Commentary

Cicero Intermodal Expansion Delivers Capacity, Sustainability and Customer Value

In the heart of the Windy City, BNSF’s Cicero Intermodal Facility underwent a transformation that’s as strategic as it is sustainable. With the final phase of a multi-year expansion nearing completion, the project is already delivering on its promise: increased

Commentary

From Class I to Short Line and Back

Since 2020, Class I railroads have acquired more than 3,000 miles of trackage from short line and regional carrier—some of which they previously owned.

(Photographs courtesy of BNSF and CSX, respectively)

BNSF, CSX Offering More, ‘Faster’ Coast-to-Coast Service

BNSF and CSX on Nov. 17 teamed to launch nine intermodal schedules from California to the Ohio Valley and the Northeast.

Commentary

BNSF vs. UP, Take Three

I will attempt to clarify a rather “interesting” indirect exchange involving Union Pacific’s Jim Vena, who hopes to one day head the first East-West U.S. transcontinental Class I railroad, and BNSF’s Katie

Metra Approves $1.2B Operating Budget for 2026

The Metra Board of Directors on Nov. 13 approved a $1.2 billion operating budget for 2026 that relies on new state funding and requires no fare increases or service cuts. The Board also approved a $515.3 million capital plan that, the agency says, “continues major investments in bridges, stations, and new and rehabilitated rolling stock.”

Norfolk Southern on Veterans Day honored the “service members who bring their leadership, discipline, and mission-focused mindset to our railroad.” (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, NS, Wabtec

Norfolk Southern (NS) and Class I railroad supplier Wabtec Corporation honor service members on Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Also, BNSF employees pay tribute to veterans “step by step” and CEO Katie Farmer earns the AI Visionary CEO of the Year Award from World Leaders in Data and AI.

Joe Gioe (Photograph Courtesy of Cando)

Joe Gioe Joins Cando

Manitoba, Canada-based Cando Rail & Terminals (Cando) on Nov. 11 reported appointing Joe Gioe as Vice President Service Delivery. “Joe is a seasoned rail industry executive with more than two decades of experience

The annual BNSF Stewardship Award recognizes shippers who transport a minimum of 500 loaded tank cars of hazardous materials during the previous year and record zero non-accidental releases. (BNSF Photograph)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, CN/CPKC, UP

BNSF honors shippers for “exemplary standards” in product safety and provides an operational performance update. Also, CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) sponsor categories of WXN’s (Women’s Executive Network) Top 100 Awards in Canada; and Union Pacific (UP) employees raise $690,000 for the United Way.

(Courtesy of POLB)

POLB: Cargo Volumes ‘Steady’ Through October (UPDATED 11/13)

“Shifting trade policies have brought uncertainty to consumers and the supply chain, but cargo continues to move smoothly,” California’s Port of Long Beach (POLB) reported Nov. 7.

(Shutterstock/Amorn Suriyan)

2025 WOMEN IN RAIL: Paving the Way for the Next Generation (Part 2 of 2)

RAILWAY AGE, NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE: Railway Age is celebrating nine years of recognizing women in the freight, passenger, government, and supply sectors. These trail blazers are not only excelling at leadership and community service but also driving the industry forward. This year, 25 railroaders earned the publication’s Women in Rail award.

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