and biking trail. The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy announced today (June 24, 2025) that it had finalized purchase on June 17 of the 31.5-mile trail between Zirconia, N.C., and Inman, S.C. […]

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Fifteen cars of NS train derail in Virginia (updated)

Norfolk Southern logo

DOOMS, Va. — Fifteen cars of a Norfolk Southern train — including seven carrying hydrochloric acid — derailed today (Monday, June 23) near the community of Dooms in Augusta County, Va., according to Virginia State Police. The incident was reported to authorities about 1:57 p.m. with Augusta County Fire/EMS and the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office […]

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Former Amtrak CEO Anderson becomes chair of Norfolk Southern board

RichardAnderson

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s board of directors has unanimously named Richard Anderson, former CEO at Northwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Amtrak, as its new independent board chair, effective immediately. The board has also agreed to reduce its size to 12 members. It had been expanded to 14 earlier this year [see “CSX and Norfolk Southern […]

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Predicting the unpredictable for intermodal

Two trains work with container lifts for ships in distance

Intermodal analyst Larry Gross says that normally he’d be able to draw on his 45 years of transportation experience to make predictions about freight volume in the months ahead. “Theoretically, it would mean that I would be bringing some long-term insight to the situation that we find ourselves in today: You know, a sense that, […]

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