Rail Industry News
CN honors and supports veterans in Canada and U.S.
(Source: CN press release, November 11, 2020) MONTREAL — Each November 11, CN takes the opportunity to honor and appreciate the sacrifices and selflessness of the men and women who served in the Canadian and American militaries. At CN, we feel fortunate to have many...
A Biden presidency’s potential impact on rail unclear
(Source: Freight Waves, November 10, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A White House administration under Democratic President-elect Joe Biden could see renewed support for passenger rail, given Biden’s previous support of Amtrak and high-speed rail. Full story: Freight...
Cleveland-Cliffs to acquire six short line railroads
(Source: Progressive Railroading, November 9, 2020) Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. last week notified the Surface Transportation Board (STB) that the mining company intends to acquire control of six short lines owned by ArcelorMittal USA LLC. Full story: Progressive...
Record-breaking Mexican rail blockade costs $81 million
(Source: Freight Waves, November 8, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Rail lines from Mexico’s Port of Lázaro Cárdenas have been blocked for almost 40 days, upending freight flows across several key trade routes. Protesters are blocking rail lines operated by Kansas City...
APTA congratulates President-Elect Biden, VP-Elect Harris
(Source: American Public Transportation Association press release, November 7, 2020) WASHIINGTON, D.C. — “On behalf of the more than 1,500 members of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the tens of millions of public transit riders, we welcome...
CSX wants to buy Pan Am Railways; NS says “not so fast”
(Source: Railway Age, November 9, 2020) NEW YORK — Shades of the battle between CSX and Norfolk Southern that occurred some 25 years ago over Conrail, but on a smaller scale: CSX is in negotiations to acquire Pan Am Railways, the 1,700-mile Class II previously known...
BNSF Q3 2020 revenue and operating ratio both down
(Source: Railway Track & Structures, November 9, 2020) NEW YORK — BNSF recently reported its financial results for Q3 2020. Revenue was down 14.4 percent compared to Q3 2019 (bad) and the operating ratio was down to 59.7 percent compared to 62.6 percent in Q3 2019...
Crude by rail poses higher social than financial risk: report
(Source: Mining.com, November 9, 2020) VANCOUVER, B.C. — Shipments of crude oil by rail in Canada in 2021 are expected to remain below the peaks of the beginning of 2020, according to a new report by Moody’s Investor’s Service. But reputational and social risks...
Tracking the speed, dwell time and cars of Class I railroads
(Source: Supply Chain Dive, November 9, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Understanding how a rail shipment moves through the tracks and hump yards across the country relies on a few key metrics. Three of the main key performance indicators that railroads use to communicate...
AAR reports rail traffic for October and the week ending October 31, 2020
(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, November 4, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending October 31, 2020, as well as volumes for October 2020. U.S. railroads...
Rail industry ready to work with President-Elect Joe Biden
(Source: Railway Age, November 9, 2020) NEW YORK — With Joe Biden preparing to take the oath of office as the 46th president of the United States on Jan. 20, 2021, the Association of American Railroads (AAR), Amtrak and the American Public Transportation Association...
NJ’s Payne will seek chairmanship of key transportation subcommittee
(Source: New Jersey Globe, November 5, 2020) TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey congressman is seeking the chairmanship of a powerful House subcommittee with jurisdiction over rail transportation, including Amtrak. Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) has put his name in to...
Union Pacific recalls 125 employees to De Soto car shops
(Source: Leader Publications, November 6, 2020) FESTUS, Mo. — The Union Pacific railroad has recalled 125 employees to return to work at its car shops in De Soto. Full story: www.myleaderpaper.com
Coal, petroleum and sand drive BNSF’s operating revenues lower in Q3 2020
(Source: Freight Waves, November 9, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Slumping revenues for coal and energy products put pressure on BNSF’s profits in the third quarter, according to parent company Berkshire Hathaway. Third-quarter operating revenue was $5 billion, down...
U.S. Class I railroads prioritize PSR, efficiency at the expense of service
(Source: Supply Chain Dive, November 4, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Railroad executives used words such as "surreal," "unprecedented" and "roller coaster" to describe 2020 on Q3 earnings calls. Full story: Supply Chain Dive
Statement from Amtrak President & CEO Bill Flynn on Biden Administration
(Source: Amtrak press release, November 7, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — “Amtrak looks forward to working with President-elect Biden and Congress. To get the economy moving and help Amtrak and our employees through this unprecedented situation, Congress must act now on...
Amtrak, automakers vow to work with future Biden administration
(Source: Reuters, November 7, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak and American automakers on Saturday pledged to work with the incoming administration of Democrat Joe Biden, who wants to boost mass transit and green vehicles. Full story: Reuters
Teamsters: Biden-Harris victory is a win for workers in 2020 election
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, November 7, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Local election officials are continuing to do the very important work of counting every vote so that the intention of every American voter is heard in this election....
“Amtrak Joe:” Biden elected next President of the United States
(Source: Mass Transit Magazine, November 7, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have secured enough electoral votes to be named the next President and Vice President of the United States. During his career in the Senate, Biden became well-known for...
City of Salem tests drinking water after NS coal train derails into Roanoke River
(Source: Associated Press, November 2, 2020) SALEM, Va. — A city in southwestern Virginia is testing its drinking water from the Roanoke River after a coal train derailed into the waterway. Full story: Virginian-Pilot
BLET News
Deadline for Hoffa Scholarship is March 31
The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships annually to outstanding high school seniors. The deadline for this year’s program is March 31, 2011.
BLET points to history in urging changes to proposed conductor certification rule
With federal regulations requiring the certification of conductors scheduled to take effect at the beginning of next year, the BLET has filed comments with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) strongly urging that the agency pay attention to the lessons of more than 20 years of locomotive engineer certification.
BLET Western General Chairman’s Association to meet in April
The annual meeting of the BLET Western General Chairman’s Association (WGCA) will be held April 18-21 at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, the Association’s new Chairman Pat Williams announced today.
Space remains for BLET Legislative Representative workshop
Space remains for BLET members interested in attending next month’s Division Legislative Representative workshop at Teamster headquarters in Washington, D.C., February 13-17, 2011.
BLET wins HOS interpretation on interruption of rest
The BLET has successfully secured an important clarification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) concerning an interpretation of a key provision of an amendment to the Hours of Service (HOS) laws made by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
CSXT members ratify pair of agreements
BLET members from two of the four general committees of adjustment on CSX Transportation ratified two tentative collective bargaining agreements on Mon-day. They represent more than 40% of BLET engineers working for the Class I railroad.
BLET hosts two Secretary-Treasurer workshops in early 2011
The BLET’s Education and Training Department is hosting two Secretary-Treasurer Compliance Workshops in February and March.
BLET National Division Officers sworn in
On January 1, 2011, a new Advisory Board began its four year term of office for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. National Division President Dennis Pierce installed the new Advisory Board; and as part of that process, all Advisory Board Officers took the following International Brotherhood of Teamsters Oath of Office.
An annual tradition, BLET Division 34 adopts families for the holidays
For the sixth year in a row, the members of BLET Division 34 in Columbus, Ohio, are getting into the holiday spirit by helping those less fortunate through their Adopt-A-Family program.
Railroad retirement tax reduced for 2011
Among the items included in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which was signed into law by President Obama on December 17, is a temporary employee payroll tax cut.
