CSX, NS, UP, CN Renew Petition to Stay Requirement That Class I’s Commit to Arbitration Program

CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS), Union Pacific (UP) and the U.S. operating subsidiaries of CN on Feb. 3 renewed their request that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) stay its requirement that the Class I railroads commit to a new arbitration program for small rate disputes.

From Left to Right: ASLRRA Chairwoman Judy Petry; RTA CFO Kevin Bueso; and INRD Director, Safety and Training Austin Milton.

People News: ASLRRA, RTA, INRD

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) Chairwoman Judy Petry retires from Farmrail. Also, Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) welcomes Kevin Bueso as new Chief Financial Officer (CFO); and Indiana Rail Road (INRD) promotes Austin Milton to Director, Safety and Training.

“The ONE CSX team made great progress this quarter, delivering strong earnings as our network performance continued to gain momentum,” CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs said during a Jan. 25 earnings announcement.

CSX: ‘Strong Earnings’ Delivered in 4Q22 (UPDATED, Cowen)

For CSX, fourth-quarter 2022 operating income was $1.46 billion compared to $1.37 billion in fourth-quarter 2021, while net earnings were $1.02 billion, or $0.49 per share, compared to $934 million, or $0.42 per share, in the same period last year, the Class I reported Jan. 25.

STB Denies Request to ‘Stay’ Requirement That Class I’s Commit to Arbitration Program (Updated)

CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS), Union Pacific (UP) and the U.S. operating subsidiaries of CN on Dec. 29, 2022 requested that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) stay its requirement that the Class I railroads commit to a new arbitration program for small rate disputes. STB on Jan. 23, 2023 denied the request.

Conrail to Deploy Digital Tools for Train Crews

Conrail has contracted with Cloud-hosted software provider Comply365 to roll out a content management system and mobile app for train crews, eliminating the need for paper rulebooks.

Watco Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Stefan Loeb (pictured) has been appointed to STB's Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council.

People News: Watco, AITX

Watco Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Stefan Loeb has been appointed to the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC). Also, AITX welcomes Timothy Jones as Plant Manager of AITX Clinton, Ind.

Aerial view of the San Pedro Bay Port Complex in California. (Photograph Courtesy of Port of Los Angeles)

Intermodal Briefs: Ports of LA, Long Beach; SC Ports

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in California report 2022 as their second-busiest year on record. Also, South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) announces a record 2022 with the most containers ever handled at the Port of Charleston. All provide their outlook for 2023.

Launched by all seven Class I railroads and Railinc in 2014, the AskRail app for first responders now includes railroad milepost and highway/rail grade crossing location information.

Railinc Updates AskRail® First Responder App

Railinc on Jan. 18 reported that it has added railroad milepost and highway/rail grade crossing location information to AskRail®, the rail industry emergency response information app.

ITS Logistics U.S. Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index. (Image Courtesy of ITS Logistics)

Intermodal Briefs: ITS Logistics, South Carolina Ports Authority

Reno, Nev.-based ITS Logistics issues the January forecast for its U.S. Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index. Also, the South Carolina Ports Authority approves $100 million-plus in contracts for its new intermodal facility in North Charleston.

The $47 million Newport News Transportation Center (rendering above) is slated to open in late 2023. Partnering on the project are the city of Newport News, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and Virginia Department of Transportation.

Virginia Advances Passenger Rail Expansion Plans

Virginia’s New River Valley Passenger Rail Service Extension and Newport News Transportation Center projects will receive a combined $3.2 million in federal funding to move forward, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) reported on Jan. 17.

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