Rail Industry News
Canadian crude Gulf Coast exports rise as Venezuelan gap is filled
(Source: Reuters, June 18, 2019) HOUSTON — Heavy crudes have poured into the United States this spring, offsetting the loss of Venezuelan oil and producing a mini-surplus, with Canadian heavy crude this month being exported from the U.S. Gulf Coast. Crude-by-rail...
Union Pacific CEO signals caution on Trump’s China tariff threat
(Source: Reuters, June 19, 2019) NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES — Union Pacific Corp’s chief executive said another round of tariffs on Chinese goods could badly hurt his railroad and the U.S. economy, but he feels U.S. President Donald Trump is listening to his concerns. Full...
Month after NTSB recommended replacing Amtrak Cascades trains, they’re still running
(Source: Television station KIRO 7, June 19, 2019) TUKWILA, Wash. — In Tukwila on Wednesday, Dane Cheatley boarded an Amtrak Cascades train, just like the one that derailed near DuPont in 2017 and killed three people. Full story: www.kiro7.com
UP train carrying military weapons and explosives partially derails in Nevada
(Source: Associated Press, June 19, 2019) WELLS, Nevada — A train carrying military munitions derailed in the high desert of northeast Nevada on Wednesday, closing an interstate for about an hour before emergency crews determined there was no danger. No injuries were...
House leaders press Amtrak CEO for answers about reported decision to reduce the number of Amtrak police
(Source: House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee press release, June 20, 2019) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chair of the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee...
Bombardier to open railcar assembly plant in California
(Source: Trains Magazine, June 17, 2019) PITTSBURG, Calif. — Bombardier Transportation announced Friday it would open a new railcar assembly plant in Pittsburg, with new Bay Area Rapid Transit cars to be the first equipment built at the site. Full story: Trains...
Union Pacific to release Q2 2019 earnings on July 18
(Source: Union Pacific press release, June 18, 2019) OMAHA, Neb. — You are invited to listen to Union Pacific Corporation’s (NYSE: UNP) second quarter 2019 earnings release presentation that will be broadcast live over the Internet and via teleconference on Thursday,...
CSX to release Q2 2019 earnings on July 16
(Source: CSX press release, June 18, 2019) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Corporation will release second-quarter financial and operating results after the market close on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. This will be followed by a conference call and live webcast hosted by the...
Federal officials to review flood issues in Texas derailment
(Source: Associated Press, June 18, 2019) FORT WORTH, Texas — Investigators will consider storm-related flooding to help determine what caused an April 24 freight train derailment in North Texas that sent 25 tanker cars off the tracks. Full story:...
Strong carload volume boosts Canadian National
(Source: Market Realist, June 17, 2019) NEW YORK — In Week 23, Canadian National Railway’s (CNI) total traffic volumes improved 1.2% YoY (year-over-year) to 117,789 railcars from 116,381 railcars. Five of the seven Class I railroad companies registered YoY declines in...
Falling rail traffic could weigh on Kansas City Southern
(Source: The Lope, June 18, 2019) NEW YORK — Concerns over the global economy continue to dominate the public discourse. If the economy is dismal, then corporate earnings could decline. Sans corporate earnings growth, the only thing that can drive stocks higher is a...
Opinion: Amtrak bullying now targets SEPTA
(Source: Railway Age opinion column by Frank N. Wilner, June 18, 2019) NEW YORK — Here we go again with Amtrak. While complaining that host freight railroads unreasonably impair its legal right to passenger-train priority handling, Amtrak is employing thug-like...
Anti-worker NLRB decision shows need for reform
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, June 18, 2019) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The rollback of union rights in favor of big business continues. Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) handed down a ruling that allows companies to bar...
FRA issues proposed rule for passenger rail safety, risk-reduction systems
(Source: Progressive Railroading, June 17, 2019) The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) last week published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in response to petitions seeking reconsideration of a final rule regarding intercity- and commuter-rail systems'...
Low prices and high waters are backing coal railcars into storage
(Source: Freight Waves, June 18, 2019) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Historic flooding in the Midwest and poor demand from electric utilities are stranding coal hoppers west of the Mississippi, pushing up prices for storing railcars. The American Association of Railroads said...
Tariffs hurt economy, but China must be held accountable, Union Pacific CEO says
(Source: CNBC, June 18, 2019) NEW YORK — President Donald Trump has the right goal in mind to settle ongoing trade issues with China, but his approach could have far-reaching consequences on the U.S. economy, Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz told CNBC Tuesday. It’s time...
How did the Heartland Flyer get its name?
(Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, June 18, 2019) FORT WORTH, Texas — When Amtrak re-launched passenger rail service from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City in 1999 after a 20-year hiatus, a contest was held to name the route. Katie Moore, then 11 years old, came up with the...
End of the Hoosier State line is a loss for air quality, environmentalists say
(Source: Indianapolis Star, June 17, 2019) INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Small towns between Indianapolis and Chicago cite the end of the Amtrak Hoosier State line as a loss for residents, but state environmentalists are calling the route's demise a loss for Indiana’s air...
More major Amtrak repairs start at NY Penn Station
(Source: NBC New York, June 17, 2019) NEW YORK — Some New Jersey Transit train passengers are facing changes due to Amtrak track repairs at New York's Penn Station. Full story: NBC New York
Sysco-Boston drivers ratify contract that improves and secures jobs
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, June 17, 2019) PLYMPTON, Mass. — Drivers at Sysco near Boston voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first contract that provides improved and affordable health insurance, seniority protections, annual wage...
BLET News
Remote control arbitration begins today
The three-way arbitration hearing regarding the carriers’ assignment of remote control operations to non-engineers began in Chicago today at 9:30 a.m.
Judge rules that RCOs can access locomotive cabs to sound whistles/horns or bells
U.S. District Judge Joan Gottschall ruled on November 12 that Remote Control Operators (RCOs) are allowed to access locomotive cabs for the purposes of sounding whistles/bells or horns.
Detroit bans remote control locomotives
Under the leadership of City Council President Mary Ann Mahaffey, the City Council of Detroit, Mich., adopted a resolution on November 6 that banned the use of remote control locomotives within the city limits and called on the Federal Railroad Administration to adopt comprehensive regulations governing use of the technology.
Ky. Operation RedBlock holds holiday raffle
The Operation RedBlock team in Hazard, Ky., is currently conducting a “Great Holiday Model Train Raffle” to support upcoming RedBlock events in Eastern Kentucky.
BLE backs contract van legislation; issues safety tips
Following last week’s fatal contract van collision in New Jersey, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers is calling for stricter regulations governing the off-duty transportation of railroad workers.
BLE encouraged after IBT subcommittee meetings
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers concluded an encouraging first round of merger meetings this week with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Meany Center revises hazmat training schedule
The George Meany Center for Labor Studies has issued a revised list of dates for its 2002 and 2003 hazmat training courses.
BLE member injured in off-duty wreck
A BLE member was injured and a conductor was killed early this morning when the contract van they were riding in was involved in an accident.
Get out the vote
The following is a message from BLE International President Don M. Hahs regarding Tuesday’s elections.
Vice President Cassidy retires; Wingo elevated to Advisory Board
Joe Cassidy, one of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers’ most veteran and well-respected Vice Presidents, formally announced his retirement today. Paul L. Wingo Jr. is now an International Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
