AAR: “Glimmers of Hope” in U.S. Rail Traffic
Despite a “challenging” 2019 and a still-struggling 2020, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) believes there are “glimmers of hope” in the industry.
AAR
Understanding CPC-1354
RAILWAY AGE, FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE: On Jan. 1, 2020, Association of American Railroads (AAR) revisions to the requirements in Appendix B of AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section C-III Specifications for Tank Cars (M-1002) and related changes to certain Chapter 1 definitions officially went into effect for the tank car industry (hereafter, “Appendix B”). These revisions were proposed Nov. 22, 2019, in Casualty Prevention Circular (CPC) 1353 and finalized on Dec. 20, 2019, in CPC-1354.
AAR: U.S. Rail Traffic Still Down; Canada, Mexico See Gains
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ended Jan. 25, 2020, and for this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 485,282 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.1% compared with the same week last year.
PTC in Operation on 98.5% of Required Class I Miles
At the conclusion of 2019, Positive Train Control (PTC) was in operation across 98.5% of the required Class I route miles, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR).
AAR, GoRail Honor Clyburn
The Association of American Railroads and GoRail have presented House of Representatives Majority Whip Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) the Railroad Achievement Award “for his longstanding leadership on surface transportation issues, including matters that directly and indirectly affect both freight and passenger railroads in South Carolina and across the nation.” AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies presented Rep. Clyburn with the award at the North Charleston Intermodal Transportation Center.
U.S. Rail Traffic Struggles, Mexico Thrives
It’s the same stuff, different year for U.S. rail traffic. Although our neighbors to the south are singing a different tune.
Rail Traffic Still Sliding: AAR
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ended Jan. 11, 2020, and, for this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 501,624 carloads and intermodal units, down 9.6% compared with the same week last year.
Commentary
2020: Optimism—and Caution
Freight rail traffic has historically been a useful gauge of broader economic activity. The fundamentals of a strong U.S. economy were present in 2019: solid job numbers, strong consumer spending, low interest rates, economic expansion and low inflation. But despite all the bright spots, one thing remained certain last year: trade policy created uncertainty. This uncertainty affected multiple sectors of the economy.
AHSI: Big Data For Better Asset Health
The railroad industry estimates that advances in fault detection technology are preventing more than 700 road failures monthly on the North American system, based on 2019 preliminary statistics. Among the efforts to identify the causes of failure and further understand issues that affect freight rail performance and safety is the Association of American Railroads Asset Health Strategic Initiative (AHSI), data from which is shared with Railinc.
AAR: 2020 Picks Up Where 2019 Left Off
New year, same rail traffic struggles.