(Source: Freight Waves, December 21, 2023)
The year 2023 seemed to kick off quietly for U.S. freight railroads: The industry had seen the resolution of the labor contract impasse between craft unions and U.S. Class I railroads in December 2022, while rail service was steadily improving after some struggles earlier in the year. However, the February derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio, brought an unanticipated and sometimes harsh spotlight on rail safety, with congressional lawmakers and other public officials scrutinizing the industry’s safety record and calling for reforms to bolster safety standards.
Full story: Freight Waves