Intermodal rail up 5.6% in latest week
The Association of American Railroads reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending November 11 was 547,480 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.2% compared with the same week in 2016.
BNSF
Weekly carloads flatten out
Rail freight flattened out for the week ending Nov. 4, as the Association of American Railroads reported U.S. traffic was 538,739 carloads and intermodal units, down 0.8% compared with the same week in 2016.
Improved volumes power BNSF earnings
Third quarter earnings at BNSF Railway reflected gains in most carload categories that boosted revenue and income, but some moderation in growth through the first nine months of the year led the railroad to scale back its projected capital expenditures.
Commentary
Another tunnel, another time
As I stated in my blog about Hunter Harrison earlier this year, the numerical “success” he was credited with during his time at Canadian Pacific would not have been possible without the hard work, tough decisions, and massive investments in property made by his predecessors.
Economy spurs record intermodal volume
Following steadily growing weekly volume, intermodal rail traffic reached an all-time high on U.S. carriers in October, according to the Association of American Railroads.
DOT to expand scope of drone testing
A pilot program to advance the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, or drones) will partner the U.S. Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions in developing rules that will allow broader testing.
All-time weekly record for U.S. intermodal
Total U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Oct. 21 was 559,989 carloads and intermodal units, up 3% from the same week a year ago, according to the Association of American Railroads. Traffic totaled 268,943 carloads, up 0.2%, while intermodal volume was 291,046 containers and trailers, up 5.6%, and a record for a single week.
Farmrail is BNSF Shortline of the Year
BNSF Railway selected Farmrail as its 2017 Shortline of the Year at its annual Shortline Conference. The holding company for Class 3 carriers Grainbelt Corp. and Farmrail Corp. was recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and diligence in attracting new customers.
Railhead signs with RailMarketplace
Railhead Corp. announced that it has signed a three-year contract with RailMarketplace, an e-commerce exchange created by BNSF Railway, CN, Canadian Pacific Railway, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific Railroad.
BNSF, UP expanding, upgrading in northern Idaho
Track projects this summer in northern Idaho are expanding capacity on a busy segment of BNSF’s Northern Corridor, and upgrading conditions on Union Pacific’s route to the Canadian border.