“Changing out a railroad bridge takes a LOT of planning and coordination, especially when the structure is on one of the busiest freight rail corridors in the country,” BNSF reported via social media. Over two recent weekends, contractor and BNSF crews did just that. (BNSF Photograph)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, UP

BNSF and contractor Kraemer North America change out a bridge on one of the busiest freight corridors in the country. Also, Union Pacific (UP) honors more than 300 train dispatchers for their safety contributions.

STB Acts on Long-Standing Proceedings

Consistent with his objective to “increase transparency at the agency,” Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Patrick Fuchs on Feb. 21 provided an update on recent actions to “facilitate and expedite resolution” of several long-standing Board proceedings.

BNSF 4Q24: ‘Higher Volumes, Improved Productivity and Cost Controls’

For fourth-quarter 2024, BNSF reported that results included a $290 million charge related to an agreement that was finalized with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers –

UP’s Pacific Northwest craft professionals celebrate their service unit win: the esteemed Safety Bell, presented annually to the Transportation service unit with the best overall safety record. (UP Photograph)

Class I Briefs: UP, CSX

Union Pacific’s (UP) Pacific Northwest team earns the railroad’s esteemed Safety Bell. Also, CSX donates $250,000 to Nemours to expand access to pediatric behavioral health services.

Class I Briefs: NS, BNSF

Norfolk Southern (NS) is named to FORTUNE Magazine’s list of World’s Most Admired Companies. Also, BNSF receives The Home Depot Rail Carrier of the Year award and the Class I’s Stockton, Calif.-based team completes a full year without a single injury.

Figure 1: The derailment site. (BNSF Image, Courtesy of NTSB)

NTSB Determines Probable Cause for October 2023 BNSF Derailment

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the final report for its investigation of the Oct. 15, 2023, accident involving a BNSF train that struck and partially collapsed a bridge that crosses over

(Image Courtesy of Ports of Indiana)

Ports of Indiana Marks Second-Highest Cargo Year

Ports of Indiana on Feb. 13 reported shipping 13 million tons of cargo in 2024, the second-highest annual volume in its 60-year history. Cargo shipments at the statewide port authority’s rail-served Burns

Ten Canadian communities have been awarded $50,000 grants, totaling $500,000, for tree planting and greening projects through the CN EcoConnexions – From the Ground Up program. (CN Image)

Class I Briefs: CN, BNSF

Ten Canadian communities receive grants totaling $500,000 from the CN EcoConnexions – From the Ground Up program. Meanwhile, CN, Union Pacific (UP), and Grupo México Transportes earn spots in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2025. Also, BNSF wheel plant employees in Nebraska mark a safety milestone.

(UP Photograph)

UP, Metra Move Closer to Service Transfer

Union Pacific (UP) on Feb. 10 provided an update on its work with Metra to “finalize the safe and seamless transfer of commuter rail services on three lines in the Chicago metropolitan area: the Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West Lines.”

ATSF President Mike Haverty “saw the potential to harness the cost-efficiency of rail transportation with the agility of highway trucking,” JBHT reported. “He invited Mr. Hunt to join him on a train ride to discuss his idea on November 1, 1989 … By the end of their journey, they’d formed an agreement to put J.B. Hunt trailers on the steel highway. A simple handshake marked the beginning of a decades-long strategic alliance that would change the industry forever.” (JBHT Photograph)

JBHT Celebrates 35 Years of Intermodal Service

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (JBHT) marks 35 years of intermodal service operations this month.

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