BNSF 2014 capex: $5 billion

BNSF Railway on Feb. 4 announced a new single-year record capital commitment plan of $5 billion for 2014, approximately a $1 billion increase over its 2013 actual capital spend of $4 billion.

Amtrak stop eyed for Dakota oil boom town

Culbertson, Mont., may be added to Amtrak’s national network due in part to ongoing shale oil activity in the Bakken formation, primarily occurring in North Dakota, according to the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP).

Collision on BNSF ignites oil train fire

A wreck involving two BNSF trains, one of which was carrying crude oil, sparked a huge fire and evacuations of nearby communities in North Dakota on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013.

BNSF: Ice rises; Rose blooms

The announcement of a leadership transition at BNSF Railway was not unexpected: Effective Jan. 1, 2014, Carl Ice, President since 2010, will add the title of Chief Executive Officer. Matt Rose will become Executive Chairman, where he will be the railroad’s chief decision-maker, but without daily operational responsibilities.

Northwest short line serves new grain loop

Just in time for the 2013 wheat harvest, a new grain train loop facility opened for business in September at McCoy, Wash.

2014 TRAFFIC AND SPENDING OUTLOOK: A capital year for suppliers

2013 has been a record year for the railroads, “a very robust and challenging year for growth and re-investment,” in the words of BNSF chief executive Matt Rose. The indications are that 2014 could be even better—from a shareholder’s standpoint, “a profile of continued steady earnings growth, stock repurchases, and increasing dividends,” in the words of Jason Seidl, Railway Age’s Wall Street contributing editor.

MRL is BNSF Short Line of the Year

BNSF Railway has selected Montana Rail Link, Inc. (MRL) as its 2013 Short Line of the Year “for its significant growth and continued emphasis on a strong safety record.” In addition, Bighorn Divide & Wyoming Railroad (BDW) won the Special Recognition Award. The awards were presented during the annual BNSF Short Line Conference last month in Irving, Tex.

BNSF offers reward for gun attack on consist

The lead locomotive of a BNSF freight consist was struck at least 15 times by gunfire from an automobile pacing the train last month in central Washington state, roughly midway between Seattle and Spokane.

A stronger network, with more capacity

How BNSF is leveraging a record $4.3 billion in capital investment.

Nebraska short line marks 20 years

The Nebraska Central Railroad Co. (NCRC) says it will commemorate “20 years of excellence” through a series of celebratory activities that will be held Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in its headquarters city of Norfolk, Neb.

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