Joanna Marsh
Monday, November 4, 2019
Moody’s lowers freight rail industry outlook to negative for 2020
The credit ratings firm sees coal and intermodal volumes under continued pressure next year.
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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Maple Leaf Motoring: Ontario reportedly steps up Driver Inc enforcement
Ontario Trucking Association lauds crackdown by province’s workers’ compensation agency on companies that skirt payroll deductions by misclassifying drivers. But the OTA calls on Canada’s federal government to do more.
Joanna Marsh
Friday, November 1, 2019
U.S. freight railroads, labor unions start collective bargaining round
Train crew size, healthcare are among the key issues, on top of grappling with systemic changes to the industry
FreightWaves Staff
Friday, November 1, 2019
Commentary: The good and bad of precision scheduled railroading
Ben Thrower writes about the positive and negative aspects of precision scheduled railroading in this commentary article.
Alberta to ease oil curtailment for crude by rail
Canadian province will allow producers to exceed limits exclusively for rail shipments to meet higher demand.
Joanna Marsh
Thursday, October 31, 2019
U.S. rail volumes still sluggish
Year-to-date U.S. rail traffic continues to trend lower.
Joanna Marsh
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Wabtec looks to international opportunities amid sluggish North American market
The rail equipment and technology manufacturer sees international opportunities as an area for business to grow.
Todd Maiden
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Losses mount on the downside of railcar demand
FreightCar America sees net loss more than double as it navigates the downside of railcar demand. The company’s cost restructuring remains on track.
Joanna Marsh
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
GATX sues Georgia Power over alleged damages to leased railcars
The rail equipment lessor said corrosion damage was found in 160 railcars.
Joanna Marsh
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
U.S. rail headcount reaches new low
The number of employees working for the U.S. operations of the Class I railroads slumps to its lowest level in years.
Jim Blaze
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Commentary: Before CN or CSX tried PSR…
Jim Blaze writes about Conrail Shared Assets and its accomplishments on behalf of CSX and Norfolk Southern.
Joanna Marsh
Monday, October 28, 2019
Illinois senator presses for federal help to address Amtrak’s on-time performance
Freight railroads need push to ensure Amtrak’s trains are on time, Durbin says.
Joanna Marsh
Monday, October 28, 2019
Canadian rail union eyes November strike
The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference could go on strike as early as Nov. 19 should talks deteriorate with Canadian National.
Kayla Matthews
Friday, October 25, 2019
Six tips for reducing cargo damage in the shipping process
Merchandise of almost any kind is valuable. Packaging it correctly is one key to making sure it arrives at its destination undamaged. Learn some tips about how to package correctly.
Joanna Marsh
Friday, October 25, 2019
Record quarterly revenue boosts Greenbrier’s profits
The rail equipment manufacturer said it delivered record railcar deliveries in the quarter.
Joanna Marsh
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Slump persists for North American rail volumes
Rail volumes fell yet again and the industry is casting its doubts about the fourth quarter.
Joanna Marsh
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Canadian Pacific reports record-low operating ratio
The railway also earned record third-quarter revenue.
John Kingston
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Knight Swift said its earnings would be weak; actual numbers back that up
Intermodal was a particularly weak spot; OR at Swift a concern to Deutsche
Joanna Marsh
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Norfolk Southern confident it can reach 2021 operating ratio target – UPDATE
Further operational efficiencies will push the railroad to its target, the company said.
Mark Solomon
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Railroads face major challenges to jump-start their intermodal business
Railroads face an uphill battle in elevating their intermodal business.