Topic
railroad
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 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.
Business Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Enlist Antitrust Experts to Counter AGs' Merger Opposition
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have retained four former government antitrust experts to counter a filing by seven Republican state attorneys general who say the proposed merger would violate STB competition rules and raise shipper costs. The experts argue the opposition amounts to conjecture and competitor protectionism.
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 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 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 UP and NS CEOs Say Latest Rail Merger Filing Additions Further Enhance Competition
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern CEOs Jim Vena and Mark George said the latest additions to their rail merger application, including an expanded Committed Gateway Pricing concept and a deal with CN, significantly enhance competition. They argued the merger will benefit customers and lower prices, responding to STB concerns.
Logistics Conrail CEO Brian Gorton Announces Retirement After Six Years of Leadership
Brian Gorton, president and chief executive of Conrail, is retiring effective November 1, 2026. The former Union Pacific executive has led the terminal and switching railroad since 2021. Norfolk Southern announced it has begun a search for Gorton's successor.
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 Union Pacific Posts Record Q2 Financial Results, Raises Full-Year EPS Outlook
Union Pacific reported record second-quarter revenue of $6.86 billion and operating income of $2.8 billion, driven by 2% volume growth and strong intermodal performance. The railroad raised its full-year earnings per share outlook to high single-digit growth, citing improved economic forecast and positive trends across most traffic segments except coal.
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 CSX boosts outlook on higher volume and revenue
CSX raised its full-year outlook after reporting strong second-quarter results with volume up 6%, revenue up 10% to $3.93B, and operating income up 17%. Intermodal led volume growth at 9%, but service metrics showed mixed performance with higher dwell and lower trip-plan compliance.
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.
Logistics Union Pacific reports 6% net income rise in Q2 2026, signaling stronger rail performance
Union Pacific reported a 6% year-over-year increase in net income to $2.0 billion for Q2 2026, with adjusted EPS rising 13% to $3.41. The results, covered by FreightWaves, indicate stronger underlying performance and healthy earnings momentum as the railroad enters the second half of 2026. Intermodal shippers and logistics managers should note the financial stability this implies for service reliability.
Logistics CSX Beats Q2 2026 Estimates as Intermodal Volumes Surge, Operating Margin Improves
CSX Corp. reported second-quarter 2026 earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, with revenue up 10.1% year-over-year to $3.94 billion and earnings per share of $0.54 beating estimates by 4.2%. The railroad saw a surge in intermodal traffic and a significant improvement in free cash flow from negative to positive $687 million, signaling strengthening demand across key freight segments in its eastern U.S. network.
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 Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern CEOs Discuss Merger That Could Reshape U.S. Economy
During a July 4th celebration in Philadelphia, Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena and Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George discussed their pending rail merger, regulatory evaluation expectations, and a procedural wish regarding the Surface Transportation Board. The merger could reshape the U.S. economy.
Logistics Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern Submit First Portion of Merger Data to STB, Face Deadline
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted the first portion of additional merger data to the Surface Transportation Board on July 7, addressing questions about control of Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, Kansas City Terminal Railway, and TTX. The railroads offered to divest their stakes to preserve neutrality. The STB set a July 27 deadline for the full submission, and a second filing on competition issues is expected. The merger is targeted for completion by mid-2027.
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 CSX underscores unique status as only Class I railroad operating in Washington, D.C. with DC 250 rail event
CSX highlighted its status as the only Class I freight railroad serving Washington, D.C. with a special U.S. 250th anniversary event at Washington Union Station. The 'All Aboard for America 250' business special featured commemorative locomotives 2026 and 250, and was attended by CEO Steve Angel. The event underscores CSX's strategic importance for rail intermodal connectivity to the capital region.
Logistics Norfolk Southern CEO Says Railroad Must Focus on Today's Service While Advancing Union Pacific Merger
Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George states the railroad remains committed to improving service while advancing the proposed merger with Union Pacific. He acknowledges current service struggles due to crew shortages and weather, but says the operations team is focused on stabilization. The merger aims to create coast-to-coast service, though other Class I railroads oppose it.
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.
Business Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena rejects potential government investment in $85B Norfolk Southern merger
Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena dismissed the possibility of government investment in the railroad's $85B merger with Norfolk Southern, stating UP can handle the price alone. President Trump had suggested government equity stakes in essential companies. Vena views Trump's interest positively but had no direct communication. The US has invested $21B in 16 deals since January 2025.
Logistics Ag Retailers Warn Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Threatens Rates, Service
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) has raised serious concerns about the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern rail merger, warning it will concentrate pricing power and hurt agricultural shippers. ARA president Daren Coppock noted rail rates have risen 40% over 20 years, faster than truck rates, and past mergers have reduced competition.
Logistics U.S. Rail Freight Surges with 7.8% Volume Increase
U.S. rail freight volumes have surged by 7.8% for the week ending June 6, 2026, with significant growth in intermodal traffic. Key commodities like grain and metallic ores are leading the charge, while coal and chemicals see declines.
Logistics Trucking Boosts Rail Freight Growth Amid Capacity Squeeze
The U.S. rail freight sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by shifts in the trucking market. Intermodal volumes have surged as shippers seek alternatives amid trucking capacity constraints.
Logistics Rail Safety Concerns Rise Amid Fatal Train Incidents
Five fatalities across four freight train incidents in the US highlight ongoing rail safety concerns. The accidents involved Norfolk Southern trains in Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Logistics Norfolk Southern Appoints New COO Amid Merger Talks
Norfolk Southern has appointed Brian Barr as its new Chief Operating Officer, succeeding John Orr. This leadership change comes as the company navigates a potential merger with Union Pacific, which could significantly impact the U.S. rail network.
Logistics STB Accepts UP-NS Merger Application with Conditions
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has conditionally accepted the merger application of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, pending further data submission. This merger aims to enhance rail freight efficiency by reducing handoffs and converting truckloads to rail.
Logistics U.S. Rail Freight Volumes Surge with Intermodal Gains
U.S. rail freight volumes have increased by 7.2% year-over-year, with intermodal units leading the growth. This surge is attributed to strong performances in grain and metallic ores.
Business Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern's $85B Merger Advances
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern's $85 billion merger advances as the Surface Transportation Board delays a decision, avoiding a historic second rejection. The merger aims to create the first transcontinental railroad, though market reactions have been mixed.