NS 1Q21: ‘Strong Performance’ Despite Disruptions (Updated, Cowen)

“Our steadfast commitment to improving productivity and executing our Precision Scheduled Railroading strategy has propelled us to another record operating ratio performance, while we grew revenues and earnings in the quarter,” Norfolk Southern (NS) Chairman, President and CEO James A. Squires said April 28 during a 2021 earnings announcement.

Amtrak STB Petition Cites CSX, NS ‘Unwillingness to Engage Meaningfully’

Amtrak, on the eve of a 50th Anniversary virtual celebration slated to feature President Joe Biden, has filed a petition asking the Surface Transportation Board to deny CSX’s and Norfolk Southern’s motion to dismiss Amtrak’s application to restore passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast between New Orleans, La., and Mobile, Ala.

Railway Age 2021 Readers’ Influential Leaders

Railway Age is pleased to present the results of its second annual Readers’ Influential Leaders program.

Cowen Surveys Find ‘Encouraging’ Shipper Business Outlook

Two first-quarter 2021 surveys of rail shippers on pricing and business outlook as well as equipment needs conducted by Cowen and Company analysts Jason Seidl (Managing Director and Railway Age Wall Street Contributing Editor), Matt Elkott and Elliot Alper indicate that, compared with the previous quarter, Class I railroad customers are anticipating somewhat higher rate increases, and a slight decline in new railcar demand.

Gulf Coast Service? Not So Fast, Say CSX, NS

“Unripe.” That is what CSX and Norfolk Southern (NS) have called Amtrak’s application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) asking for an order requiring the freight railroads to permit access for twice daily round-trip passenger service between New Orleans and Mobile, starting on or about Jan. 1, 2022.

Vermont Rail System Contests Pan Am/CSX Deal

The Vermont Rail System (VRS) has opposed CSX’s acquisition of the Pan Am System in a filing with the Surface Transportation Board.

Commentary

Suds with Seidl: Positives From ‘Railroad Happy Hour’

Rail industry leaders were bullish on the quarter-to-date at the latest “Suds with Seidl” event, with one panelist citing a spring surcharge for containers, underlying the strong rate backdrop for carriers.

Amtrak Playing Hardball With CSX, NS on Gulf Coast Service (Updated)

In a move that appears to be a pre-emptive strike, Amtrak has asked the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to intervene on its behalf if CSX and Norfolk Southern don’t cooperate on hosting proposed new service between New Orleans and Mobile.

Does ‘Chaos’ Rule the Global Supply Chain?

Shipping container shortages in Asia, traffic jams at ports, limited availability of dockworkers and truck drivers from Southern California to Singapore, higher shipping prices—all are part of a now-stretched supply chain due to the pandemic, according to a recent New York Times report. What is the impact on rail?

OmniTRAX Expanding Ohio Rail-Ready Sites

Denver-based OmniTRAX is linking with customers interested in locating in northwest Ohio.

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