BNSF
A BNSF train on Oct. 21 “was the first to operate in Canada under Positive Train Control (PTC) protection,” the Class I railroad reported via social media. “Currently no other railroad operates with PTC in Canada.” The BNSF PTC-controlled line is approximately 17 miles, from Brownsville, near Vancouver, to the U.S. border.
In addition to BNSF trains operating on the New Westminster Subdivision, Amtrak runs between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., on this line, BNSF reported, so its trains and passengers “are now provided an extra layer of safety.”
“As of 2023, we had installed PTC on 100% of mandated territory by the federal government,” BNSF reported in a separate social media post last month. “Then, when we resumed operations on the Montana Rail Link (MRL) in 2024, we expanded our PTC footprint. This June, the technology was implemented on 36 miles of what is now our MRL Subdivision, with another 570 miles currently under way. Completion is expected in December.”
The Class I railroad also reported a seven-year injury-free “safety streak” on its Wichita Falls Division in Texas. BNSF Trainmaster Jason Plaggemeyer credits the milestone, achieved on Sept. 15, to consistent focus and open communication among team members.
“The team isn’t afraid to speak up,” Plaggemeyer said in a BNSF social media post. “If they see someone operating in a way that could cause an incident, they coach each other through it. For us, trusting each other is important but so is changing habits.”
Plaggemeyer’s “open-door policy” is both literal and figurative, according to the railroad, which noted that “[d]ay or night, he reminds his team that he’s available whenever questions or doubts arise.”
CSX
CSX on Oct. 27 reported being recognized as one of Florida’s top employers, ranking No. 29 in the Sunshine State on Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Best-In-State Employers. This annual ranking highlights companies that excel in workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and professional development opportunities.
To create the list, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 160,000 employees across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Participants, who work for companies with at least 500 employees, were asked to rate their employers on a scale of zero to 10. They evaluated factors such as wage parity, work culture, career advancement opportunities, and how employers address critical issues like sexual harassment. Survey respondents also shared insights about their previous employers and other organizations they were familiar with, providing a comprehensive view of workplace experiences. The data, collected over the past three years, was weighted to prioritize recent feedback and responses from current employees.
According to CSX, this year’s rankings include 1,417 companies across the U.S., with Florida’s list featuring more than 100 employers. CSX’s inclusion, it said, “reflects its commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging workplace where employees can thrive.”
NS
“Each year, Norfolk Southern invests in the communities it serves, and in 2025, we have once again made a major commitment to our namesake region,” the railroad reported Oct. 27. “Through its ongoing partnership with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, NS is donating $1 million to support 75 nonprofits throughout Hampton Roads.”
This year’s donation will fuel a diverse range of programs that strengthen Hampton Roads communities. Among the 75 nonprofits receiving support are groups focused on education, environment, accessibility, public health, and youth development:
- “Education and workforce readiness: For example, Access College Foundation supports first-generation students who are striving to attend college.
- “Environmental stewardship: The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay helps restore and protect water systems that feed into the Chesapeake Bay and sustain the community’s natural resources.
- “Accessibility and inclusion: Ability Center of Virginia ensures people with disabilities have access to programs, services, and opportunities they need to thrive.
- “Public-health and disaster readiness: The American Red Cross of Coastal Virginia offers critical services in disaster response and community health support.
- “K-12 academic and character development: An Achievable Dream Virginia Beach delivers a rigorous, supportive educational environment for students facing economic challenges.”
“Our region thrives when its nonprofits have the resources to serve,” said Deborah M. DiCroce, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Community Foundation. “Norfolk Southern’s commitment allows our community to meet needs today while preparing for tomorrow. We are pleased to be partnering with Norfolk Southern on this important work.”
“At Norfolk Southern, we know that long-term success is rooted in the strength of where our employees live, and our business operates,” added Kristin Wong, Director of NS Foundation and Community Impact. “This donation demonstrates that commitment in Hampton Roads, helping local organizations drive real, meaningful impact.”
NS said it has contributed a total of $4 million through the Hampton Roads Community Foundation since the partnership began, supporting more than 270 nonprofits in the region.
Separately, NS on Oct. 29 reported winning Best Sustainability Program from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Citizens Awards for its innovative living shoreline restoration at Lamberts Point, Norfolk, Va.
Instead of relying on traditional stone barriers, NS built what it calls “a living shoreline,” using native plants, oysters, and sustainable grading techniques to stabilize the coast. This eco-friendly design, it said, “strengthens natural habitats, improves water quality, and protects the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem while benefiting local communities and industries.”
For more than 30 years, erosion at the marine terminal threatened land, water quality, and biodiversity, according to NS, which stepped in five years ago with a voluntary project that it said restored 2,000-plus feet of shoreline; reintroduced native plants, oysters, and wildlife habitat; reduced nutrient and sediment runoff; and created “nutrient credits that generate revenue.”
Other finalists across nine categories included Allstate, Chick-fil-A, FedEx, Ford, Hilton, Pfizer, and United Airlines.
“In an era of rapid change, American businesses continue to meet extraordinary challenges with bold, innovative thinking,” said Michael Carney, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation President. “This year’s finalists embody the power of business to drive meaningful and lasting impact.”
“This award is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship,” said Josh Raglin, NS Chief Sustainability Officer. “We’re proud to be recognized among the nation’s best—and even prouder of the impact we’re making for future generations through sustainable rail.”
In other news, NS said that reportable incidents are down at its Conway Yard in Pennsylvania and an injury-free milestone has been reached at Harrisburg Consolidated Terminals in Pennsylvania.
According to NS, Conway Yard has had just four reportable incidents this year, vs. 10 in 2024, and 24 in 2023. “The turnabout is a testament to an infusion of committed leadership, a dedicated team embracing Speak Up culture, and clear expectations alongside accountability at every level of the organization,” the railroad reported Oct. 28.
“We’ve been very intentional with inclusion of all departments and labor,” NS Assistant Superintendent Craig Pequignot said. “We’ve also given clear expectations on what a good shift and a good day look like. We hold each other to that standard, and when we have a bad day, we’re focused on how quickly we can rebound.”
“It’s the committed leadership model that the whole team has employed here,” added NS Superintendent Bryce Diffenderfer. “Everyone in Conway has a voice that is valued. We’re going to use all ideas to drive forward, learn from every experience, and not repeat mistakes.”
NS also noted that Conway is now processing an average of 1,900 cars per day, often exceeding 2,000 cars, up from a recent daily average of 1,600.
“There’s a lot of positive energy right now,” said Jim Stager, NS Manager Terminal Operations. “There’s communication between all departments that historically we really haven’t seen at Conway. When you roll those things together that’s clearly driving these results.”
When it comes to safety, it’s about getting ownership to the right place, Pequignot pointed out. Having labor’s involvement is an invaluable part of that, according to NS. On the service side, it’s about challenging traditional notions of what good looks like, it added.
“People are believing in themselves,” Pequignot said. “We’ve been so busy now for so long that the expectation is that this is sustainable.”
NS on Oct. 31 reported that more than 200 railroaders across three locations in Harrisburg, Enola, and Rutherford have safely operated 11 scheduled originating trains daily for a year and counting. “This accomplishment by the Harrisburg Consolidated Terminals (HCT) team is no small feat given the complexity and scale of operations on this portion of our network,” the railroad said. “Pound for pound, these terminals—separated by a bridge over the Susquehanna River—handle each railcar more often than any other location on the system. That inevitably creates added risk for injury.”
“One year injury free is no coincidence,” NS Senior AVP Transportation Jaspreet Pannu said. “Safety is not an accident. The committed leadership of this team and their ability to drive the right behavior is what good looks like. Their engagement is ensuring our people go home safely.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team for reaching this incredible milestone,” Bryce Diffenderfer added. “It’s a direct reflection of their commitment to safety, attention to detail, and the care shown for one another every single day.”
“We know what works,” said Andy Corbitt, NS Manager Terminal Operations. “Let’s continue driving results and sending people home the way they came.”
