“It’s a tightknit group,” said UP Senior Manager Dave Victores of the railroaders at the Oakland, Calif., locomotive shop who have achieved a safety milestone. “They actively care and look out for each other.” (UP Photograph)

Class I Briefs: UP, BNSF

Union Pacific’s (UP) locomotive shop in Oakland, Calif., celebrates a safety milestone. Also, BNSF opens nominations for its 2025 Sustainability Awards program.

BNSF, Yardmasters Ratify Labor Agreement (UPDATED, 5/27)

BNSF, in partnership with the International Association of Sheet, Metal, Air and Transportation Workers’ – Transportation Division (Yardmasters) announced on May 16 that members of the labor union have ratified a new

Commentary

‘China Air Pocket’; CSX Recovery Update

In the two weeks through May 17, the “China air pocket” in imports hitting the West Coast has become very visible. The trade war rhetoric between the U.S. and China culminated in

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, SEPTA, CDOT/FRPR District, Santa Clara VTA

Amtrak advances upgrades and repairs at Lancaster Station. Also, April 2025 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) ridership increases 6% from last year; SEPTA’s Efficiency & Accountability (E&A) Program recognizes $91 million in revenue and savings; the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) District explore options to bring passenger rail service to the Front Range; and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) launches a veteran discount fare pilot program.

“Have you ever wondered what the inside of a CN rail yard looks like? 🤔 Through a partnership with ORIGIN, an Indigenous technology company, CN is using immersive virtual reality to bring careers in the rail sector to life and inspire the next generation of talent,” the railroad reported via LinkedIn. (CN Photograph)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, CN, NS

BNSF provides an intermodal network update. Also, CN earns a Supplier Partner of the Year award from Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited and uses immersive virtual reality to bring railway careers to life; and Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Ed Elkins champions the message, “Moving Business Forward,” at the North American Rail Shippers Association Annual Meeting in Chicago.

The Capital Area Rail Terminal in Jefferson City, Mo., officially launched late last month. It connects with Union Pacific. (Photograph Courtesy of terminal operator Capital Logistics)

Class I Briefs: UP, BNSF, CSX

Union Pacific (UP) links to the new Capital Area Rail Terminal in Jefferson City, Mo., and signs a historic lease agreement for Colorado’s Moffat Tunnel, replacing the original 1926 lease. Also, BNSF honors its 2024 Employees of the Year in Fort Worth, Tex.; and CSX celebrates three employees whose “outstanding commitment to strong attendance” has earned them new cars.

STB Provides Update on Outstanding Proceedings

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Patrick Fuchs on May 5 provided an update on recent actions to “facilitate and expedite the resolution of several outstanding Board proceedings.” They are as follows: “The

People News: Indiana Rail Road, OLI

The Indiana Rail Road Co. (INRD) promotes Brian Jonaitis to Vice President of Business Development. Also, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) welcomes six new Board of Director members.

BNSF 1Q25: Revenue Up, OR Down

BNSF on May 5 released first-quarter 2025 results, including operating income of $1.8 billion, a 6% increase from the prior-year period’s $1.720 billion, and an operating ratio (OR) of 67.9%, a 1.6% decrease compared to 2024’s 69.5%.

Commentary

Western Railroads Getting Leaner and Fitter

The past couple of weeks you may have noticed that BNSF and Union Pacific have been running an increasingly tight ship as they shake off the last vestiges of winter and some

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