AAR: U.S. Rail Volume Up Modestly Through Week 24

U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 14, 2025 dipped slightly compared to the prior-year period but realized a modest gain through 2025’s first 24 weeks, the Association of American Railroads

Alstom, Outokumpu Forge Low-Emission Stainless Steel Partnership

Alstom and global sustainable stainless steel manufacturer Outokumpuhave entered a partnership for supply of Circle Green® stainless steel with up to a 93% lower carbon footprint compared to the 2024 global industry

Commentary

TrackSafe Houston: A Shared Vision for Rail Safety

At Union Pacific, we have a pledge: We will all go home safe.

According to CSX, approximately 200 automotive terminals undergo AAR audits each year, and only the highest-scoring facilities receive awards. “TDSI’s performance in 2025 stood out for its high scores and the breadth of recognition across its facilities,” the railroad reported June 13. (Screen Grab from CSX Video)

Watch: CSX TDSI Earns AAR ‘Quality Excellence’ Awards

CSX Total Distribution Services Inc. (TDSI) earlier this month received four awards for quality excellence from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) at the 132nd Damage Prevention & Freight Claims Conferences in

CSX dispatchers Vic Lewis and Rick Moran earn the railroad’s first Public Safety Coordination Center awards for their service. (CSX Photograph)

Class I Briefs: CSX, CPKC

CSX’s Public Safety Coordination Center recognizes two dispatchers for their “dedication to clear communication and quick action” that helps keep communities safe. Also, Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) Alyth Car Shop marks a safety milestone.

Watch: NS Debuts D&H Heritage Locomotive

Norfolk Southern has unveiled its newest heritage locomotive, EMD SD70ACe No. 1080, honoring the Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Railway. This marks the second heritage unit NS has introduced in the past two

(Port of Los Angeles Photograph)

Port of LA Adopts $2.7B FY25/26 Budget

The Los Angeles Harbor Commission on June 12 signed off on the Port of Los Angeles’ $2.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26, which is said to reflect the Port’s “solid financial footing” while anticipating a “cargo slowdown.”

CTA, Sensonic Advance Safety Pilot

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has entered into an agreement with Sensonic Inc. to advance a pilot program that would automatically detect intrusions on rail right-of-way. CTA’s Innovation Studio will test Sensonic’s

ITS Logistics U.S. Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index for June 2025. (Image Courtesy of ITS Logistics)

ITS Logistics Issues June US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index

Trans-shipment delays in Asia signal an impending U.S. import surge, spurring an early retail peak, according to ITS Logistics’ recently released June forecast for its US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index. Backlogged empty containers and surging inbound freight are set to converge, it noted, stressing inland supply chain operations.

Alstom Supporting Ontario Tech Engineering Students

Alstom is providing C$106,000 over a three-year period to support Ontario Tech University Engineering students considering careers in the railway industry. “This new funding comes during the lead-up to the launch of

LOAD MORE