STB: Rail Cost Adjustment Factor Set for 2Q24

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has adopted for second-quarter 2024 the rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF), defined as “an index formulated to represent changes in railroad costs incurred by the nation’s largest railroads over a specified period of time.”

Nexxiot, 3C Telemetry Partner to Enhance Rail Safety, Efficiency

Nexxiot on March 19 announced that it will enable “seamless connectivity” of 3C Telemetry’s advanced sensors to its analytics platform, “offering unprecedented insights into maintenance data patterns.”

STV Tapped to Lead Procurement for New SEPTA Railcars

STV announced March 19 that it has been selected by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to lead the procurement for up to 200 new, state-of-the-art M5 metro railcars for the agency’s Market-Frankford Line (MFL).

​Passengers wait to board a Piedmont train at the station in Greensboro N.C. (NC By Train)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, Brightline, NC By Train

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) issues a request for information (RFI) to gather views on plans to replace its existing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contract and considers increasing service on the Fairmount Line with a new fleet of electric battery-powered trains. Also, Brightline cuts its 2024 ridership forecast; and NC By Train ridership continues to grow.

(Port of Long Beach)

Intermodal Briefs: Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Long Beach (POLB) and the Port of Los Angeles report an increase of trade in February.

This map shows the lines of Genesee & Wyoming-owned Meridian & Bigbee Railroad (MNBR) in relation to other rail lines in the territory and the principal geographic points in the region traversed. (Map Courtesy of CPKC)

STB Issues Draft EA for Proposed CSXT, CPKC Acquisitions of Ala., Miss. Rail Line

The Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) on March 18 issued a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) for CSX Transportation’s (CSXT) request to acquire and operate the assets comprising the rail line of Genesee & Wyoming-owned Class III Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, L.L.C. (MNBR) that runs approximately 93.7 miles between Burkville and Myrtlewood, Ala., and Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) request to acquire from MNBR and to operate approximately 50.4 miles of rail line between Meridian, Miss., and Myrtlewood, Ala.

FreightCar America Castaños, Mexico manufacturing facility.

FreightCar America: ‘Solid Results’ for 4Q23; Randall Named New CEO

FreightCar America (FCA) delivered solid results for fourth-quarter 2023 with gross profit up 62% on significant year-over-year margin expansion, President and CEO Jim Meyer said during a March 18 earnings report, also announcing that Chief Operating Officer Nick Randall, effective May 1, 2024, will succeed Meyer as President and CEO and become a member of the company’s Board of Directors.

Class I Briefs: CSX, CN, UP, NS

CSX donates $10,000 to the Red Cross for storm relief efforts. Also, CN and Union Pacific (UP) are recognized by CDP as 2023 Supplier Engagement Leaders; CN sends a “supply chain salute” to MacroSource, LLC for their new facility in Memphis, Tenn.; and Norfolk Southern (NS) honors customer sustainability achievements.

“This technological innovation will help make supply chains faster and more resilient,” said Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez. (Transport Canada)

Transport Canada: C$6.7MM to Increase Capacity at Port of Thunder Bay

Transport Canada on March 15 announced an investment of up to C$6.7 million for two projects at the Port of Thunder Bay through the National Trade Corridors Fund.

STB Denies UP’s Motion to Keep Employment Data Confidential

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on March 14 announced that it has denied a motion for protective order filed by Union Pacific (UP) to keep certain required, temporary employment data reporting confidential. STB also directs UP to submit public versions of previously submitted data.

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