As I stated in my blog about Hunter Harrison earlier this year, the numerical “success” he was credited with during his time at Canadian Pacific would not have been possible without the hard work, tough decisions, and massive investments in property made by his predecessors.
Watching Washington, November 2017: Almost three years since 12 rail labor unions commenced collective bargaining over wages, benefits and work rules with Class I railroads, plus many regionals and short lines, a coalition of six unions—representing some 60% of the 145,000 affected workers—has reached a tentative agreement with the carriers.
Regional and short line operator Genesee & Wyoming saw higher revenue in the third quarter, but said weaker than expected earnings fell by 18% on lower agricultural shipments out of the U.S. Midwest.
A pilot program to advance the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, or drones) will partner the U.S. Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions in developing rules that will allow broader testing.
Union Pacific Corp. had third quarter net income of $1.2 billion, or a $1.50 per share, up from $1.1 billion, or $1.36, in the year-ago quarter, on improved pricing despite flat intermodal volume and weaker overall carloads.
WSP USA (formerly WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff) has named Brian Kim a supervising engineer in its Minneapolis office. Kim will serve as a project manager on highway and transit projects and lead the expansion of the firm’s civil design practice in Minnesota.
Norfolk Southern Corp. reported third-quarter net income of $506 million, up 10% on-year, as income from railway operations increased 11% to $911 million and the operating ratio fell to a quarterly record 65.9%. Earnings per share totaled $1.75, up 13% from the previous year.
Canadian National reaffirmed full-year financial estimates on third-quarter revenue that was 7% higher and earnings that were essentially unchanged.
BNSF Railway selected Farmrail as its 2017 Shortline of the Year at its annual Shortline Conference. The holding company for Class 3 carriers Grainbelt Corp. and Farmrail Corp. was recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and diligence in attracting new customers.
A new transportation proposal introduced by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry calls for long-term investment to improve the city’s transportation system and includes 26 miles of light rail.