CSX
CSX on Aug. 8 reported that its Huntington Heavy Repair Shop has passed “with zero exceptions” the AAR M-1003 audit, which “ensures compliance with industry standards for quality assurance in railroad manufacturing and repair.” This is the fourth consecutive year that the facility has attained this distinction.
In this audit, CSX said, “an ‘exception’ refers to a flaw, error, or deficiency such as a safety violation, improper or incomplete documentation, improper operational procedures, and issues related to quality control failure.” Passing the audit without one, it noted, “highlights the meticulous attention to detail and adherence to best practices by the CSX team.”
“This accomplishment is a testament to our safety culture,” said CSX Plant Superintendent Mike Langhauser, who was featured in a special video on the Shop, along with the railroad’s Jimmy Irene, Rusty Goins, Aaron Cade, Kenny Keilbler, and Kelly Williams (watch, top). “It means we’re following the rules, doing the job right, and putting out a quality product. From the machinists in the wheel shop to the electricians and the clerical employees who ensure we have the necessary materials, this achievement is truly a ONE CSX team effort.”
Separately, CSX recently reported that the Louisiana Economic Development Certified Sites Program has awarded electric power utility Entergy New Orleans and CSX “Certified Site” designation for a CSX-owned, 76-acre industrial plot on Almonaster Avenue in New Orleans. Also, merchandise and Intermodal revenue and volume growth, partially offset by a decline in coal and other factors, characterized CSX’s second-quarter and first-half performance.
UP
UP is helping Canpotex meet overseas demand for potash, a fertilizer nutrient, the Class I railroad reported Aug. 8 in the Inside Track section of its website. Since the Canadian potash exporter completed a $150 million facility expansion at the Port of Portland’s (Org.) Terminal 5 in 2018, it has typically received more than a dozen unit trains per month, each comprising 188 carloads of potash, according to UP. In this year’s second quarter, Canpotex’s increased shipments to Portland led to record potash levels for the railroad.
The potash moves involve coordination with Canadian Pacific Kansas City, as UP interchanges with the Canadian Class I at Eastport, Idaho, and transports the unit trains to Portland via Hinkle, Ore. UP reported that its ongoing capital investments to expand the Eastport route’s capacity are helping to accommodate growth.
Sourcing potash produced by its shareholders, Mosaic and Nutrien in Saskatchewan, Canada, Canpotex annually supplies more than 13 million tons of potash to 40 countries overseas, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, according to UP, which noted that some 20% of those exports go through the Port of Portland.
“I’m proud of the collaboration and communication across Union Pacific and with Canpotex to not only meet, but exceed expectations with this volume increase, ensuring all resources were lined up to handle the additional business,” UP General Director, Marketing and Sales Beth Steele said. “We’re looking forward to more opportunities with Canpotex as we grow together through operational excellence.”
“Reliability is critical for potash shipments,” added Canpotex Senior Vice President Vinesh Kohli. “Our customers count on Canpotex to deliver the high-quality potash they need to improve crops and grow food. Partners like Union Pacific have an important role in Canpotex’s supply chain that makes global food security possible.”
Separately, UP on Aug. 1 announced the unveiling of a new mural portraying its “proud 162-year mission of Building America.” Also, UP is seeking mediation through the Surface Transportation Board to resolve two “fundamental issues”—track access and maintenance fees—that have become a sticking point in forging a new contract with Chicago regional/commuter rail operator Metra.
CN
CN recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially introduce its new loop track in Two Harbors, Minn. Nearly 600,000 cubic yards of soil were excavated “to make way for operational and supply chain improvements for our steel customers,” the railroad reported via LinkedIn on Aug. 8. CN congratulated the teams involved “for working together to make it happen.” The project began earlier this year.
Minnesota, the North Star State, is home to CN’s Iron Ore Supply Chain, which brings taconite pellets from the Minnesota Iron Range mines to the CN docks in Duluth and Two Harbors, according to the railroad. There, the pellets are loaded onto Great Lakes ships for transport to the lower Great Lakes. CN’s major facilities in Minnesota include an intermodal terminal in Duluth, a rail classification yard and railcar/locomotive repair shop in Proctor, a yard near the Two Harbors iron ore dock, and the Duluth iron ore dock itself.
In other CN news, the railroad late last month published its 2024-25 Grain Plan.
