Rail Industry News
A-USA rail corridor: Alabama’s supply chain fix has been a long time coming
The recent announcement of a new “Alabama-USA” rail corridor holds out the tantalizing, and lucrative, possibility that the state could help solve the nation’s supply-chain problems. But it also illuminates an awkward reality
Police pull pilot from plane moments before train crash
A pilot who crashed a small plane onto railroad tracks was pulled alive from the wreck by a group of Los Angeles Police officers just moments before a Metrolink commuter train roared through, authorities said.
More freight trains could be coming to Chicago area, and that has communities and Metra concerned about delays
A proposed railroad merger would mean more freight trains in the Chicago area, and Metra and some communities say residents could feel the effects.
Short line companies outline capital plans
Along with participation by six Class I railroads and a number of other entities, the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association Conference that concluded Saturday featured presentations from three major short line companies.
Operation Lifesaver releases first of 12 online track safety trivia games to celebrate its 50th anniversary
Operation Lifesaver, the national non-profit rail safety education organization, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2022.
RRB Q&A: Annuitants may need to increase tax withholding at age 62
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, December 21, 2021) CHICAGO — Certain portions of a railroad retirement annuity are treated differently for Federal income tax purposes. The following questions and answers explain these differences and address the...
Get the latest labor news from the Teamsters
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters updates the news section of its website each day with the latest regarding the Teamsters, domestic and global labor and trade issues, state and living wage battles, social justice, the War on Workers, and many other important...
Intermodal down for 22nd straight week as AAR reports rail traffic for December and the week ending January 1, 2022
Railway Age reported on January 5 that this marked the 22nd consecutive week of intermodal losses.
Amtrak pledges support for CP-KCS combination after reaching deal for service expansions
CP has committed to maintaining its industry-leading role as a host railroad and to cooperating with Amtrak to implement its long-term strategic vision to bring new and expanded intercity passenger rail service to more North Americans.
BNSF leads industry in traffic growth during 2021; CSX at No. 2
BNSF Railway led the big six Class I railroads in growth in 2021, a year in which rail volume rebounded from the pandemic-related lows of 2020 yet struggled to overcome kinks in the global supply chain.
Norfolk Southern sets siding, terminal improvements in capital plan
Siding extensions and intermodal-terminal upgrades highlight the capacity-improvement aspects of Norfolk Southern’s 2022 capital spending plan, as outlined Thursday by the railroad’s vice president of engineering, Ed Boyle.
Reciprocal switching poses risk to rail network, UP CEO says
Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz isn’t sure what direction the Surface Transportation Board will take as it considers rules for reciprocal switching, but says the decision poses real risks for the rail industry.
CP to report Q4 2021 results on January 27, 2022
Canadian Pacific will release its fourth-quarter 2021 financial and operating results after the market close on Jan. 27, 2022.
CP agreement could fast-track second Amtrak train from St. Paul to Chicago
A proposed $31 billion acquisition involving two freight rail giants won’t imperil plans to add a second daily passenger train trip between St. Paul and Chicago — and could mean that service will begin sooner than expected.
New Detroit-Toronto Amtrak route proposed
Amtrak has announced support for the Canadian Pacific railway’s combination with the Kansas City Southern railway, which adds a route from Detroit to Toronto.
RRB Q&A: Annuitants may need to increase tax withholding at age 62
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, December 21, 2021) CHICAGO — Certain portions of a railroad retirement annuity are treated differently for Federal income tax purposes. The following questions and answers explain these differences and address the...
Get the latest labor news from the Teamsters
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters updates the news section of its website each day with the latest regarding the Teamsters, domestic and global labor and trade issues, state and living wage battles, social justice, the War on Workers, and many other important...
For 2021, intermodal “record” collapses in second half
In 2021, U.S. intermodal’s “record-setting” first half gave way to a lower second half as supply chain challenges persisted, reported the Association of American Railroads on Jan. 5; December volumes continued the downward trend, coming in 8.2% lower than the prior-year period, according to AAR figures.
Five pedestrian deaths in one month for Florida’s Brightline
A Brightline higher-speed train fatally struck a pedestrian who walked into its path Tuesday, the fifth death involving the railroad since it recently resumed operations after being shutdown because of the pandemic.
NJ Transit reform bill 2.0 is unlikely to pass this session
Despite compromise and a year and a half of work, Sen. Loretta Weinberg’s last-ditch effort to secure additional reform and accountability for NJ Transit appears unlikely to pass before her term ends next week.
BLET News
BLET files joint comments regarding rail industry automation
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) was one of five rail Brotherhoods to file joint comments on May 7 in response to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) March 29 Request For Information (RFI) regarding automation in the railroad industry.
Deadline is less than a week away for BLET’s Monterey regional meeting
BLET members and guests planning to attend the BLET’s regional meeting in Monterey, Calif., have just under a week to make their hotel reservations. The meeting will take place June 18-22, and room reservations must be made by May 17.
Ryan Snow reelected to second term as Chairman of California State Legislative Board
Ryan K. Snow was reelected to his second term as Chairman of the California State Legislative Board during the Board’s 8th quadrennial session in Lake Tahoe, Calif., April 24-26, 2018.
BLET marks 155th anniversary
On May 8, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) proudly marked its 155th anniversary. The union was founded as the Brotherhood of the Footboard on May 8, 1863 in Marshall, Mich. In 1864, the union changed its name to Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE), the name it retained for 140 years until merging with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on Jan. 1, 2004, when it became the BLET. The BLET is the oldest labor union in the Western Hemisphere.
Ballots mailed in tentative BLET, CN-IC agreement
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a tentative contract agreement with Canadian National’s former Illinois Central property. Ballots were mailed earlier this week to active members of the BLET employed by CN-IC who are eligible to vote in the ratification of this agreement.
Pierce, Pruitt and Joynt elected to lead Teamsters Rail Conference
BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce was reelected by acclamation to his third term as President of the Teamsters Rail Conference at the Rail Conference’s Fourth Quadrennial Convention in Las Vegas on May 2, 2018.
Tell Your Member of Congress to Co- Sponsor the Butch Lewis Act
Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa is asking all fellow Teamsters to do their part to help protect pensions in America. The multiemployer pension system has for many decades been an essential foundation for providing financial security in retirement for millions of Americans and their families. Now, through no fault of the beneficiaries, the earned pension benefits of millions of retirees are being threatened due to the impending financial insolvency of a number of multiemployer plans.
Deadline looms for BLET’s Monterey regional meeting
The hotel registration deadline is coming soon for those planning to attend the BLET’s regional meeting at the Hyatt Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif., June 18-22, 2018.
Workers Memorial Day 2018
By Dennis R. Pierce, BLET National President Every year, too many American workers are injured or killed in on-the-job accidents. Countless others get sick or become disabled because of workplace exposures to hazardous materials and conditions. Each year on April 28, we recognize Workers Memorial Day to commemorate and honor these workers and renew the fight for safe workplaces.
BLET reaches tentative contract with Indiana Rail Road
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached a Tentative Agreement with the Indiana Rail Road (INRD) governing rates of pay, benefits and work rules for 54 operating employees.
