“Rescue Engine 1413 is currently on scene with a train derailment in the area of Riverside Dr. in Lower Saucon. It is reported there are no injuries, with train cars into the river. Lower Saucon Fire Rescue and Northampton County Emergency Management Services are working with multiple local and state agencies on this incident,” the Nancy Run Fire Company of Bethlehem, Pa., reported early March 2 on Facebook. (Photograph Courtesy of Nancy Run Fire Company, via Facebook)

NTSB Investigating NS Collision, Derailment in Pennsylvania (UPDATED)

Three Norfolk Southern (NS) trains were involved in a derailment March 2 just east of Steel City, Pa., along the Lehigh River. There were no reported injuries to crews. An eastbound train

FRA Issues Tech Reports, Research Results

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently released three technical reports and a research results report covering communications and train control, rolling stock, and automation, which the agency’s Office of Research, Development & Technology (RD&T) is studying with its partners to help improve rail safety.

“The 2023 cargo volumes [at the Ports of Indiana] were even more impressive considering some of the major challenges facing our industry this past year with low water levels and lock closure,” Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said on Feb. 28. (Ports of Indiana Photograph)

Intermodal Briefs: Ports of Indiana, UP/Port Houston

The Ports of Indiana’s 2023 tonnage was the second highest in its 63-year history. Also, Union Pacific’s (UP) Port Houston-based on-dock rail service is now connecting two additional inland markets; and Port Houston’s container volumes are on the rise.

“When a rail incident occurs, seconds count,” NS Vice President Safety John Fleps said. “Through our partnership with RapidSOS, 911 call centers and first responder agencies throughout our 22-state network will have faster access to the information they need to safeguard their response, save lives and protect the communities in which we operate.” (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, CPKC, UP

Norfolk Southern (NS) and RapidSOS debut their rail safety platform for first responders. Also, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) selects Rob Cikor as its Railroader of the Year; and Union Pacific’s (UP) Kenny Rocker joins the National Association of Manufacturers’ Board of Directors.

Shelley Simpson

Simpson to Lead J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. President Shelley Simpson will add CEO to her role starting July 1, and has been nominated for election to the Board at the company’s shareholders meeting next month.

“The tremendous growth in ridership is a result of the substantial investments North Carolina and Virginia are making to expand and improve passenger rail,” Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said on Feb. 28. “Customers are taking advantage of a sustainable way to travel to the many destinations our network offers.” (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, NYMTA, Metrolinx

Virginia and North Carolina are home Amtrak’s busiest stations in the Southeast. Also, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) provides an update on expanding Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Chief Accessibility Officer earns Presidential Volunteer Award; and Metrolinx’s maintenance and storage facility for the Finch West LRT project in Toronto receives LEED Silver Certification.

Premium Patrick Fuchs

Shippers Back Fuchs’ Renomination to STB

Republican Patrick J. Fuchs, who was nominated late last month by President Joe Biden for a second term on the Surface Transportation Board (STB), now has shipper support for Senate confirmation. Fuchs

(Image Courtesy of TransmetriQ)

TransmetriQ Launches Demurrage Module

Railinc’s TransmetriQ business unit on Feb. 29 reported releasing a Demurrage module for its rail management system, which it said is designed “to empower rail shippers with greater control of transportation costs.”

With a Delivery Partner Selected, Hudson Tunnel Project Moving Into ‘High Gear’

MPA Delivery Partners, a joint venture of Parsons Corporation, Arcadis of New York, Inc., and Mace North America Limited, will serve as Delivery Partner for the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project, the

(Photograph Courtesy of Norfolk Southern)

AAR: Carload, Intermodal Upticks for Week 8

U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Feb. 24, 2024 (Week 8), came in at 483,656 carloads and intermodal units, rising 7.7% from the same week last year, based on 224,251 carloads—up 2.6% from 2023—and intermodal volume of 259,405 containers and trailers—up 12.6%, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported Feb. 28.

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