FRA report: Norfolk Southern safety improving, but gaps remain

Aerial view of burning freight cars

WASHINGTON — Norfolk Southern’s commitment to safety has improved since the disastrous Feb. 3 hazardous materials derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, the Federal Railroad Administration said in a report released today. But the FRA’s 143-page supplemental safety culture assessment also found that NS often focuses on meeting minimum safety standards, has inadequate communications procedures, inconsistent […]

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Norfolk Southern to open permanent office in East Palestine

Norfolk Southern logo

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Norfolk Southern will open a permanent field office in East Palestine and has purchased property for that facility, the company announced on Tuesday. The building at 248 North Market Street will include community engagement and operational functions. It will eventually include the Family Assistance Center, currently in space leased from Centenary […]

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Six months after East Palestine wreck, NS reiterates long-term commitment to Ohio town and safety improvements

ATLANTA – Six months after the disastrous hazardous materials derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw has penned a letter to area residents outlining the railroad’s ongoing commitment to the community and to improving its safety culture. “We promised to make things right for you and your neighbors, and we’ve made a […]

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Norfolk Southern claims CSX violations of Pan Am Railways agreements hurt competition and service in New England

Train at rail yard with tower in background

ATLANTA – Norfolk Southern, in a lawsuit filed this week in Delaware, accuses CSX Transportation of hampering its access to New England by repeatedly violating the operating agreements related to CSX’s 2022 acquisition of regional Pan Am Railways. The agreements became conditions for the Surface Transportation Board’s approval of the June 1 Pan Am acquisition. […]

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More important than ever: NS First Responders Train

People listen to instructor while standing inside of tank car

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Now in its eighth season, Norfolk Southern’s First Responders Train continues its mission of training 5,000 firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police and dispatchers each year at cities around NS’s 19,000-route-mile, 22-state system. From March to October, the eight-car train circulates among 12 to 15 cities, offering free training in emergency procedures to […]

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NTSB issues preliminary report on NS hot-bearing coal train derailment

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board today released its preliminary report about a Norfolk Southern coal train that derailed in Virginia on July 6 after a wheel bearing failure. The railroad’s response to hot bearing alerts has been under scrutiny since the disastrous Feb. 3 hazardous materials wreck in East Palestine, Ohio. In this […]

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Norfolk Southern operations and service rebound to levels not seen since 2019

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s operations and service have bounced back from the disruptions created by the Feb. 3 East Palestine hazardous materials derailment and changes the railroad made to its train makeup rules after a March 4 wreck. “Service is now at levels comparable to our best performance in 2019,” CEO Alan Shaw told investors […]

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East Palestine derailment costs take toll on Norfolk Southern’s quarterly earnings

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s second-quarter earnings took a hit from costs related to the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment, which more than doubled to $803 million and consumed 42% of the railroad’s operating income. “Our financial results were challenged this quarter … They reflect the decisive actions we have taken to advance our strategy and keep […]

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Norfolk Southern, SMART-TD announce plan to improve conductor trainee program

Crew member riding on locomotive steps

Norfolk Southern and the union representing conductors will collaborate on efforts to improve the training program for conductor trainees and increase compensation for conductors who provide the training, the two parties announced Wednesday. The agreement by NS and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) comes after the Federal […]

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Norfolk Southern pays $1 million for community relief to Pennsylvania areas affected by derailment

Norfolk Southern logo

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Norfolk Southern has paid $1 million to two areas in Pennsylvania as part of its efforts to address the impact of the East Palestine derailment and toxic chemical release. The Beaver County Times reports the office of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Darlington Township will receive $660,000 and Lawrence County will receive […]

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Approximately 16 cars of CSX train derail near Philadelphia (additional update)

Aerial view of derailed train in heavily wooded area

WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Approximately 16 cars of a CSX Transportation train operating on a Norfolk Southern rail line derailed this morning (July 17) near Philadelphia, CSX said in a statement. The derailment occurred in Whitemarsh Township near the Joshua and Flourtown roads. CSX indicates one car containing hazardous materials is involved, but says there […]

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A look at the Lionel 2023 Volume 2 catalog

screenshot of model steam locomotive in catalog

The Lionel 2023 Volume 2 catalog is here! Sometimes Christmas does come twice a year, in the world of toy trains this celebration is typically associated with a catalog drop. For Lionel, that takes place in January and July. I typically can find something in each catalog that gets me excited for what’s to come. […]

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