New CPKC Chicago-Mexico intermodal service to debut May 11

Red locomotive with single intermodal car

CALGARY, Alberta — CPKC’s first new service — a pair of intermodal trains linking Chicago and Mexico — will launch on May 11, carrying containers from new customers Schneider and Knight-Swift. Daily hotshots 180 and 181 will link Chicago with Laredo, Texas; Monterrey, Mexico; and Mexico City. With third-day service to Laredo, fourth-day to Monterrey, […]

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Senators challenge Northeast Corridor tilt of Amtrak board nominees: Analysis

Passenger train stopped at wood-sided station building.

WASHINGTON — A simmering impasse over confirmation of nominees for Amtrak’s board of directors has reached a boil, with both Republican and Democratic senators objecting to the makeup of the group advanced by President Joe Biden. At issue is that only one of the six nominees — Normal, Ill., Mayor Chris Koos — represents an […]

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Norfolk Southern earnings take hit from East Palestine, Ohio, derailment

Train of hopper cars led by black locomotive approaches curve in mountains

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s first quarter earnings tumbled due to expenses related to the disastrous Feb. 3 derailment and subsequent hazardous materials release in East Palestine, Ohio. The railroad’s operating income declined 34%, to $711 million, due in part to an initial $387 million charge associated with the derailment, the railroad reported today. NS CEO […]

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STB schedules hearing in coal mine’s complaint against BNSF Railway

Full and empty coal trains stopped on adjacent tracks

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board will hold a hearing next month to consider a Powder River Basin coal producer’s request for an emergency service order that would require BNSF Railway to handle more volume from the Spring Creek Mine in Montana. The board will hold oral arguments on May 10 where Navajo Transitional Energy […]

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Forbes names Amtrak as a top employer for diversity

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has been named one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2023 according to Forbes, which released its list ranking the top 500 companies on Tuesday. The rail passenger operator placed 341st, eighth among transportation and logistics firms. New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority was the only other rail-related organization to make the […]

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ENSCO to acquire inspection technology firm KLD Labs

Logo for technology firm KLD Labs

SPRINGFIELD, Va. — ENSCO Inc. will expand its railway inspection business with acquisition of KLD Labs Inc., a provider of automated wayside inspection technology and laser profiling products. ENSCO announced Tuesday it had entered into an equity purchase agreement to acquire KLD, which offers track inspection and assessment, fleet inspection and assessment, and asset management […]

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CN CEO Tracy Robinson urges data-driven approach to safety regulations

Woman speaking at microphone

MONTREAL — Canadian National CEO Tracy Robinson was singing from the same hymnal as other railroad leaders when she discussed safety during CN’s earnings call on Monday. All of the CEOs have stressed the importance of safety during their earnings calls this month in the wake of the disastrous Feb. 3 derailment of a Norfolk […]

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Genesee & Wyoming names Hellmann as executive chairman, Miller as CEO

Head shot of man in coat and tie

DARIEN, Conn. — Genesee & Wyoming is set for changes at the top of its management structure. The company announced today that Jack Hellmann, G&W CEO for 16 years, has been named executive chairman of G&W’s North America and UK/Europe board of directors, effective Sept. 1. He will also become vice chair of Brookfield Infrastructure, […]

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CPKC adds second major intermodal customer for new Chicago-Mexico service

KCS3947Laredo

CALGARY, Alberta — Knight-Swift will shift its U.S.-Mexico intermodal traffic from Union Pacific to CPKC’s new single-line route beginning in May. CPKC and Knight-Swift announced their multi-year agreement today, just four days after Schneider said it would move its U.S.-Mexico intermodal business from UP to CPKC in May under a similar agreement. “This agreement creates […]

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CN raises earnings outlook despite weakening economy

Train with red and black locomotives on curve

MONTREAL — Strength in bulk traffic and fluid operations propelled Canadian National to first-quarter records for operating income, revenue, and earnings per share. The strong quarter prompted CN to raise its financial outlook for the year to mid single-digit earnings per share growth, up from its previous guidance of low single-digit growth. “It’s important to […]

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Alstom to build light rail vehicles for Quebec City system

Rendering of light rail trainset running in center divider of street

  QUEBEC CITY — Alstom will build and 34 light rail trainsets for Quebec City’s tramway project and provide maintenance for 30 years under a C$1.34 billion contract announced today (Tuesday, April 25) by the manufacturer. The contract also includes an option for construction and maintenance of five additional trainsets. The equipment will be versions […]

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BNSF gets final regulatory approval for new Bismarck bridge

Train coming off bridge on broad curve

BISMARCK, N.D. — BNSF Railway has received the final regulatory clearance for its long-delayed effort to replace its aging bridge over the Missouri River in North Dakota, and has begun preparatory work. A group that wants to save the bridge as a pedestrian and bike path, however, indicates it may take its effort to court. […]

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