Commentary

The 1,550-Pound Gorilla – Part 4 of 5

This is the fourth in a five-part series about railroad growth coming from truck conversions focused on the criticality of rail-to-rail competition to achieve Union Pacific’s growth outcome stated in the Dec.

Matson vessel Kaimana Hila arriving at the carrier’s Long Beach Terminal. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of Matson)

Matson, BNSF, War-Lok Team on Cargo Security

Ocean transportation and logistics services firm Matson Inc. has partnered with BNSF and lock manufacturer War–Lok on what it describes as “an enhanced cargo security program that will add two layers of

CPKC in February moved 2.232 million metric tons (MMT) of Canadian grain and grain products, beating its previous February tonnage record set in 2021. (CPKC Photograph)

Class I Briefs: CPKC, BNSF, NS

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) sets new February monthly grain records. Also, BNSF recognizes its 2025 Safety Bell Award honorees; and Norfolk Southern (NS) shares the story of one of its newest third‑generation railroaders.

(BNSF Photograph)

For BNSF, 2025 Revenue, Volume Flat

Berkshire Hathaway-owned BNSF posted total revenue and volume that for 2025 were relatively unchanged from 2024 and that for fourth-quarter 2025 saw declines. In a letter to shareholders, Berkshire CEO Greg Abel,

(Courtesy of Alabama Port Authority)

Alabama Port Authority Launches MAX

The Alabama Port Authority on Feb. 23 reported rebranding and launching Mobile America Express (MAX), a service platform to help “strengthen the Port’s role as a catalyst for economic development statewide and

Current photograph of Santa Fe Railway diesel-electric locomotive No. 93, (Courtesy of Wichita, Kans.-based Great Plains Transportation Museum)

Santa Fe No. 93 Restoration Under Way

A complete cosmetic restoration of the Santa Fe Railway diesel-electric locomotive No. 93 is well under way and expected to wrap up by spring or early summer, Wichita, Kans.-based Great Plains Transportation

Class I Briefs: BNSF, NS, CPKC, CN

BNSF and members of the Transportation Communications Union/IAM (TCU) intermodal group reach a new tentative labor agreement. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) teams up with Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) to provide rail safety education; Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) participates in Canada’s Trade Mission to Mexico; and CN welcomes Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon to its campus in Winnipeg.

CSX in 2025 completed 75 training sessions and equipped 5,645 first responders with the skills and knowledge needed to handle railroad-related emergencies, the Class I railroad recently reported, sharing a specially produced video. (Screen grab from CSX video)

Class I Briefs: CSX, BNSF, CPKC

CSX trains thousands of first responders in 2025. Also, BNSF logged gains in grain last year; and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) continues testing biofuels.

Meet the next locomotive in our Landmark Series: the Altoona!

Class I Briefs: NS, BNSF, CSX

Norfolk Southern (NS) unveils the latest Landmark Series locomotive, supports Alabama industrial development, and welcomes 2026 community grant applications. Also, BNSF provides an operational performance update; and CSX spotlights its AESS (Automatic Engine Stop-Start) system.

BLET Ratifies Contract With GWR; BMWED, HESR Ratify New Agreement

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) members have ratified a new contract with the Great Western Railway of Colorado (GWR). Also, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED) members on the Huron and Eastern Railway (HESR) have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement by a vote of 14-4.

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