Author: Marybeth Luczak

(Bruce Kelly Photograph)

J.B. Hunt to Acquire BNSF Logistics’ Brokerage Assets

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. has entered a definitive agreement to purchase the brokerage operations of BNSF Logistics, LLC, an affiliate of Class I railroad BNSF, the companies reported Sept. 14. Railway Age Contributing Editor Jim Blaze weighs in.

“Blume’s asset management solution is well established as the marketplace where IMCs obtain railroad-owned intermodal equipment,” Blume Global CEO Pervinder Johar said Sept. 11. “We look forward to helping CPKC expand their business in the U.S.”
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Supply Side: Blume Global, Rio Tinto IOC, Wabtec

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) will use Blume Global’s asset management system to foster intermodal traffic growth. Also, Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore Company of Canada (Rio Tinto IOC) is donating C$4 million to a Quebec college for a new training, research and innovation pavilion for the rail, industrial maintenance and energy intelligence industries; and Penn State names Wabtec Corporation as its 2023 Corporate Partner of the Year.

CDPQ Infra Provides Update on Montreal’s REM

Nearly six weeks after Réseau express métropolitain’s (REM) first segment was inaugurated in Montreal, CDPQ Infra on Sept. 13 provided an update on the automated rail network it is developing—from operations so

(CSX Photograph)

North American Rail Volume Continues Decline Through Week 36: AAR

Through the first 36 weeks of 2023 (ending Sept. 9), total North American carload and intermodal traffic decreased 4.1% from the prior-year period, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported Sept. 13. Both the U.S. and Canada experienced declines, while Mexico saw a gain.

CTA’s “Transit-Supportive Development Plan” for its Red Line Extension Project has been recognized with a 2023 Strategic Plan Award from the American Planning Association-Illinois Chapter (APA-IL). (CTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, LACMTA, Metro Transit (Minn.)

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) earns a strategic plan award for its $3.6 billion Red Line Extension Project and reports downward trends in crime. Also, more than 250,000 people are now enrolled in Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) low-income fare program; and Metro Transit workers in Minneapolis, Minn., vote to authorize a strike.

ITS Logistics has issued its September index on port container and dray operations for the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf regions and on ocean and domestic container rail ramp operations for the West Inland and East Inland regions.

Intermodal Briefs: ITS Logistics, PANY/NJ

“All ocean regions are at normal operations and should remain so throughout the remainder of the year,” reports ITS Logistics in its latest U.S. Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index. Also, private investment of up to $300 million will go toward upgrading and expanding the Howland Hook Marine Terminal at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ).