Port of Los Angeles: Busiest June in History

The Port of Los Angeles handled 892,340 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in June, an 8% increase from last year, marking the busiest June in the Port’s 117-year history.

“The strength of our transload network lies in partnerships—whether it’s third-party operators or short line railroads,” says Helen Quirke, Vice President, Supply Chain and Business Development at CN. “When we align our capabilities, we open up new markets, simplify logistics, and create real value for customers.” (CN Photograph)

Class I Briefs: CN, UP, CSX

CN eyes a transload network expansion with its Top-Tier Transload Partner Program. Also, Union Pacific (UP) replaces all rail infrastructure—inside a tunnel—in less than 24 hours on the Black Butte Subdivision, and opens applications for its third-annual Sustainability Partner Award program; and CSX’s Waycross, Ga., yard team marks a safety milestone.

Brightline train in Orlando. (Photo by David C. Lester)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, Metrolinx

Brightline looks to raise $400 million for Tampa expansion. Also, Metrolinx readies Hamilton roads for Light Rail Transit (LRT)-related construction work.

Former BLE International President Monin Dies at 84

Former Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) International President Clarence V. Monin passed away on June 26, 2025, at age 84.

Port Muskogee South (formerly Frontier Terminal) at 4511 Callery Drive, Muskogee, Oka. (Courtesy of Port Muskogee)

Port Muskogee Expands South With 125-Acre Site

The Muskogee City-County Port Authority (Port Muskogee) in Oklahoma has acquired 125.49 acres, with direct access to the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), which the Port said will create “significant multimodal freight opportunities by river, rail and road.”

Paul J. Wiedefeld, outgoing MDOT Secretary (left), and Subash Iyer of Kaplan Kirsch LLP. (Photographs courtesy of MDOT and Kaplan Kirsch, respectively)

People News: MDOT, Kaplan Kirsch

Paul J. Wiedefeld is stepping down as Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary. Also, Kaplan Kirsch LLP grows its legal bench with the addition of former U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Acting General Counsel Subash Iyer.

Southern California’s Metrolink has installed Wabtec’s WCNSS “smart crossing” system at the Del Obispo Street Crossing near its San Jaun Capistrano Station. (Metrolink Photograph)

For Metrolink, More ‘Smart Crossing’ Tech Installations (UPDATED 7/11)

“Smart crossing” technology was added in June 2024 to boost safety near a Metrolink regional passenger rail station in Orange County, Calif., following deployment at seven crossings along the nine-mile Arrow system, which

Wabtec, IMT Enter Agreement to Distribute Railcar Telematics in European Markets

Wabtec and Intermodal Telematics B.V. (IMT), a Dutch-based rail telematics technology company, have entered into an agreement that allows Wabtec to be the exclusive distributor of IMT’s telematics solutions for railcars in the major European freight markets. This agreement, the companies say, “leverages IMT’s technology and Wabtec’s presence to deliver smart, connected railcar solutions across Europe.”

Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad #5260 crossing Elm Ave. Portsmouth, Virginia. At U.S. Norfolk Naval Shipyard.5260 is painted a commemorative scheme as part of the Norfolk Southern, Heritage Program. (David E. George III/Wikimedia Commons)

STB to NS: Proposed NPBL Acquisition Is ‘Significant’ Transaction (UPDATED 7/11)

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on March 14 reported that it will review Norfolk Southern’s (NS) proposal to acquire Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company (NPBL), a Virginia S&T (switching and terminal) railroad, as a “significant” transaction. NS in June provided the STB-required supplement to its acquisition application, and on July 7, the Board accepted the application as complete and set a procedural schedule.

“We're grateful for @MassGovernor's continued investment in public transit with this supplemental budget. With $548 million, we’ll reinforce operating reserves, expand reduced fares, & upgrade infrastructure to help build a more reliable, equitable system,” MBTA reported via X (formerly known as Twitter) on June 24. (MBTA Photograph)

Massachusetts Sets FY26 Budget

Gov. Maura Healey has signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget and supplemental budget for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, both of which provide funds to help stabilize Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operations.

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