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Union Pacific last fall reported utilizing technology and enhancing security to protect its customers’ cargo, its property, and its employees. (UP Photograph)
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Legislation Introduced to Combat Supply Chain, Retail Theft

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) on April 10 introduced legislation to target the rise in theft, fraud, and other organized crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain across America. Supporters include the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, Tri-Rail, NYMTA/Metro-North, WMSC/WMATA, LA Metro

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) launches contactless payment on Regional Rail. Also, Tri-Rail ridership continues to show signs of growth in 2025; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches an initiative to protect the Metro-North Hudson Line against effects of climate change; the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) threatens not to approve the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) plan to expand automation; and new faregates are off to a strong start at LA Metro’s Lake and Firestone stations.

“Safety for 45 years is a monumental success story,” CSX Senior Mechanical Manager Brad Swint said in a special video honoring the achievement at the CSX Sarnia Mechanical Shop in Ontario. “It takes everyone operating under the ONE CSX mindset.” (Screen Grab from CSX Video)

Class I Briefs: CSX, UP

At CSX, the Sarnia Mechanical Shop in Ontario marks a milestone, and the Class I ranks as a top employer by CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine readers. Also, Union Pacific (UP) announces the roll-out date for its commemorative locomotive paying tribute to America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.

Katie Farmer, President and CEO, BNSF. (Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)
Commentary

Resiliency and Capacity Create Top-Line Growth

CEO PERSPECTIVES, RAILWAY AGE APRIL 2025 ISSUE: At BNSF, our Southern Transcon is the busiest route along our vast 32,500-mile network, stretching 2,200 miles from Southern California to Chicago. In fact, 70%

(CN Photograph)

AAR: North American Rail Volume Up Through Week 14

For the first 14 weeks of 2025, ending April 5, North American carload and intermodal traffic was up 3.3% from the same point last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported April 9. The United States and Canada experienced gains, while Mexico saw a loss.

(Norfolk Southern Photograph)
Commentary

TD Cowen 1Q25 Earnings Preview

We adjust our models ahead of a first quarter that came with severe weather, pull forward, and growing macro uncertainties that could limit upside over the near term. We broadly lower estimates

(Union Pacific Photograph)
Commentary

TD Cowen 1Q25 Rail Shipper Survey Says …

Rate hike expectations fell 20bps sequentially, trending below the survey’s LT average. Business growth fell sharply to levels not seen since COVID. Economic confidence fell back to pre-election levels as optimism fades. 44% of shippers pulled freight forward ahead of tariffs as uncertainties grow. We are cautious on the rail group ahead of earnings, and favor Union Pacific (UP) for U.S. rail exposure.

SERA on March 27 “successfully” completed testing of its first four-axle HFC-powered, zero-emission switching locomotive in West Sacramento, Calif. (Screen Grab from a SERA video, courtesy of PR Newswire)

WATCH: SERA Tests HFC-Powered Switcher

Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) on April 8 reported successfully completing testing of its first four-axle, hydrogen fuel cell-powered (HFC), zero-emission switcher. The test, SERA said, took place March 27 in West Sacramento,