Topic
rail
Logistics Reefer Rejections Hold at 20% as Intermodal Savings Index Hits 33%
Reefer tender rejections remain stuck at 20%–20.5% even as van and flatbed rates ease, driven by summer heat and the structural inability of reefers to shift to intermodal, according to FreightWaves SONAR data. Meanwhile, the intermodal contract savings index has hit 33% above over-the-road trucking—a three-year high—pulling record volumes onto rail, while flatbed capacity loosens and cross-border rail data is watched for tariff signals.
Logistics Norfolk Southern, Wabtec Convert 33 Locomotives to AC Traction in Modernization Program
Norfolk Southern and Wabtec Corp. announced a modernization program converting 33 ES44DC locomotives to AC-traction ES44ACMs. The work, performed in Fort Worth and Erie, aims to improve reliability, efficiency and locomotive life, with the first unit shipped this month.
Logistics Deputies Recover $150K in New Balance Shoes After BNSF Boxcar Burglary in California
San Bernardino County deputies recovered more than $150,000 in New Balance shoes after a BNSF boxcar burglary near Barstow, California. One suspect was arrested; the investigation remains open, with the train's route and shipper not yet released.
Logistics Rail mega-merger revives proposal for new, expanded Atlanta passenger services — and there's a trucking angle
FreightWaves reports that the proposed $85 billion Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, now before the Surface Transportation Board, has revived a plan to divert freight trains around Atlanta and expand passenger rail. The bypass, backed by Mark Hitchcock of Jacobs Engineering, could improve trucking fluidity in the city and shift commuters off the road.
Logistics STB adopts review schedule for Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, decision pushed to 2027
The Surface Transportation Board removed its hold on the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger filing and adopted a procedural schedule that pushes a final decision into the second half of 2027. Final briefs are due May 28, 2027, while motions for summary denial from BNSF, CSX and shipper groups remain pending.
EXCLUSIVE: Americold's Port Saint John bet stitching DP World and CPKC into one cold chain
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Logistics BNSF expands intermodal rail service between Phoenix and North Texas for shippers
BNSF Railway has expanded intermodal rail service between the Phoenix metro area and North Texas, now running six days a week with transit of just over three days. The move is aimed at converting truck freight to rail ahead of the domestic peak shipping season. BNSF is also building Logistics Park Phoenix, with its first phase slated to open in early 2027, according to FreightWaves.
Logistics Virgin moves closer to London-Paris rail services with ORR track approval
The UK's Office of Rail and Road granted Virgin track access for up to 20 daily return services through the Channel Tunnel from 1 October 2030, breaking Eurostar's passenger monopoly. Virgin still needs rolling stock, safety approvals, and European track access before launch. FS Italiane Group is also pursuing a separate tunnel service via Trenitalia France.
Logistics China's Experimental Maglev Hits 800 kmph in 5.3 Seconds, Third Record in Six Months
China's experimental maglev vehicle, developed at Donghu Laboratory, reached 800 kmph in 5.3 seconds on a 1-km test track in Hubei, setting its third world record in six months, according to Business-Today. The technology is not intended for passenger service but could eventually be adapted for rocketry, drones, military aircraft, and industrial transport.
Logistics Five Arrested in Southern California Rail-Cargo Theft Probe After Shots Fired From Moving BNSF Train
Five men were arrested in connection with a rail-cargo theft crew that fired on a BNSF officer from a moving freight train in Southern California. Angel Castro, 21, faces attempted murder; four others face cargo-theft charges. The arrest followed a two-day investigation that began with gunfire near Devore.
Logistics Freight Rail Index Hits Near Decade High as Rail Traffic Outpaces GDP Growth
The Freight Rail Index has climbed to its highest level since 2008 after four consecutive months of gains, with North American rail traffic up 3.6% in Week 31. U.S. carloads excluding coal rose 4.7% in Week 31 and intermodal set a July record, driving a modal shift away from trucks. A U.S. District Court upheld the FRA's two-person crew rule, while Amtrak faces Midwest locomotive availability issues.
Logistics Appeals court upholds FRA two-person rail crew rule, rejects railroad challenge
A federal appeals court upheld the FRA's two-person rail crew rule, rejecting challenges from the AAR, ASLRRA, and six railroads. The 11th Circuit ruled that none of the industry arguments have merit, marking a victory for rail labor unions.
Logistics Suspected Train Burglar Fires at BNSF Officer in Devore, California; Merchandise Stolen
A suspected train burglar fired a handgun at a BNSF police officer in Devore, California, Monday evening, forcing a northbound freight train to stop in the Summit Valley area. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed merchandise was stolen, and the Rural Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation with no suspects identified.
Logistics Proficient Auto Logistics' latest deal pushes market share to 25%
Proficient Auto Logistics will acquire Hansen & Adkins for $130 million, creating North America's largest finished vehicle logistics platform with roughly one-quarter of the new car market. The deal adds 725 tractor-trailers and over $400 million in annual revenue. Proficient also posted a Q2 net loss of $3.9 million as industry capacity tightened.
Logistics BNSF earnings rise on higher volume and revenue
BNSF Railway reported a 13.9% increase in second-quarter pre-tax earnings to $2.06 billion, with revenue up 14.6% to $6.56 billion, according to parent Berkshire Hathaway. Intermodal-driven consumer products volume rose 9.3% on higher West Coast imports and tightening truck capacity, while coal volume fell 7.9%.
Logistics Russia explores rail link to India to bypass maritime chokepoints
Russia is exploring a rail link to India to hedge against disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and the Bosphorus. Deputy PM Marat Khusnullin told TASS that alternative routes via Turkmenistan, Iran and Afghanistan are under consideration. India's crude imports from Russia hit a record 55% of total purchases last month, the Economic Times reported.
Logistics Modal shift dampens trucking market as shippers pivot to rail
Domestic intermodal volumes rose 10% year-over-year while long-haul truckload tenders fell to their lowest point of the year, according to FreightWaves. Truckload contract rates on key lanes jumped 31-60% versus single-digit intermodal increases, driving shippers toward rail. Risks include imminent intermodal rate hikes, drayage constraints, and peak-season stress.
Logistics 90-Second Power Outage at Network Rail Centre Triggers Widespread Rail Commuter Chaos
A 90-second power outage at Network Rail's Manchester operating centre caused widespread disruption across the North West of England, halting trains and leaving crews out of position. Network Rail has apologised, opened an investigation, and said engineers are adding resilience to signalling systems.
Logistics Rail Traffic Up 2.5% in Week 30; Industrial Strength Emerges Ex-Coal
U.S. rail traffic rose 2.5% in week 30, with carloads excluding coal up 2.1% for the week and 4% year-to-date, signaling industrial strength. Steel-related commodities surged, while chemical traffic slipped. The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger review remains on hold at the STB.
Logistics Intermodal Demand Surges, but Drayage Capacity Squeeze Caps STG Logistics' Growth
STG Logistics CEO Geoff Anderman told FreightWaves that drayage capacity constraints forced the company to leave intermodal volume on the table in Q2, with the squeeze persisting into summer. The company exited Chapter 11 in July with 90% less debt and new owners Fortress, Fidelity and Invesco. Anderman identified over-the-road trucking, not rival intermodal providers, as the main competition.
Logistics These two industrial categories paced another strong week for rail freight
U.S. rail traffic rose 2.4% year-over-year in the week ending August 1, with intermodal volume up 4.8% while carloads dipped 0.4%, according to Association of American Railroads data reported by FreightWaves. Metallic ores and metals led commodity gains at 9.1%, and 30-week cumulative U.S. combined traffic improved 3.3%.
Logistics Half-Price Rail Travel Extended to 18-Year-Olds as Railcard Rules Change
The Department for Transport will extend half-price rail travel to 18-year-olds from 17 August by making the 16-17 Saver railcard valid for a full year from purchase. The change addresses the average £175 annual penalty faced by over 70,000 students under the old age-based expiry rule.
Logistics Unpacking Rail Earnings: How Volume Growth Fuels Merger Talks
Class 1 railroads reported Q2 volume growth of 2-6%, with intermodal leading. Canadian National and Union Pacific struck two agreements—one tied to the proposed NS-UP merger—granting CN faster access to Mexico and a first Kansas City foothold. Shippers face evolving competitive options.
Logistics Rail Merger: UP and Norfolk Southern CEOs Argue Deal Will Cut Costs, Remove Trucks from Highways
Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena and Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George publicly argued their proposed merger would lower shipper costs, improve service, and remove up to 2.2 million truckloads from highways. Opponents, including BNSF, warn the deal would concentrate too much market power. The debate comes amid mixed rail traffic data showing intermodal growth slowing.
Logistics Rail Merger Promises Under Fire: Veteran Railroader Demands Specifics on Truck Diversion Claims
Paul Tonsager, CEO of Integrated Multimodal Solutions and former rail executive, criticizes the Norfolk Southern-Union Pacific merger application for lacking specifics on its promised diversion of 2.2 million truck moves. He highlights the CN settlement's strategic value and argues railroads lack direct control over intermodal freight relationships.
Logistics BNSF CEO assails UP-NS merger filing, says transcon will raise rates and prices
BNSF CEO Katie Farmer criticized the latest UP-NS merger filing, arguing it does not mitigate anticompetitive impacts and will raise rates for shippers and prices for consumers. The combined railroad would control 37% of North American rail traffic, with an additional 13% via a CN operating agreement.
Logistics India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train Completes 1,200 km Trials, Saves 3,200 Litres Diesel
India's first hydrogen-powered train has completed over 1,200 km of trial runs between Jind and Sonipat, saving 3,200 litres of diesel. The train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, emitting only water vapour. Indian Railways plans to begin trials on the Delhi route next.
Logistics CN Boosts Outlook After Q2 Volume Growth Tops Expectations; Shippers See Network Gains
Canadian National Railway raised its full-year outlook after second-quarter earnings beat expectations. Operating income rose 9% to US$1.26 billion and revenue increased 11% to US$3.37 billion. Volume grew 5% in revenue ton miles, driven by strong grain, potash, and petroleum shipments, with network improvements in Western Canada boosting fluidity.
Logistics BNSF: New UP-CN deal undermines case for merger
BNSF publicly opposed Union Pacific's merger with Norfolk Southern, arguing that UP's recent agreement with Canadian National actually undermines UP's claim that a merger is necessary to achieve benefits. BNSF contends the deal shows partnerships can deliver the same advantages, leaving fewer competitive options for shippers.
Logistics Modal Shift: Why Shippers Avoid Cheaper Intermodal Despite Cost Savings
Nicholas Shipe from Circle Logistics explains that in automotive logistics, shippers avoid cheaper intermodal rail because production uptime is the priority. Cost is not the only driver; manufacturers also consider America's overlooked energy advantage shaping industrial supply chains.
Logistics Norfolk Southern Posts Strong Q2 Profits as Volume Gains Accelerate Across All Segments
Norfolk Southern reported stronger second-quarter profits on across-the-board volume growth, with revenue rising 11% to a record $3.46 billion. Adjusted operating income increased 5% to $1.19 billion, driven by a 4% overall volume gain and a 25% surge in coal exports. The railroad also noted improvements in network speed and terminal dwell after a rough winter.
Logistics CN and UP Reach Settlement on Norfolk Southern Merger, Enhancing Rail Access in Chicago and Mexico
Canadian National and Union Pacific have reached a settlement on the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. UP gains rights to CN's Elgin, Joliet & Eastern route for a faster Chicago bypass, while CN gets operating rights from Memphis to Eagle Pass, improving its Mexico access. The deal, subject to STB approval, includes additional trackage rights and terminal acquisitions.
Logistics India's First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train Covers 900 Km in Five Days on Jind-Sonipat Route
India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train has covered approximately 900 kilometers in its first five days of commercial service on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. The train, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17, uses hydrogen fuel cell technology and emits only water vapour. The pilot project aims to explore cleaner alternatives for routes where full electrification is not feasible.
Logistics Norfolk Southern Q2 Earnings Beat Forecasts as Freight Demand and Fuel Surcharges Rise
Norfolk Southern posted second-quarter 2026 results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by stronger freight demand and higher fuel surcharges. Adjusted profit was $3.52 per share versus a consensus of $3.31, and operating income rose 11% year-over-year to $3.5 billion. The railroad continues to benefit from improved pricing power across key freight categories.
Intermodal Rail Volume Surges 7.2% as Carload Freight Slips in Weekly AAR Data
The Association of American Railroads reported intermodal traffic jumped 7.2% year-on-year in the week ending July 18, while carloads declined 1.2%. Total combined volume rose 3.4%. Year-to-date intermodal units are up 3.8%, and carloads up 2.9%. Coal and motor vehicles led carload declines. The data, covering U.S. railroads and North American networks, shows intermodal continuing to outpace traditional rail freight.
Logistics ITE Management Acquires NACPC, Adds 20,000 Chassis to Intermodal Platform
ITE Management L.P. announced the acquisition of North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC), adding 20,000 chassis to its fleet and expanding its intermodal platform to national scale. The deal brings ITE's total fleet to 60,000 units, giving it a roughly 30% share of cooperative pool chassis. NACPC's CEO Darren Hawkins and ITE's Jennifer Polli emphasized the strategic consolidation as a response to ongoing chassis availability bottlenecks in drayage and port operations.
Logistics U.S. Domestic Intermodal Volumes Surge 13% in June, J.B. Hunt Reports Record Q2
Domestic loaded rail container volumes in the U.S. grew nearly 13% year-over-year in June, far exceeding seasonal norms and surpassing last year's peak. J.B. Hunt reported record intermodal volumes in Q2, with loads up 10% y/y, as a 30% cost advantage over truckload drives conversion activity at levels not seen in over a decade. However, tightening drayage capacity and rising driver wages pose operational risks.
Logistics Intermodal Booms: J.B. Hunt & Prologis Earnings Signal Shift in Freight Strategy
FreightWaves reports that Q2 earnings from J.B. Hunt and Prologis reveal tight warehouse capacity driving record lease signings and a shift toward intermodal as truckload rates diverge. Shippers can cut costs by leveraging intermodal, according to analysis of the earnings reports.
Logistics India Launches First Hydrogen Train: World's Longest, Most Powerful Passenger Hydrogen Trainset
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train on July 17. The 10-coach train, running between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, is the longest hydrogen passenger train in the world and one of the most powerful, with a 3,200 HP propulsion system. The train uses hydrogen fuel cell technology, producing only water vapour as emission. Designed and manufactured in India by RDSO, ICF, and Medha, the launch signals India's entry into the small group of countries operating hydrogen trains, with implications for future freight decarbonization.
Logistics India's First Hydrogen Train Flagged Off by PM Modi on Jind-Sonipat Route
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train at Jind railway station in Haryana. The 10-coach train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route, using hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity onboard. This pilot project is part of Indian Railways' shift towards greener mobility and could provide insights for remote and heritage routes where electrification is not feasible.
Logistics Wildfire Engulfs CN Train in Canada, Crew Rescued from 'Hellish' Inferno
A Canadian National (CN) train crew was rescued after a wildfire engulfed their locomotive in northern Ontario. Video from the cab shows flames surrounding the train as the crew pleads for rescue. The incident highlights risks to rail operations.
Logistics Norfolk Southern Promotes Will DeShazor to VP of Intermodal and Automotive Operations
Norfolk Southern has promoted Will DeShazor to vice president of intermodal and automotive operations, effective immediately. DeShazor, a 21-year company veteran, previously served as AVP network optimization and has extensive terminal operations experience. He will report to Chief Operating Officer Brian Barr.
Manufacturing India Cabinet Approves Seven Major Decisions: Semicon 2.0, Mobile Manufacturing, Urea Plants, and Rail Projects
The Union Cabinet has approved seven major decisions covering infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, mobile phone production, fertiliser and railway projects. The package includes Semicon 2.0, the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) and the National Investment Policy for Urea-2026, with a combined outlay of Rs 2,19,353 crore. Key projects include a 46-km link corridor in Varanasi, doubling of Paradeep-Haridaspur railway line, and a fourth line between Dangoaposi and Rajkharsawan.
Logistics Intermodal Growth Now Driven by Domestic Freight Surge, IANA Chief Reveals
Intermodal volumes are surging with domestic freight now the primary driver, according to IANA President & CEO Anne Reinke. Supply-side factors and long-term contracts are insulating the sector from market volatility, making intermodal an 'easy button' for shippers.
Logistics U.S. Rail Freight Posts Broad-Based Gains Led by Industrial Products and Intermodal Growth
U.S. rail freight saw broad gains in the week ending June 27, with total traffic up 7% year-over-year to 525,474 carloads and intermodal units. Industrial products led, and intermodal volume surged 10.1%. Manufacturing output continued expanding, albeit at a slower pace.
Logistics Greenbrier Reports Weaker Q2 Earnings on Lower Railcar Deliveries and Margin Pressure
Greenbrier's fiscal Q2 2026 earnings missed analyst estimates as lower railcar deliveries weighed on revenue and profit margins. Despite a weak quarter, the company raised its full-year guidance and increased its dividend, signaling confidence in cash generation and future demand.
Logistics Intermodal Volume Surge Slows Big Four U.S. Rail Systems, Analyst Warns
A surge in intermodal volume since Memorial Day is slowing train speeds across the four largest U.S. Class I railroads. Analyst Rick Paterson reports that BNSF and Union Pacific are at 10-month lows, Norfolk Southern near a 20-month low, and CSX at a seven-year low as shippers flee high trucking costs.
Logistics U.S. Rail Traffic Surges 7.1% in Late June 2026, Led by Intermodal and Metals
U.S. rail traffic totaled 521,998 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending June 20, 2026, up 7.1% year-over-year, according to Association of American Railroads data. Intermodal units surged 12.1%, while carloads rose 1.6%, led by metallic ores and metals. Year-to-date volumes are up 3.1% combined, with steady growth in both domestic and international intermodal.
Logistics Three Trucks Hit CSX Trains in Metro Atlanta in Under a Week – A Safety Warning
In five days, three tractor-trailers were hit by CSX trains in metro Atlanta, causing fires and service disruptions but no fatalities. The incidents highlight the critical risk of trucks getting stuck on grade crossings and the need for improved driver training and route planning.
Logistics Maersk shifts Southern California import containers from BNSF to Union Pacific Railroad
Maersk, the world's second-largest container line, has shifted most of its eastbound intermodal container traffic from the Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach from BNSF Railway to Union Pacific Railroad. Data from RailState shows UP's share rose from single digits to approximately 59% of Maersk's outbound volume, with about 1,000 TEUs per week rerouted. The shift primarily affects the Long Beach-to-Chicago and Long Beach-to-Dallas corridors.
Logistics PSA and Logtainer finalise deal to manage Padua intermodal terminal in Italy
PSA Intermodal Italy and Logtainer have signed a final agreement to manage and develop the intermodal terminal at Interporto Padova, creating a new operating company, PSA Padova. The move strengthens Padua’s role as a key inland gateway and expands PSA’s foothold in Italy’s intermodal market, complementing its port terminals at Genoa and Venice.
Logistics Oregon Port Commission Approves $25M Federal Rail Grant for Coos Bay Intermodal Terminal
The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay port commission has approved a $25 million federal grant agreement for the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port, a planned ship-to-rail terminal with 2 million TEU capacity. The grant, from the INFRA program, is matched by $25 million from NorthPoint Development, enabling planning and pre-construction activities.
Logistics Intermodal rail volumes surge as shippers shift from trucks amid rising rates
U.S. intermodal rail volume rose 10.9% year-over-year for the week ending June 13, according to the Association of American Railroads, as shippers increasingly switch from trucks to rail amid strengthening truck rates and an early peak season. Total combined carload and intermodal traffic increased 5.6% on North American railroads, with Canadian and Mexican railroads also posting gains in intermodal.
Logistics Train Passed Red Signal Before Fatal Bedford Crash, RAIB Interim Report Finds
A train driver killed in a Bedfordshire crash passed a red signal moments before the collision, according to an interim report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). Driver Shaun Burton died and about 100 people were injured when a London-bound service crashed into a stationary train near Elstow, Bedford. The RAIB found the stationary train had stopped unexpectedly due to a fault with its Automatic Warning System (AWS), and the approaching Corby train passed a red signal, with brakes activated for about nine seconds before impact at 76 mph.
Supply Chain Rail, Ocean Access Backs New Americold Cold Chain Facility at Eastern Canada Port
Americold Realty Trust, in collaboration with DP World and CPKC, has opened a temperature-controlled import-export hub at Port Saint John, New Brunswick. The facility is the first in eastern Canada with direct port access without drayage, with 22,000 pallet positions connecting inland regions to global markets via Hapag-Lloyd and Gemini Cooperation services.
Logistics CSX Opens $495M Baltimore Rail Tunnel to Boost Intermodal Container Traffic
CSX and Maryland officials inaugurated a $495 million rail tunnel reconstruction at the Port of Baltimore, enabling double-stack intermodal service. The project expands clearance by 18 inches at 21 locations, streamlining freight movement along the I-95 corridor and into the Midwest. The port expects an annual container volume increase of 160,000 units and thousands of new jobs.
Logistics BNSF Wins Local Approval for $4 Billion California Rail Intermodal Hub in Barstow
The Barstow City Council approved BNSF's proposed $4 billion Barstow International Gateway (BIG) intermodal hub, covering 4,500 acres with capacity for 60 trains. The project aims to reduce truck traffic, create 20,000 jobs, and improve supply-chain efficiency, but faces environmental and community opposition.
Logistics FRA Greenlights Expanded Rail Track Tech Tests as CSX Prepares July 2026 Rollout
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approved a five-year waiver allowing expanded use of Automated Track Inspection (ATI) technology. CSX will begin deployment on July 1, 2026, covering over 3,000 route miles. The technology uses lasers and sensors to detect track defects missed by human inspectors, with early data showing a 90% reduction in geometry defects.
Logistics Kloster Sworn In as STB Member, Shifts Rail Regulator Balance Ahead of UP-NS Merger
Patrick Kloster was sworn in as a member of the Surface Transportation Board, bringing the STB to its statutory Republican maximum. His appointment comes as the board reviews the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which would create the first all-freight transcontinental railroad.
Logistics Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2A: Cabinet Approves Rs 2,169-Crore Airport Corridor
The Union Cabinet has approved Phase 2A of the Ahmedabad Metro, a 6.032-km corridor connecting Koteshwar Road to Ahmedabad Airport at a cost of Rs 2,169.04 crore. The project includes five stations and is expected to improve connectivity between the airport and the city. The expanded network will span 77.63 km across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.