Trump administration scraps freeze on grants

Trains Washington Watch logo

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has rescinded its freeze on federal grants, which created confusion regarding a broad variety of government programs, including some in the rail industry. The Washington Post reports that a memo today (Jan. 29, 2025) from Matthew J. Vaeth, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, said an order […]

Read More…

OmniTRAX names Garin as board chairman

Logo of short line company OmniTrax

DENVER — Rail and real estate company OmniTRAX has named David Garin as its board chairman and elected OmniTRAX CEO Dean Piacente to its board, the company announced today. Garin joined the OmniTRAX board in 2019 after 35 years with Class I railroads. That includes 19 years at BNSF Railway, where he oversaw sales and […]

Read More…

Duffy confirmed as transportation secretary

M

WASHINGTON — Sean Duffy was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Transportation today (Jan. 28, 2025) by a 77-22 vote of the Senate. The nomination of Duffy, a former House member from Wisconsin and recently a Fox News and Fox Business host, had been advanced last week by a 28-0 vote of the Commerce, Science and […]

Read More…

CPKC to serve new cold storage facility at Port Saint John

Container train on bridge

CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s intermodal reefer container business got a boost today with the announcement that partner Americold Realty Trust will build a cold storage facility at the Port of Saint John, New Brunswick. “Developing a state-of-the-art facility in Port Saint John marks an exciting step forward for Americold as the company […]

Read More…

STB seeks nominations for passenger advisory committee vacancy

Surface Transportation Board logo

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Safety Board is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on its Passenger Rail Advisory Committee, the board has announced. The vacancy is for a representative from a state that provides funding from intercity passenger rail. Application deadline is Feb. 27. The vacancy is to replace Roger Millar, secretary of the […]

Read More…

CN, electrical workers reach tentative contract agreement

Canadian National logo

MONTREAL — Canadian National and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of Canada have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract, averting a strike that that been slated to begin today. The union represents approximately 750 signals and communications employees across Canada. They have been working without a contract since Dec. 31, 2024. […]

Read More…

GATX profits rise in fourth quarter

Logo of rail equipment leasing firm GATX

Railcar and locomotive lessor GATX reported 2024 fourth-quarter net income of $76.5 million or $2.10 per diluted share, compared to net income of $66 million or $1.81 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023. Chicago-based GATX said utilization of its Rail North America unit’s wholly owned fleet, comprising approximately 111,400 cars, excluding 8,400 […]

Read More…