Rail Industry News
KCS EVP sells $548,500 in company stock
(Source: Smarter Analyst, July 21, 2020) NEW YORK — Today, the EVP & Chief Innovation Officer of Kansas City Southern, Brian Hancock, sold shares of KSU for $548.6K. Full story: Smarter Analyst
Teamsters across the country strike for black lives
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, July 20, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today workers with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters joined other major national labor organizations, leading racial and social justice groups, and activists in...
CN recalling some of its 4,000 laid off workers
(Source: Canadian Press, July 21, 2020) MONTREAL — Canadian National Railway Co. has laid off about 4,000 employees from its workforce this year as profits sagged 60 per cent in the second quarter amid fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Shipments declined nearly...
CN reports Q2 2020 financial results
(Source: Canadian National Railway press release, July 21, 2020) MONTREAL — CN today reported its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020. "By being adaptable, we were able to swiftly rightsize our resources and continue to provide...
CN’s second-quarter 2020 operating income falls 53%
(Source: Freight Waves, July 21, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The COVID-19 pandemic hit Canadian railway CN’s second-quarter profits, with lower rail volumes resulting in a 19% decline in quarterly revenue. CN’s second-quarter net income on an unadjusted basis totaled...
Pan Am Railways on the block again? Insiders say yes
(Source: Berkshire Eagle, July 20, 2020) NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Pan Am Railways, which owns the Hoosac Tunnel and runs freight traffic through North Adams, is for sale, according to railway industry publications. Full story: Berkshire Eagle
Here’s why oil train derailments and pipeline spills keep happening
(Source: Rabble.ca, July 20, 2020) TORONTO — In the midst of global upheaval, recent oil spills in Canada have received little attention. These spills occurred as governments, both federal and provincial -- notably Alberta and Ontario (which later reversed the...
Kansas City Southern’s dwell time up 3% as volume returns amid cost cutting
(Source: Supply Chain Dive, July 20, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Some of Kansas City Southern's (KCS) metrics related to precision-scheduled railroading (PSR) metrics slipped in the second quarter compared to the first quarter, as volume began to return the railroad,...
Class I rail headcount levels drop further in June
(Source: Freight Waves, May 20, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Rail headcount levels in June reached a fresh low for 2020 as U.S. rail volumes were still recovering from the coronavirus-induced traffic declines from earlier in the spring. The number of employees working...
Sierra Club asks Georgia governor to veto freight rail measure
(Source: Albany Herald, July 19, 2020) ATLANTA, Ga. — An environmental organization is urging Gov. Brian Kemp to veto a bill the General Assembly passed overwhelmingly that would reserve a permanent spot in the state budget for freight rail. House Bill 820 should be...
STB: Texas Central project falls under its jurisdiction
(Source: Progressive Railroading, July 17, 2020) The Surface Transportation Board (STB) yesterday, reversing an earlier decision, determined that Texas Central Railroad's proposed Dallas-to-Houston high-speed rail service will qualify as part of the interstate rail...
Uncertainty, concerns surround potential oil train resurgence
(Source: Bismarck Tribune, July 20, 2020) BISMARCK, N.D. — While lawyers fight over a federal judge’s order to temporarily shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline, the oil industry is grappling with uncertainty as it ponders how to keep shipping Bakken crude to market....
Amtrak chief William Flynn: Railroad is actively engaged in luring new and current riders
(Source: Washington Post, July 17, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — William J. Flynn took the helm at Amtrak in mid-April just as the coronavirus pandemic decimated the rail’s service and substantially cut into its revenue. Full story: Washington Post
Hoffa statement on the passing of Congressman John Lewis
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, July 18, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following is an official statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa: “Last night, our country lost a lion of the civil rights movement and a national force...
KCS reports second quarter 2020 results
(Source: Kansas City Southern press release (PDF), July 17, 2020) KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Southern (KCS) reported revenues of $547.9 million, a decrease of 23% from second quarter 2019. Overall, carload volumes were down 21% compared to prior year. Second...
KCS seeks to maintain PSR-related cost cuts
(Source: Freight Waves, July 17, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Although the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 23% drop in revenue in the second quarter for Kansas City Southern, the operational changes the company made to cut costs are serving as the silver lining. Full story:...
Kansas City Southern’s revenue falls 23% in second quarter of 2020
(Source: Freight Waves, July 17, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Kansas City Southern’s second-quarter revenue dipped 23% amid a 21% drop in carload volumes. Revenue in the second quarter of 2020 totaled $547.9 million, down 23% from the same period in 2019 as demand...
Metra board approves $15.2 million contract to build new Peterson Ridge Station
(Source: Railway Track & Structures, July 16, 2020) NEW YORK — The Metra Board of Directors have approved a $15.2 million contract to build a new Peterson Ridge Station and parking facility on the Union Pacific North Line. A Metra station in Edgewater has been planned...
NJ Transit cop revives baby born at train station
(Source: Associated Press, July 17, 2020) NEWARK, N.J. — A newborn who was not breathing when she was born in a train station bathroom is doing well after a police officer performed CPR on the child and rushed her to a hospital. Body camera video released Friday by NJ...
Talgo VI trainsets withdrawn from Amtrak Cascades service
(Source: Railway Gazette International, July 16, 2020) NEW YORK — Washington State Department of Transport has withdrawn its 1998-built Talgo VI trainsets used to operate the Amtrak Cascades services between Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, ahead of the...
BLET News
BLET to upgrade Internet service provider
The BLET National Division will be upgrading its Internet service provider at noon today.
Want to be a mediator?
The National Mediation Board (NMB) is looking to hire a full-time mediator to specialize in railroad disputes for a vacant position at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. There is one vacant position, but the NMB may hire two if they are impressed with the applicants.
Green Bay welcomes BLET for 2009 IWC
Rail history buffs will not want to miss the BLET’s 69th annual International Western Convention (IWC) in Green Bay, Wisc.
P.T. Kerrigan, former BLET VP & NLR, 1926-2009
Paul T. “Pat” Kerrigan, former BLET Vice President and National Legislative Representative (VP & NLR), passed away at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, Pa., on June 24, 2009. He was 82 years old.
FRA publishes interpretations governing new Hours of Service law
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published a series of interpretations pertaining to new Hours of Service laws taking effect for certain freight railroad workers, including operating crews, on July 16.
BLET encouraged by high speed future
The future of high speed passenger and commuter rail in America is brighter than ever before, and that means more good jobs for members of the Teamsters Rail Conference.
Registration now open for Military Railway Service reunion
Registration is now underway for the U.S. Army’s 24th Annual Transportation Corps (TC) Conference, which will honor Military Railway Service (MRS) veterans of World War II and Korea.
Education & Training Dept. to conduct workshop for Local Chairmen of passenger lines
The BLET Education & Training Department is conducting a first-of-its kind workshop for Local and General Chairmen who represent members working at passenger and commuter railroads.
2009 EUMA deadlines extended to June 24
Deadlines for the upcoming Eastern Union Meeting Association (EUMA) convention in Philadelphia have been extended to June 24 to give members additional time to register.
Moates reelected at BLET-CSX Western Lines
Don L. Moates was reelected General Chairman of the BLET-CSXT Western Lines General Committee of Adjustment at meetings on June 6, 2009.
