Management

Railroad Software offers cloud-based package

Railyard Management Software, LLC on Monday, July 29, 2013 announced its new cloud-based Railyard Operations & Inspection Management Software Solution, developed to meet the railcar tracking, record keeping, and inspection management needs of railyard operators and quality control professionals.

Commentary

Whatever can they be thinking?

Blame it on phases of the moon, a drop on the head as a baby, or a genetic disorder—but, whatever the cause, there seemingly is an increase in self-destructive and even wacko behavior among some decision makers that threatens the railroads’ capacity to meet growing customer demand, Amtrak’s ability to survive, and almost a million active railroaders’ quest for job security.

UP: A return to steam for Big Boy 4014

One of the largest and perhaps most famous steam locomotives ever built—Union Pacific’s articulated 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” No. 4014—will be restored to operating condition by UP’s Cheyenne, Wyo.-based Heritage Fleet Operations within the next five years. 4014 will join UP’s two other famous steam locomotives—4-6-6-4 Challenger 3985 and 4-8-4 Northern 844—in excursion service when her restoration is completed. She will become the world’s largest operational steam locomotive.
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Frank J. Richter, 1916-2013

Franz (Frank) J. Richter, an icon in railway industry journalism and publisher of two industry trade publications, died July 25 in his adopted country of Argentina, where he lived with his wife, Teresita. He was 97.
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When bad things happen to good companies, and to good people

(Editor’s Note: This commentary is a collaboration of Railway Age Contributing Editors Larry Kaufman and Frank Wilner, both of whom have extensive experience in railroad public relations.)

Of one thing you can be sure: There are more second acts in politics than there are second chances in public relations.

Iowa Pacific, Holdtrade (UK) Ltd. form Colombian joint venture

Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC, and Holdtrade (UK) Ltd. of Greenwich, England, have formed a new company, Holdtrade Atlantico, to apply for rail freight operating licenses in Colombia. The new company was introduced during a July 12 press conference in Bogota, the Columbian capital.
 
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Pacific Harbor Line, BLET sign pact

Short line Pacific Harbor Line, Inc. (PHL) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) announced Monday, July 15, 2013, they have signed a new five-year labor agreement covering PHL’s operating and maintenance of way employees.

Midyear traffic volumes: Carloads flat, intermodal up

At the midyear point of 2013 (26 out of 52 weeks in), combined North American rail volume on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 9,650,841 carloads, down 0.4% compared with the same point last year—essentially flat—and 7,878,808 trailers and containers, up 3.7% compared with last year, the Association of American Railroads said on Wednesday, July 3.

Educating the next generation of railroaders

“You’re going to be a high school senior this fall. Any thoughts on a career? College?”

“Well, Dad, I think I might like to work for a railroad. It’s a pretty important business, and I hear that the pay and benefits are really good. And I’ve always been interested in trains.”

“That’s great. Railroads are doing well these days. But I’m not so sure about where you could go to college for that. Is there such a thing as a railroad major?”

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