NS
The Altoona (pictured, top) is the latest locomotive in the NS Landmark Series, which pays tribute to the communities—and railroaders—“who keep America moving.” The Class I unveiled the unit on Feb. 16 via social media.
“Fresh out of our Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, PA, this unit was crafted and painted by the railroaders who live and work in the town—adding an extra layer of pride to a locomotive that honors the people and the places that built America and helped shape our railroad’s story,” NS reported online.
NS rolled out the first two Landmark Series units last fall. The Birmingham and the Atlanta (SD70IACs 1230 and 1231; see above and below) pulled NS business cars for a special event supporting Hope Atlanta. The railroad in 2025 raised and donated $600,000 to advance that nonprofit’s mission: to serve people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
According to NS, the three Landmark Series locomotives are traveling its 19,500-plus route-mile network spanning 22 states and the District of Columbia; they operate in freight revenue service or lead the railroad’s Office Car Special (OCS) train.
NS’s Juniata shop also paints Heritage scheme locomotives. The newest unit, EMD SD70ACe No. 1080, honoring predecessor road Delaware & Hudson, debuted last spring. It joined a fleet of 22 Heritage units, “each a moving tribute to the railroads that built NS,” the company said.
For more on the shop, read: Mechanical Marvel.
Meanwhile, a $3.8 million Growing Alabama grant is going toward the development a new NS-served industrial park in Springville.
“The St. Clair County Economic Development Council (EDC) announced the award, which will fund site clearing and preparation for the new commerce park located along the Interstate 59 corridor,” according to an Expansion Solutions Magazine report, which NS shared via social media on Feb. 16. “The project is supported through a partnership among the City of Springville, the St. Clair County Commission, the Industrial Development Board of St. Clair County, the State of Alabama and private donors, including Norfolk Southern.”
According to state and local leaders, “the investment represents a strategic move to increase Alabama’s portfolio of development-ready, rail-accessible sites,” the magazine said.
“We’re proud to champion St. Clair County’s vision for building an industrial hub on Norfolk Southern’s rail network,” NS Senior Manager of Industrial Development Tyler Preast was quoted as saying. “Rail connectivity helps attract forward-thinking companies and supports the creation of high-quality jobs.”
NS customers in 2025 advanced more than 60 industrial development projects, representing $7.7 billion in investment for new or expanded rail-served facilities along NS and partner short line routes in the Southeast and Midwest.
NS is also welcoming applications for its Community Impact grant program.
Through Aug. 3, any eligible tax-exempt organization can apply for a:
- Safety First Grant: Focused on advancing safety in NS communities, grants are up to $15,000 for first responders and organizations “working to prevent and prepare for emergencies, ensuring community safety, including education and awareness, response readiness, mitigation of criminal activities and disaster relief,” according to the railroad.
- Thriving Communities Grant: Dedicated to “fostering economic opportunity, vibrant community life, and equitable access to essential resources,” the grants are up to $50,000, NS said.
Since launching in 2023, the Community Impact Grant program has provided more than $17 million in support.
Further Reading:
- NS: ‘Reliable Service, Measurable Safety Gains’
- NS Issues 2025 Safety Report
- Nine NS-Served Industrial Properties Recognized by National REDI Sites Program
BNSF
“The BNSF network is in solid condition, with service performance continuing to strengthen following January’s winter weather,” the Class I reported Feb. 13 as part of an online customer notification. “As we move further into February, key operating metrics are trending positively [see above]. Average car velocity has increased 2% compared to both last week and last month. Terminal dwell has improved by more than 8% week over week and nearly 5% month over month. Additionally, local service compliance has strengthened and now exceeds 90%.”
For a January operational performance update, click here.
Further Reading:
- Delivering on Our Service Promise: 2025 One of BNSF’s Best Years
- STB Seeks More Details on Proposed Maverick County, Tex., Line
- For BNSF, a $3.6B Capital Plan
CSX
AESS technology is part of CSX’s “broader strategy to lower operational costs, improve fuel efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability,” the Class I railroad reported Feb. 16 as part of a technology spotlight. (See video, above.) It automatically shuts down locomotives when not in use and restarts them when operations resume, minimizing unnecessary idling.
“In 2024, the CSX Mechanical team introduced the AESS Assist system, an enhancement that improves shutdown performance and provides additional battery support during engine cranking,” the railroad said. “This innovation delivers fuel and cost savings, boosts fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions. The added battery support is also expected to extend battery life over time.
“CSX, in collaboration with Wabtec, has also implemented software upgrades to the AESS platform. These enhancements extend the allowable engine shutdown time without requiring idling, further cutting fuel consumption and emissions.”
To learn more about AESS and CSX’s sustainability initiatives, read the latest CSX Sustainability Report.
