Freight

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) on Dec. 24 reported that total U.S. rail traffic was 487,138 carloads and intermodal units for Week 51 (ending Dec. 20, 2025), down 7%…

We hosted a former Class I CEO to review the recent Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger application. He sees a very strong filing with acceptance likely though not until 2027. The…

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s growth-oriented merger argument remains sound, but the bid-ask spread on competitive concessions remains unknown until the rails respond. Downstream, we view today’s filing as constructive…

Northumberland, Pa.-based North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) on Dec. 22 rolled out a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary: NSHR 2238. Local artist Pedro Reyes hand-painted symbols of “our nation’s…

When Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Americans were promised modernization of the country’s transportation network. Roads, bridges, ports, and supply chains were all supposed to emerge faster, stronger, and more competitive. …

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) appoints Chris Orlando as CEO. Also, Kathryn B. “Katie” Thomson is Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), following the departure…

Chicago, Ill.-based FreightCar America, Inc. on Dec. 22 reported completing the acquisition of Carly Railcar Components, a move that will strengthen its “aftermarket distribution business with a focus on running-repair…

’Twas one week before Christmas, and all through the land, rail stakeholders were stirring, as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern dealt their merger hand.

Union Pacific’s (UP) Chicago Service Unit celebrates a world-class safety achievement. Also, CSX’s Columbus, Ohio, Mechanical Team achieves 1,500 days injury-free; and the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) releases its annual…

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has adopted for first-quarter 2026 the rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF), which is defined as “an index formulated to represent changes in railroad costs incurred…

The Senate Dec. 18 voted 53-43, along party lines, to confirm STB member Michelle A. Schultz to a second two-year term on the five-member agency.

The level of granularity in evaluating thousands of pages of a merger application prompted William H. Tucker, when a member of Surface Transportation Board (STB) predecessor Interstate Commerce Commission in…

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), representing 53% of the unionized workforce at Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk…

Association of American Railroads (AAR) subsidiary Railinc teams with NC State University on a “modal rebalancing” study. Also, commercial rail transport management and consulting firm AllTranstek, LLC (AllTranstek) is the…

Denver, Colo.-based Alpenglow Rail and partner Toronto, Canada-based Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure (CC&L Infrastructure) on Dec. 17 reported closing “an inaugural private placement financing” that raised C$280 million-plus, a…

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) names its 2024 Safe Shipper Award honorees. Also, Union Pacific (UP) is developing a 2,040-acre industrial park just outside Houston, Tex.

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has named Matt Carne, Senior Manager, Safety & Training, Modesto & Empire Traction Company, as its 2026 Safety Professional of the…

Total U.S. carload and intermodal traffic for the week ending Dec. 13, 2025, dipped 1.4% from the same point last year, marking the 10th consecutive week of fall offs, according…

CSX on Dec. 16 announced its collaboration with Southern Coil Solutions (SCS-02), celebrating the official launch of their advanced rail-served warehouse for aluminum and steel coil storage and distribution in…

BNSF celebrates Darigold’s new facility at its Certified Site in Pasco, Wash., and officially closes its 7,000th highway/rail grade crossing. Also, Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Safety Train marks 10 years of…