Figure 1: Hollow wear difference as a function of initial diameter difference for (a) 28-inch, (b) 33-inch or (c) 36-inch wheels. (MxV Rail)

Wheel/Rail Profile: Asymmetric Hollow Worn Wheels

MxV RAIL R&D, RAILWAY AGE MAY 2023 ISSUE: Hollow wear is a typical form of wheel wear often measured and reported by wayside wheel profile detector (WPD) systems that allow the monitoring

NS photograph

AAR: North American Rail Volume Down Through 19 Weeks

For the first 19 weeks of 2023 (ending May 13), total U.S. weekly rail traffic dipped 4.0% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) May 17 report. Both Canada and the U.S. saw declines, while Mexico saw an increase.

The May 11 hearing, “Getting Back on Track: Exploring Rail Supply Chain Resilience and Challenges,” was led by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Tex.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

For House Rail Subcommittee, an Earful on Supply Chain Improvements

The rail industry’s role in overcoming supply chain challenges was the theme of a May 11 hearing of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. It was part of what the T&I Committee called its continued “focus on ongoing supply chain challenges throughout the transportation sector, with the goal of identifying potential legislative solutions.” Among the five witnesses was American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) President Chuck Baker, who urged Congress members “to wield their pen with precision.”

North American Rail Volume Decline Continues Through Week 18: AAR

Through the first 18 weeks of 2023 (ending May 6), total North American carload and intermodal traffic dipped 4% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) May 10 report. Both the U.S. and Canada experienced drop-offs, while Mexico saw an increase.

AAR: For April, Intermodal ‘Continues to Suffer’

U.S. rail traffic in April 2023 dropped from the same month last year—down 6.0% or 120,898 carloads and intermodal units, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported May 3. This follows March’s 7.6% drop from the prior-year period.

(Steve Halama, Unsplash)

CARB Passes New In-Use Locomotive Regulation (Updated 5/3)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) on April 27 passed a new rule aimed at reducing emissions from locomotives when they operate within the state.

(National Steel Car)

RAILINC FREIGHT CAR REVIEW 2023: Trending Larger

RAILWAY AGE APRIL 2023 ISSUE: Railinc’s analysis of the North American revenue-earning fleet reveals that the total fleet increased in 2022 with almost all car types accounting for the gain.

Department of Energy prototype Fortis eight-axle cask-carrying railcar design. (TTC Operated by ENSCO)

Fortis Prototype Fabrication and Testing

TTC OPERATED BY ENSCO, RAILWAY AGE APRIL 2023 ISSUE: Discover a new railcar for transporting spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.

Ian Jefferies, President and CEO, Association of American Railroads
Commentary

CEO PERSPECTIVE: We Must Look at Challenges as Opportunities

As part of a special series in Railway Age’s April 2023 issue, 13 chief executives of leading North American companies answer the single-most critical question: What is the biggest challenge facing the North American rail industry? Ian Jefferies of the Association of American Railroads is the tenth to share his perspective.

(MxV Rail Image)

MxV Rail Speeds PuebloPlex Track Construction Projects

MxV Rail on April 27 reported an accelerated schedule for implementing the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) and the Curving Performance and Suspension Resonance tracks at its new PuebloPlex facility. Completion is expected by fourth-quarter 2023.

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