AAR: Total weekly rail traffic down 5.6%
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Jul. 16, 2016:
Management
First Transit signs its first rail contract in North America with DCTA
First Transit announced on July 20th that it signed its first rail contract in North America to provide operations and maintenance services for the Denton County Transportation Authority’s (DCTA) A-train commuter rail line in Texas. First Transit is a division of FirstGroup, one of the rail operators in the United Kingdom.
For CP, a tough second quarter
The second quarter of 2016 was not kind to Canadian Pacific, though in line with CP’s quarterly outlook, released in June.
Hunter Harrison readies for a transition
E. Hunter Harrison came out of retirement in 2012 to lead Canadian Pacific out of the Class I basement, where it had languished for several years. The following year, his protégé, Keith Creel, left CN to join his mentor. Next July, Creel will officially fill Harrison’s shoes upon Harrison’s retirement after more than a half-century in railroading.
Water by rail ready to roll
A terminal serving the crude oil industry is offering help for drought-stricken California.
KC Southern announces earnings: uptick in volume trend into 2Q
Kansas City Southern (KCS) reported second quarter results on July 19. Revenues were $569 million, a decrease of 3% from second quarter 2015. Overall, carload volumes were unchanged compared to second quarter 2015. Excluding the estimated impacts of Mexican peso depreciation and lower U.S. fuel prices, revenue increased 2% compared to the second quarter of 2015.
Minnesota establishes council on freight rail
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton issued an executive order, establishing the Governor’s Council on Freight Rail, which will bring together state officials and railroads in a public-private working group to improve communication and enhance safety and economic development in communities.
Two arguments on two-person crews
The Federal Railroad Administration, at a July 15, 2016 hearing regarding the agency’s proposed rule mandating two-person crews, heard two sharply contrasting arguments, one from freight rail management, the other from labor.
BNSF and SWRR reach agreement for Clovis-Carlsbad line
BNSF Railway and Southwestern Railroad (SWRR) reached an agreement which calls for BNSF to take over service of the rail line between Clovis and Carlsbad, N.Mex. effective Jan. 17, 2017.
Moving energy beyond borders
Can exports revive North America’s crude-by-rail and coal?