Norfolk Southern

(NS Photograph)

How NS ‘Powered Progress’ in 2023

Norfolk Southern (NS) is capping the year with a report on what it says are the 10 ways it drove growth and increased productivity by focusing on “resilience and exceptional service.”

Class I Briefs: CSX, NS

CSX is named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek. Also, CSX’s Selkirk Auto Terminal celebrates four years injury-free, and Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Norris Yard speed controller improves productivity and fluidity.

“While rail bridge closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso affect approximately 45% of UP’s cross-border business, we expect the impact on overall volumes to be minimal due to quick resolution of activity,” TD Cowen analysts report. (Union Pacific Photograph)
Commentary

TD Cowen’s 2024 Rail Preview

We modestly lower our fourth-quarter 2023 estimates on mix pressures that are likely to be somewhat mitigated by fuel tailwinds. Intermodal recovery comes at the price of yield given the protracted over-the-road (OTR) rate trough. A revenue per carload rebound is likely a late-2024 story, at best. First-quarter 2024 should see typical seasonal softening, which is well understood as the focus shifts to recovery. We favor Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) in 2024 on margin recovery prospects.

SRPRA has selected AECOM to develop a plan to restore intercity passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia, Pa. (SRPRA Rendering)

Transit Briefs: SRPRA, SCVTA, WMATA

Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) in Pennsylvania selects a consultant to prepare a Reading-Philadelphia service development plan. Also, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) closes on a $23.8-million land purchase near Diridon Station in San Jose, Calif.; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) eliminates the $2 SmarTrip fare payment card fee for seniors.

CN’s SCIO platform was recognized by the Digital Engineering Awards in the Digital Transformation of the Year category. (CN via LinkedIn)

Class I Briefs: CSX, CN, NS

CSX upgrades its Positive Train Control (PTC) system. Also, CN’s SCIO platform is recognized by the Digital Engineering Awards in the Digital Transformation of the Year category; and Norfolk Southern (NS) grants $5 million to promote safety and build communities and begins construction on its East Palestine Field Office.

LyondellBasell has awarded UP for “safe, reliable service.” Representing the railroad at an awards presentation were Marty Russell, General Director-Sales, left, and Senior Managers-Train Operations Ryan Broeckelmann and Chad Toussaint, third and fourth from left. (UP Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, UP

Norfolk Southern (NS) holds an interim home Value Assurance Program (VAP) workshop for residents of East Palestine, Ohio, and hosts the Georgia Safe Driving Summit. Also, Union Pacific (UP) earns a safety award from Gulf Coast plastics customer LyondellBasell.

Screenshot Courtesy of SC Ports, via YouTube

Intermodal Briefs: SC Ports, Port of Los Angeles

Construction is under way at South Carolina Port Authority’s (SC Ports) Navy Base Intermodal Facility. Also, the Port of Los Angeles’ Alameda Corridor Terminus Gap Closure project is recognized as a top regional transportation improvement project by the American Public Works Association Southern California Chapter.

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