Rail Industry News
Biden FY23 budget request: $105 billion for U.S. DOT
President Joe Biden on March 28 submitted to Congress a $5.79 trillion budget plan for fiscal year 2023 that calls for $105 billion to be distributed to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Class Is seek Gulf Coast port mediation; Amtrak says no thanks
While Amtrak opposes their recent joint motion for mediation, all parties agree that an “amicable resolution” may be possible.
BNSF derailment at Port of Tacoma knocks out power lines, blocks traffic
A BNSF freight train derailed at the Port of Tacoma on Tuesday afternoon, striking power lines and blocking traffic.
Analysis: Will autonomous trucks put the iron horse out to pasture?
There’s no question that autonomous trucks pose a threat to the railroad industry.
NS announces new $10 billion stock repurchase program
Norfolk Southern announced on March 29 that its Board of Directors has authorized a new program for the repurchase of up to $10 billion of its common stock beginning April 1, 2022.
Grain shippers complain about delays on BNSF, NS, and UP
The trade group representing grain producers says severe delays on BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific have forced its members to shut down flour mills as well as feed mills that produce food for livestock.
Supreme Court to hear employee slip and fall case that may impact future claims
The Supreme Court is poised to decide yet another case involving one of the many federal statutes that govern the nation’s railroads and rail workers.
CP lockout ends, but business propaganda continues
(Source: RankAndFile.ca, March 25, 2022) OTTAWA — CP Rail workers and management entered binding arbitration to resolve their labor dispute on March 22 — three days after workers were locked out by the employer. There was immense pressure on the Teamsters and CP Rail...
Opinion: Iowans stand to lose from CP-KCS merger
A proposed $30 billion merger between two of North America’s large railroads will jeopardize the environment, potentially delay getting critical agricultural goods to market and threaten communities throughout Iowa, unless federal leaders act fast.
Editorial: Slow down CP-KCS merger
The cities in our area say they’re concerned about the ability of police and fire crews to reach homes and businesses on the river side of the track.
Metra opposes CP-KCS merger
Metra, one of the largest commuter railroads in the country, is objecting to the proposed $31 billion merger between Class I freight rail carriers Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Railway.
CSX recommends shareholders reject “mini-tender” offer by TRC Capital
CSX is not affiliated with TRC and does not endorse TRC’s unsolicited offer.
Ample Canadian crude pipeline, rail export capacity exists if output rises
Energy executives and analysts acknowledge there now exists ample pipeline and rail capacity to move additional barrels from Alberta into US refining hubs, even without the infamous Keystone XL Pipeline.
Business groups call for “permanent” supply chain solution in wake of CP Rail work stoppage
Business groups advocating for rail to be declared an essential service in the wake of this week’s temporary work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. say a “permanent” solution is needed to ease this country’s supply chain woes.
Grain-feed group seeks STB’s help on rail quagmire
Congestion and poor service on the nation’s railroads are symptoms of a network problem affecting entire regions, at times preventing feed deliveries to US livestock producers without backup suppliers.
AAR reports rail traffic for the week ending March 19, 2022
For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 499,362 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.7 percent compared with the same week last year.
UP to announce Q1 2022 results on April 21
Union Pacific Corporation will release first quarter 2022 financial and operating results on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
CSX to announce Q1 2022 results on April 20
CSX Corp. will release first quarter financial and operating results after the market close on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.
Genesee & Wyoming, BNSF say customers spent billions to be near rail
Customers of short line operator Genesee & Wyoming invested $1.5 billion last year in 69 projects that will utilize proximity to G&W’s network. Earlier this month, BNSF said its customers invested $1.5 billion in projects along BNSF’s network in 2021.
Q&A: Longevity of Railroad Retirement beneficiaries
Every three years, the Railroad Retirement Board’s Chief Actuary conducts a study of the longevity of its annuitants, as part of a valuation of future revenues and benefit payments.
BLET News
Labor Day 2019
By Dennis R. Pierce, BLET National President Unions are an important part of the fabric of our nation and their importance is acknowledged each year on Labor Day. Unionized workers built this great country, including members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
Two BLET families win 2019 Union Plus scholarships
Union Plus recently awarded $170,000 in scholarships to 108 students representing 34 unions, including two winners from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
Denson reelected Arkansas State Legislative Board Chairman
Brother D.W. (Wayne) Denson was reelected by acclamation to his second term as Chairman at the Arkansas State Legislative Board’s triennial meeting in North Little Rock, Ark., August 13-14, 2019.
BLET to host Secretary-Treasurer class in December 2019
The BLET Education and Training Department will conduct a training class for Secretary-Treasurers from December 8-13, 2019, at the BLET National Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio.
GTW General Chairman John Karakian elected by acclamation to eighth straight term
General Chairman John M. Karakian was reelected by acclamation to his eighth consecutive term of office at the BLET’s CN-Grand Trunk Western (GTW) General Committee of Adjustment quadrennial meeting in Novi, Mich., on August 14, 2019.
RRB announces fall/winter 2019 Pre-Retirement Seminars
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has announced is schedule of Pre-Retirement Seminars for September-December 2019.
Four rail hazmat training classes available in late 2019, early 2020
The Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program is hosting four rail worker training sessions in late 2019 and early 2020. The dates are as follows: October 20-25, 2019; January 12-17, 2020; February 2-7, 2020; and March 15-20, 2020.
Illinois governor signs two-person crew bill
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a two-person crew bill into law on August 9, becoming the third state to pass such a railroad safety bill in 2019.
Overwhelming majority ratifies new contract with SEPTA
By an overwhelming majority of more than 96 percent, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratified a new contract with SEPTA on July 30.
Teamster 2020 survey to identify top issues
Working Americans are facing numerous challenges. Despite top line economic numbers that may look favorable, many workers’ paychecks are not growing. Add to that concerns surrounding pensions and health care benefits, and uncertainty looms for the U.S. middle class.
