Rail Industry News
CPKC reports Q2 2023 net income of $1.3 billion
Revenues for the second quarter were nearly CA$3.2 billion (US$2.4 billion), up 44% year over year.
UP hires CEO favored by hedge fund as Q2 2023 profit falls 15%
Union Pacific has hired the CEO candidate favored by a hedge fund that’s been pressuring the railroad to improve amid disappointing results driven by weakening consumer demand and higher labor costs.
NS reports Q2 2023 results, says cost of East Palestine cleanup doubles to $803 million
The company’s profit in Q2 2023 was $356 million, or $1.56 per share. That’s down from $819 million, or $3.45 per share, a year ago.
U.S. railroads say heatwave to reignite coal shipments this year
U.S. railroad operators expect heatwaves across the northern hemisphere to reignite coal shipments as people crank up the air conditioning to beat the heat.
NTSB says poor track conditions led to fatal Amtrak derailment in Montana
The National Transportation Safety Board announced Thursday that “poor track conditions” led to an Amtrak derailment near Joplin in September 2021, killing three and injuring scores more.
FRA wants Class Is to regularly report train-length information
In a follow-up to its recent safety advisory on train length, the Federal Railroad Administration is calling on Class Is to report every month the number, length and weight of trains operated on their rail lines.
CSX Q2 2023 profit declined as intermodal drops 10%
The total number of shipments CSX delivered slipped 3% in the quarter as it handled 10% fewer intermodal shipping containers.
CSX announces Q2 2023 results
Net earnings of $996 million compared to $1.18 billion in the same period last year.
Philadelphia-area CSX derailment labeled “wakeup call” by rail safety advocates
While no leaks of hazardous materials occurred, some are calling the accident a wakeup call.
CSX continues to target truck-to-rail conversions
CSX is playing a long-term game when looking at encouraging shippers to switch from using trucks to using the railroads.
Republicans want to slash Amtrak funding as the railroad plans historic expansion
Republicans in Congress are proposing slashing funding for Amtrak and other infrastructure priorities in the 2024 budget.
RRB Pre-Retirement seminars now online
We are pleased to be able to again offer an online version of our Pre-Retirement Seminar program. The feedback we’ve received from those who have viewed the online version of the seminar has been very positive.
UPS bows to Teamster pressure, negotiations to resume next week
As thousands of UPS Teamsters practice picket, rally, and mobilize around the country, UPS bowed today to the overwhelming show of Teamster unity and reached out to the union to resume negotiations.
NTSB issues preliminary report on CSX conductor trainee death in Baltimore
A CSX Transportation conductor trainee was killed when he fell from a railcar during a shoving move and was hit by the train, according National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report on a fatal accident June 26 at the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore.
BNSF appeals STB decision ordering railroad to haul more coal for Montana mining company
BNSF Railway is seeking a judicial review of the Surface Transportation Board’s preliminary injunction that orders the railroad to haul more export coal from a Montana mine to tidewater in British Columbia.
AAR: Carloads and intermodal down 2.4% from 2022 for week ending July 15
U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 15, 2023 (Week 28) was 478,153 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.4% from the same week last year.
FRA seeks comment on two C&S-related petitions
The Federal Railroad Administration is seeking comment on two petitions regarding inspection of microprocessor-controlled interlockings and FRA-approved Positive Train Control Safety Plans (PTCSPs).
Amtrak crews to update NEC track this summer
The work involves replacing 40 track switches throughout New York and Mid-Atlantic regions; updating 25 miles of track in the Mid-Atlantic region; and completing over 1 million feet of surfacing work across the entire corridor in preparation for high-speed rail.
Vegas to SoCal high-speed rail project clears major hurdle
Last week, the Federal Railroad Administration completed its environmental review for a portion of the project and found “no significant impact” along one of the critical sections of the proposed track.
Contract worker killed at Chicago-area CSX intermodal facility
A contract worker was killed Saturday morning in an accident at the CSX Transportation intermodal facility at Bedford Park, the Chicago Tribune reports.
BLET News
BLET welcomes Carrollton Railroad workers as union scores sixth organizing win since 2023
National Vice President Randy Fannon (front row, second from left) with workers from the Carrolton Railroad. ____________________ The BLET scored another short line organizing victory this month, marking the union’s sixth organizing win since mid-2023. Workers from...
Race to watch: Nebraska Senate candidate Dan Osborn backs rail workers, two-person train crews
Rail labor supporter Dan Osborn launched his campaign out of the back of his pickup truck and is now polling almost even with the heavily-favored incumbent. Photo: courtesy Osborn for Senate ____________________ Dan Osborn, an independent candidate for U.S. Senate in...
2024 election: Get out and vote on November 5; Support the candidates who support rail worker issues
November 5 will determine one of the most consequential elections in our lifetimes and all BLET members are encouraged to head to the polls. Control of the White House, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives will be decided. All BLET members are encouraged...
Attention veterans — share your stories and photos with BLET
Veterans Day 2024 is approaching. Are you a veteran? Do you have a family member, friend or coworker who is a veteran? Do you have a story of camaraderie or sacrifice that you’d like to share in honor of veterans? The BLET National Division would like to hear from...
Cost-of-living adjustment will boost railroad retirement benefits; Retirees can earn more in 2025
Most railroad retirement annuities, like social security benefits, will increase in January 2025 based on a rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of 2023 to the corresponding period of the current year. Cost-of-living increases are calculated...
Chronic underfunding continues to plague Railroad Retirement Board
Like other federal agencies, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has been operating under a continuing resolution since October 1, 2024, the start of fiscal year (FY) 2025. The temporary funding measure provides the agency with continuing appropriations of $27.9...
Non-union workers across the U.S. are turning to unions — including BLET. Do you know any railroaders seeking representation?
The Associated Press reported recently that the number of union representation petitions more than doubled in fiscal 2024. The National Labor Relations Board received 3,286 union petitions in the 12 months ending Sept. 30, up from 1,638 in 2021. By contrast, AP...
Deadline is October 31 to enroll in 2025 Health FSA program
Currently happening until midnight on October 31, 2024, you can enroll or change your Medical or Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefit selections for the 2025 benefit year. Members must enroll in the Health FSA every year — FSA enrollment is not automatic...
2024 Election: Sherrod Brown strengthens pro-labor record as he fights to protect CSX jobs in Northeast Ohio
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) at a news conference in 2023 calling for passage of the bipartisan Railway Safety Act. ____________________ U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has a long history of supporting rail unions and the rights of workers. His commitment to...
Autonomous technology a factor as BLET secures short line organizing victory at Georgia Central Railway
The specter of job loss to autonomous train technology played a role as the BLET scored a significant short line organizing victory on October 22. A majority of train and engine service employees at the Georgia Central Railway voted to join BLET in a representation...
