Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Norfolk Southern (NS) are advancing their locomotive fleet modernization programs through acquisitions of new Tier 4-compliant road units from Wabtec and Progress Rail.
CPKC
CPKC’s acquisitions are part of an ongoing, multi-year $800 million investment program and are part of a previously announced multi-year capital plan. Having completed purchase of 100 Wabtec Evolution Series ET44AC Tier 4 locomotives built at the company’s manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Tex., the railroad expects to take delivery of an additional 70 this year. The first two are expected to arrive this month.
CPKC also expects to take delivery in second-half 2026 of 30 new Progress Rail EMD® SD70ACe-T4 Tier 4 locomotives manufactured at the company’s Muncie, Ind. plant. These locomotives are part of an order for 65. “This latest generation of EMD® Tier 4 locomotives provides improved reliability, serviceability and fuel efficiency, delivering an estimated 5%-7% improvement in fuel economy compared to the first-generation Tier 4 units, while continuing to meet EPA Tier 4 emissions standards without after-treatment,” Progress Rail said. “The locomotives will feature Progress Rail’s Talos™ energy management system, certified by the EPA to deliver a 12.3% efficiency gain—an industry-leading benchmark for fuel savings and reduced emissions. Powered by artificial intelligence, Talos optimizes in-train forces and has logged more than four million miles without a break-in-two, setting a new standard in safety across the rail industry.” The SD70ACe-T4 offers 4,500 brake horsepower and up to 200,000 pounds of starting tractive effort.
“Our purchase of additional new Tier 4 locomotives, proudly made in the U.S., continues CPKC’s commitment to renew our locomotive fleet through a more-than $800 million investment in [U.S.] manufacturing capacity,” said Mark Redd, CPKC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are investing in our road locomotive fleet for growth and to maintain our industry-leading service for our customers and the North American economy, powered by a fleet with improved reliability and fuel efficiency.”
Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern is acquiring 40 new Evolution Series ES44AC locomotives from Wabtec, marking its first new locomotive purchase since 2022. Delivery, expected in second-half 2026, will occur at NS’s Chattanooga, Tenn., shop. The lTier 4-compliant locomotives “will provide significant fuel savings, lower operating costs, reduced emissions, enhanced reliability and crew comfort,” NS said. “They represent unparalleled reliability in today’s freight transport. Built to Norfolk Southern specifications, they feature the newest generation of control systems, which enable real-time remote diagnostics and live operational views, like an IT-department-accessible computer screen. This innovation will help reduce delays by spotting potential issues before they become larger problems.” And, “by retiring older units, we will continue to create momentum gained from its industry-leading DC-to-AC modernization program.”
“We are leveraging emissions credits it has earned with Wabtec to facilitate the acquisition of the new locomotives,” said Kriss Beudjekian, NS Senior Director, Enterprise Resources. “With about 1,600 high-horsepower locomotives currently active, this investment ensures Norfolk Southern remains highly competitive and continues delivering on customer goals efficiently.”
“As we continue to enhance North America’s most modern fleet, the new locomotives will provide the industry’s best hauling power and reduced fuel consumption—ultimately benefiting customers and the environment,” added Ryan Stege, NS Senior Director Locomotive Operations & Maintenance.
“These locomotives feature some of the latest advancements in rail technology, blending sophisticated control systems with real-time remote diagnostics to support efficient operations,” said David “Woody” Woodman, Wabtec Group Vice President, Global Locomotive Platforms. “Equipped with a network of advanced sensors, Norfolk Southern gains unparalleled visibility and reliability. These capabilities not only enhance operational performance, but also drive progress toward long-term sustainability in freight rail.”
