CSX: Pan Am Merger Application Moves Forward, Support Builds

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has accepted for consideration CSX’s amended and re-filed Pan Am Railways acquisition application, and set a procedural schedule, with a final decision to be rendered April 1, 2022. The proposed merger is also gaining support, CSX reported.

NS 2Q21: Record Quarterly Results (Updated, Cowen)

Norfolk Southern (NS) in second-quarter 2021 delivered “another solid performance of sequential operating ratio improvement,” Chairman, President and CEO James A. Squires said July 28 during an earnings announcement. Revenue and volume rebounded from last year, he reported, up 34% and 25%, respectively.

NS: GHG Emissions Target Greenlighted

The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has approved Norfolk Southern’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target, which aligns with the Paris Agreement on climate change.

STB to Class I’s: Terminal Congestion, Demurrage Data, Please

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Martin J. Oberman has called on the CEOs of the seven North American Class I’s to provide information on the extent of congestion at key U.S. container terminals and on their policies and practices for assessing container demurrage fees, citing reports of “substantial charges being levied by the railroads for container storage at these terminals.”

CSX, NS to STB: Deny Amtrak Request

CSX and Norfolk Southern (NS) are calling on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to deny “as moot” Amtrak’s renewed request for an interim order requiring the Class I railroads to provide track access between New Orleans and Mobile so Amtrak can prepare for proposed Gulf Coast service.

Amtrak Seeks Expedited STB Treatment for Gulf Coast

Amtrak on July 8 said it will renew its request that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) intervene on its behalf if CSX and Norfolk Southern (NS) don’t cooperate on hosting new passenger service between New Orleans and Mobile.

For Watco, New Investment Partner

Pittsburg, Kans.-based Watco—an owner and operator of short lines, terminals, ports and mechanical shops—has entered into a strategic equity relationship with a global investment management firm.

Commentary

The Cowen Take on Class I 2Q21

At Cowen and Company, we are adjusting our rail models in advance of second-quarter earnings reports due later this month from the Class I railroads. The models reflect carloads in the quarter, mix, fuel, FX (foreign exchange) and cost implications as the supply chain remains tight.

USDOT to Award $905.25MM in INFRA Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation has chosen 24 projects—seven rail/port specific—to receive $905.25 million in INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) grants.

Port NOLA’s Container Terminal Project Progresses

The Request for Proposal (RFP) process is now under way for program management/program controls services for the development of Port of New Orleans’ (Port NOLA) Louisiana International Terminal.

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