Rail Industry News
U.S. Class I workforce grew in June
As of mid-June, U.S. Class Is employed 116,251 people, a 0.41% increase compared with employment levels in mid-May and a 0.28% increase from June 2021’s level, according to Surface Transportation Board data.
Canadian Pacific CEO defends PSR, eager for merger with KCS
CP posted a net profit of CA$765 million ($597 million), or 82 cents per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2022, compared with net profit of $1.25 billion, or $1.86 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2021.
BNSF to open domestic intermodal facility in Pacific Northwest
BNSF is developing a new rail hub at the Port of Tacoma, Wash., in partnership with the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), “to meet increased intermodal demand in the greater Seattle region and unlock capacity.”
CN blasts Amtrak proposal for dispatching control
Canadian National calls an Amtrak proposal that would give it dispatching control over CN lines with poor passenger performance “an outrageously self-serving recipe.”
AAR reports rail traffic for week ending July 23, 2022
For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 498,901 carloads and intermodal units, down 0.8 percent compared with the same week last year.
NS launches annual scholarship program for children of employees
One hundred children of Norfolk Southern Corporation employees will receive college scholarships of up to $10,000 over four years through the company’s new Thoroughbred Scholars program.
Rail unions welcome FRA’s two-person crew rule
Transportation labor welcomes the FRA’s proposed rule requiring a minimum of two crew members on trains and establishing minimum requirements for the location of crewmembers on a moving train to promote safe and effective teamwork.
FRA issues proposed rule to enhance train safety, codify train crew size requirements
To enhance safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced a proposed rule requiring a minimum of two train crewmembers for over-the-road railroad operations.
FRA releases proposed rule requiring two-person train crews
The Federal Railroad Administration has released its long-anticipated rule proposal to require two-person crews for trains, drawing predictable, and strong, reactions from railroads (which are opposed), and unions (which are in favor).
Rail traffic declines for 22nd consecutive week
U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 23, 2022 (Week 29) was 498,901 carloads and intermodal units, down 0.8% from the same week last year.
Norfolk Southern reports profit of $819 million in Q2 2022 profit as delivery delays linger
The railroad used rate increases and higher fuel surcharges to generate $819 million profit, or $3.45 cents per share.
CP reports Q2 2022 financial results
Canadian Pacific Railway Limited today announced its second-quarter 2022 results, including revenues of $2.20 billion, reported operating ratio (“OR”) of 60.6 percent, adjusted OR1 of 59.7 percent, reported diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.82 and core adjusted diluted EPS1 of $0.95.
Norfolk Southern resumes hump operations at two yards under new operating plan
Norfolk Southern has resumed hump operations at its classification yards in Macon, Ga., and Bellevue, Ohio, as part of the new operating plan it began rolling out last month.
BNSF extends embargo on California-bound carload traffic
BNSF Railway’s embargo of certain types of carload traffic bound for California has been extended into August as its Southern Transcon remains congested in the Southwest.
City of Houston, Harris County file notice of intent to sue Union Pacific over environmental contamination, cancer clusters
The lawsuit is being filed for the imminent and substantial endangerment from environmental contamination from UP’s facilities on Liberty Road, in the Greater Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods.
NS reports Q2 2022 financial results
Second quarter railway operating revenue was $3.3 billion, income from railway operations was $1.3 billion, net income was $819 million, and diluted earnings per share was $3.45.
CN reports Q2 2022 financial results
CN today reported its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. Financial performance improved year-over-year with record adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of C$1.93, up 30%. (1) For the same period, the Company reported diluted EPS up 32% to C$1.92.
CN boosts freight rates and fuel surcharges, reports $3.4 billion in Q2 2022 revenue
Revenue in the second quarter was C$4.34 billion ($3.4 billion), topping the expected C$4.08 billion and about 21% higher than last year. The company said it was helped by a combination of higher freight rates and fuel charges as well as strong volumes of coal and US grain.
Canadian government to audit CP safety practices, announces new rail safety actions
Transport Canada yesterday announced the launch of new rail safety measures that align with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada’s (TSB) recommendations issued in response to the 2019 derailment of a Canadian Pacific train in Field, British Columbia.
Illinois reps, senators oppose CP-KCS merger
U.S. lawmakers from Illinois and suburban government officials yesterday announced their opposition to the current terms of the proposed merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern.
BLET News
Multi-faceted Coalition to Campaign for Federal High-Speed Rail Investment
A broad coalition of public interest, labor, environmental and business groups announced today that it has launched a major campaign to ask Congress to include $205 billion in funding for high-speed rail in the pending infrastructure bills, as well as robust labor standards, a High-Speed Rail Development Authority, and a Rail Trust Fund.
BLET honors President Hoffa at Austin regional meeting
National President Dennis R. Pierce honored Jim Hoffa, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with an engraved brass bell yesterday during opening ceremonies of the BLET’s regional meeting in Austin, Texas.
BLET member among essential workers honored during NYC ticker tape parade
To thank the essential workers who helped pull the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City hosted a ticker tape parade on July 7, 2021, called “The Hometown Heroes Parade.” Transportation workers were among the honorees at the event, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) was represented by Brother Art Blakey.
BLET applauds passage of INVEST in America Act by U.S. House of Representatives
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen thanks members of Congress for their ongoing support of the INVEST in America Act (H.R. 3684), which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 1. The bill would fund critical rail and other infrastructure needs, while mandating important safety improvements for rail workers.
Deadline approaches for BLET’s Nashville regional meeting, August 2-6, 2021
Those planning to attend the BLET’s regional meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, are advised that the deadline to make hotel reservations has been extended to Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
BLET mourns passing of Washington State Legislative Board Chairman Shahraim Allen
Officers, members and staff of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) are deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Washington State Legislative Board Chairman Shahraim C. Allen, who died on June 24, 2021. He was 45 years old.
Rail Conference Joins High-Speed Rail Coalition
Dennis R. Pierce, President, Teamsters Rail Conference announced today that the Teamsters Rail Conference, following a unanimous vote by its Policy Committee, has joined the U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition Executive Committee. The Committee is comprised of passenger and high-speed rail stakeholders, proponents and supporters from all corners of the Nation.
BLET General Chairman Karakian delivers opening prayer at Teamsters 30th Convention
Brother John M. Karakian, General Chairman of the BLET’s CN-Grand Trunk Western General Committee of Adjustment, had the honor of delivering the invocation during opening ceremonies of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ 30th Convention on Tuesday, June 22.
Jeff Thurman reelected General Chairman of BNSF (former SLSF)/MNA GCA
Jeffrey L. Thurman was reelected by acclamation to his third term as General Chairman of the BNSF (former SLSF)/MNA General Committee of Adjustment (GCA) at the GCA’s quadrennial meeting on June 9, 2021.
Labor Member Bragg announces the retirement of Assistant Geri Clark
Geraldine “Geri” Clark, long-time Assistant to the Labor Member, will retire effective July 2, 2021, after 51 years of dedicated service to railroad workers and the Railroad Retirement Board.
