John Kingston
Friday, May 8, 2020
BLS report: Six years of trucking sector job gains have disappeared
The number of employed is down to 2014 levels.
Railroad
Railroads continue to play a significant role in North America’s economic infrastructure. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration, the U.S. rail freight network covers almost 140,000 route miles and is generally considered the largest, safest, and most cost-efficient freight system in the world. In addition, says the FRA, the almost $80 billion rail freight industry creates more than 167,000 jobs across the country.
In essence, rail freight companies charge businesses to carry cargo across their network of rails. Their rates are overseen by the Surface Transportation Board, a federal agency that regulates financial aspects of surface transportation. Major railroads in North America include Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National Railway.
Keep up with the latest news, trends and reports concerning rail freight transport here!
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Joanna Marsh
Thursday, May 7, 2020
US rail volumes fell over 20% in April
The COVID-19 pandemic sent U.S. rail volumes tumbling last month. But now, stakeholders are looking at the shape and scope of an eventual recovery.
Joanna Marsh
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Canada’s Class I railroads ship record grain volumes in April
The coronavirus pandemic didn’t slow grain movement.
Joanna Marsh
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
COVID-19 pandemic threatens positive train control implementation
The pandemic is exacerbating existing problems with vendors and software installation, according to a federal report.
Joanna Marsh
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Shippers approve of Surface Transportation Board’s decisions
Some shipping groups say the Board’s recent actions on demurrage and accessorial charges will help bring about more productive rail rate disputes.
Joanna Marsh
Monday, May 4, 2020
GATX open to acquiring more railcars
The railcar lessor is looking for further add-ons to its fleet as competitors face pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic and the volatile crude oil market.
Joanna Marsh
Monday, May 4, 2020
Wabtec anticipates volume recovery later this year
Multimillion-dollar backlog will help the rail equipment and locomotive manufacturer stay afloat, executives said.
Chris Gillis
Monday, May 4, 2020
FMC urges Congress to aid distressed US box terminals
U.S. Federal Maritime Commission asks lawmakers to consider “financial bridge” to help container terminals make their lease payments.
Joanna Marsh
Monday, May 4, 2020
BNSF’s first-quarter net earnings slip on lower revenues and carload volumes
The COVID-19 pandemic dented volume growth in the first quarter for the privately owned railroad.
Jim Blaze
Monday, May 4, 2020
Commentary: When will PSR-driven volume and service growth emerge?
Like all industries, the coronavirus has impacted railroads. What should they be doing to gain market share and better serve their customers?
Joanna Marsh
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Departments of Transportation, Energy wary of setting new crude-by-rail rules
The agencies’ report, which uses findings from Sandia National Laboratories, says a crude oil’s vapor pressure shouldn’t factor into deciding whether certain types of crude oil can be transported via rail.
Joanna Marsh
Friday, May 1, 2020
Surface Transportation Board issues decisions on demurrage and accessorial charges
The board hopes the decisions will clarify the controversial practice for stakeholders.
Joanna Marsh
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Headwinds put pressure on Trinity’s leasing rates
The drop in North American rail traffic could push railcar leasing rates lower.
Joanna Marsh
Thursday, April 30, 2020
US rail traffic slips by over 22%
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the structural decline in U.S. coal consumption, are pulling rail volumes downward.
Joanna Marsh
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Norfolk Southern anticipates some cost cuts as permanent
The cuts to train starts are part of the railroad’s wider objective to implement precision scheduled railroading.
Joanna Marsh
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Locomotive costs dent Norfolk Southern’s first-quarter profits
Like other railroads, Norfolk Southern is feeling the effect of lower rail volumes because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Joanna Marsh
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Canadian National anticipates a rough May
The effect that the coronavirus pandemic is having on rail volumes could get worse in the coming weeks before things get better, according to executives.
Chris Gillis
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Heartland shippers feel 20-foot box squeeze
The smallest of the standardized ocean containers in the global fleet remains ideal for dense, heavy agricultural goods, forest products, and machinery shipments.
Joanna Marsh
Monday, April 27, 2020
Canadian National sees first-quarter profit grow
The railway managed to boost its first-quarter net income despite the February rail blockades and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ashley Coker Prince
Monday, April 27, 2020
Rail Industry positioned for resilience despite coronavirus toll
North American railroad leaders believe that the industry is resilient and have reported ongoing demand for rail services.