Rail Industry News
Retail import surge expected to continue through summer
(Source: Progressive Railroading, April 8, 2021) The surge of imports at U.S. container ports that began in summer 2020 is expected to continue at least through the end of this summer as retailers work to meet increased consumer demand, according to the monthly Global...
STB to require “certain minimum information” on demurrage invoices
(Source: Freight Waves, April 6, 2021) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Surface Transportation Board (STB) plans to adopt a final rule on what information should be included in demurrage-related billing statements from the Class I railroads. The rule seeks to address some of...
CSX, NS ask STB to dismiss Amtrak’s Gulf Coast case
(Source: Progressive Railroading, April 8, 2021) CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway have asked the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to dismiss Amtrak's request that the board force the Class Is to allow for the operation of two daily trains between New Orleans and...
AAR reports rail traffic for March and the week ending April 3, 2021
(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, April 7, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 3, 2021, as well as volumes for March 2021. U.S. railroads originated...
U.S. intermodal rail yards clog up as port congestion and delays continue
(Source: The Load Star, April 9, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — US shippers and importers that rely on rail are bracing themselves for a long slog through a period of congestion and delays. The Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex has become synonymous with congestion for...
Operation Lifesaver awards $50,000 innovative rail safety competitive grant for Minnesota crossing safety, trespass prevention campaign
(Source: Operation Lifesaver press release, April 7, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), announced it will award an Innovative Rail Safety Grant for $50,000 to Minnesota Operation...
Amtrak launches 50th anniversary website
(Source: Progressive Railroading, April 7, 2021) Amtrak has launched a website (https://www.amtrak.com/50th-anniversary) in recognition of the national intercity passenger railroad's 50th anniversary. The site will serve as a central hub for information about Amtrak's...
Canadian construction firm picked for $1 billion Mexico-Canada rail link project
(Source: Freight Waves, April 7, 2021) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Engage Construction Management and Consulting Inc. has been selected for the Canadian piece of a $1 billion infrastructure project connecting Mexico’s Pacific Coast to Winnipeg, Canada. Full story: Freight...
Weekly U.S. coal carloads down 3% on week
(Source: S&P Global Platts, April 7, 2021) HOUSTON — Weekly US coal carload originations totaled 59,661, down 3% from the previous week and up 3% from the year-ago week, Association of American Railroads data said April 7. Full story: S&P Global Platts
Hoffa: How Teamsters gained pension security for members
(Source: Statement by Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa published in the Detroit News, April 7, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — For more than two decades, the Teamsters fought to reform multiemployer pensions so workers and retirees could be secure that they would...
AAR: Rail traffic rebound
(Source: Railway Age, April 7, 2021) NEW YORK — Taking into account last year’s pandemic-related rail volume drop, “rail traffic has clearly rebounded” and “recent signs of strength in manufacturing are good signs for railroads, too,” Association of American Railroads...
NTSB drops PTC from “Most Wanted” safety list
(Source: Progressive Railroading, April 7, 2021) The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) yesterday finalized its latest Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements, which, for the first time in many years, did not mention positive train control...
NTSB unveils its 2021-22 Most Wanted List of transportation safety improvements
(Source: Operation Lifesaver press release, April 6, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board finalized its 2021 – 2022 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements during a board meeting held Tuesday. The five-member board voted to...
Federal government reaches settlement with BNSF over Wyoming fuel spill into river
(Source: Wyoming Star-Tribune, April 5, 2021) GUERNSEY — The federal government reached a $140,000 settlement with the BNSF Railway over a 2019 oil spill in the North Platte River near Guernsey, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday. Full story:...
CN reports 13th consecutive record month of Canadian grain movement
(Source: Canadian National press release, April 6, 2021) MONTREAL — CN announced today that it moved 2.95 million metric tonnes (MMT) of western Canadian grain in March 2021, exceeding the previous record of 2.74 MMT set in 2020 and 19% ahead of the three-year average...
AAR reports rail traffic for week ending March 27
(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, March 31, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 27, 2021. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 521,731...
NTSB issues preliminary report in BNSF Railway fatality in La Mirada, Calif.
(Source: National Transportation Safety Board press release, April 1, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board issued Thursday the preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the March 3, 2021, death of a Burlington Northern Santa Fe...
STB amends revenue thresholds for classifying railroads
(Source: Progressive Railroading, April 6, 2021) The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has adopted a final rule that amends the operating-revenue thresholds for classifying rail carriers. Full story: Progressive Railroading
Governor says Alabama won’t fund return of Amtrak Gulf Coast service without impact study
(Story: Progressive Railroading, April 6, 2021) Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is opposing Amtrak's proposed restoration of passenger-rail service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, unless the railroad first completes an impact study. Full story: Progressive Railroading
More shippers voice support of CP-KCS merger
(Source: Freight Waves, April 6, 2021) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — More shippers and other stakeholders have lent their support to the proposed merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. Full story: Freight Waves
BLET News
Members of BLET Division 28 help deliver a Happy Thanksgiving in Tucson
For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time for counting our blessings and helping those in need. The members of BLET Division 28 (Tucson, Ariz.) have taken the spirit of Thanksgiving to heart this year, launching a “Turkey Drive” to help families in need.
BLET to conduct LM-2 GCA Secretary-Treasurer workshop
In January 2013, the BLET Education and Training Department will conduct a workshop for all Secretary-Treasurers who file an LM-2 report for their General Committee of Adjustment (GCA) or Division. The workshop will be held in San Diego, Calif., from January 13-17, 2013.
Teamsters offer Sandy disaster relief assistance in Rhode Island
The Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund is accepting applications for assistance from members who live in Rhode Island after Superstorm Sandy caused major damage to homes and property on October 29, 2012.
GA-46000 Lifetime maximum adjusted for 2013
The lifetime maximum benefit for the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit (also known as ERMA or GA-46000) Plan will increase from $131,500 to $136,200 on January 1, 2013.
BLET, Teamsters seek help for members impacted by Sandy
The BLET New Jersey State Legislative Board, in conjunction with Teamsters Joint Council No. 73, is soliciting donations to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Mark your calendars for 2013 BLET regional meetings
BLET members looking to combine educational opportunities with family fun should consider attending one of the Organization’s four regional meetings in 2013.
BLET Job Bank: Montana Rail Link
Montana Rail Link has contacted the BLET National Division to advise that the railroad is hiring between 15-20 certified locomotive engineers. Applications are being accepted through December 12, 2012.
Veterans Day 2012
By Dennis R. Pierce, BLET National President Earlier this year, I had the honor of attending the BLET’s Southwestern Convention Meeting in Galveston, Texas. The convention’s opening ceremony was on the 11th anniversary of 9-11, and all in attendance participated in a solemn remembrance for those innocent lives lost during the worst terrorist attack in American history.
Improved vision care plan coming for members in 2013
The BLET National Division is pleased to announce details regarding an improved vision care plan for members beginning next year.
Election Day is over, but our work has just begun
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has issued an Action Alert asking members to urge their Members of Congress to vote “no” on extending the Bush-era tax cuts.
