Fight over freight delays could hit Amtrak’s wallet: Analysis

Passenger train passes freight

Ride Amtrak outside of the Northeast Corridor and there’s a good chance you’ll arrive late because freight traffic delayed your train — despite the law that gives passenger trains preference. Amtrak is challenging host railroads Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern with a pair of high-profile on-time performance cases that aim to put teeth into the […]

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Loads for a fertilizer blend plant

Color photo showing portion of three-bay covered hopper painted light orange.

Q: I have a question about one of the articles in your special issue Best of Industries. On page 16, Rich Cobb wrote about a fertilizer blend plant. Can you tell me what kind of loads a plant like this would receive? — Markus Russ A: We released that special-interest publication in 2021, so I […]

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STB asks CN, Amtrak for more information regarding contract dispute

Passenger train stops at station

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board is seeking more information in the long-running dispute between Canadian National Railway and Amtrak over a new operating agreement. In a decision issued on Tuesday (April 8), the board asked for information on 14 separate aspects of topics including scheduling and on-time performance; incentives and penalties; host-responsible delays; and […]

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CN train derails in Manitoba

Canadian National logo

BRANDON, Manitoba — No injuries resulted when 15 cars of a Canadian National train derailed Monday evening in downtown Brandon, disrupting rush-hour traffic. CTV News reports the derailment occurred about 5 p.m., blocking 6th Street between McTavish and Van Horne avenues. The railroad said the derailed cars included one carrying fertilizer, three with potash, and […]

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CPKC container dwell still an issue at Canada’s largest port

Aerial view of island container terminal

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Container dwell times at the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s busiest intermodal hub, continue to be a significant issue since the start of the year. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has been particularly affected, with over 89,000 feet of containers sitting at Deltaport for more than seven days, according to port data. This […]

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Cleanup continues as CN train derails in Saskatchewan

Canadian National logo

DALMENY, Saskatchewan — Cleanup continues after 13 cars of a Canadian National Railway train derailed Monday night between Dalmeny and Langham, Sask., CJWW Radio reports. No hazardous materials were involved, the Dalmeny Police Service reported. CN said in a statement to the station there were no injuries, and no leaks of cargo or fires occurred. […]

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Canadian ports facing container delays from weather, rail issues

Delays are hampering intermodal operations at several container ports in North America as weather and rail woes hit gateways on both coasts, according to a DHL port update for March. On the east coast, Canada’s Port of Halifax is seeing significant vessel delays due to harsh North Atlantic weather conditions. Compounding this issue is an […]

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Canadian National acquisition of Iowa Northern is finalized

Canadian National and lease locomotive with Iowa Northern locomotives on bridge

MONTREAL — Canadian National Railway and Iowa Northern Railway have officially joined their operations, CN said today (Monday, March 3). “This additional investment in the United States underscores our dedication to delivering outstanding rail service while driving economic growth,” CN CEO Tracy Robinson said in a press release. “CN customers and partners along this network […]

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