NS on Jan. 22 reported via Facebook: “Chicago [to] New England, now 10 hours faster. East Edge is our newest double-stack intermodal service, replacing a slower, single-stack operation with a modern, high-efficiency connection between Chicago and Ayer, Mass. Built for faster transit times, added capacity, and long-term growth for our customers. Did you catch the first train last week? Our D&H and Conrail heritage units led the way—history pulling the future forward!” (Screen Grab from NS Video)

NS: East Edge Double-Stack Service ‘Built for Growth’

Norfolk Southern (NS) on Jan. 21 reported launching East Edge, a newly cleared double-stack intermodal corridor connecting Chicago and New England. It replaces a single-stack route, reducing transit times by up to

CPKC, NS Advance Locomotive Modernizations

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Norfolk Southern (NS) are advancing their locomotive fleet modernization programs through acquisitions of new Tier 4-compliant road units from Wabtec and Progress Rail. CPKC CPKC’s acquisitions

POLB CEO Noel Hacegaba on Jan. 15 gave his first State of the Port address, announcing a “record-setting 2025,” with nearly 9.9 million cargo containers moved with no backlogs or delays. (POLB Photograph)

Intermodal Briefs: POLB, SC Ports

Port of Long Beach, Calif., (POLB) sets a cargo record in 2025 and expects 2026 to be “another busy year shaped by changes in trade policies, tariff normalization and shifts in manufacturing sourcing.” Also, South Carolina Ports’ (SC Ports) Inland Port Dillon posts record rail moves in 2025.

Pictured from left to right: Mariia Zimmerman, Virginia DRPT; Dianne Barnett, NS; Mike Brennan, Trinity Metro; Brady Jacoba, Ports of Indiana; and Peter Zuk, HNTB. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)

People News: Virginia DRPT, LRW/NS, NYMTA, Trinity Metro, Ports of Indiana, HNTB

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) appoints Mariia Zimmerman as Director. Also, the League of Railway Women (LRW) recognizes Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Dianne Barnett as 2025 Railway Woman of the Year; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Ports of Indiana, Trinity Metro in Texas, and HNTB Corporation hire executive leaders.

“BNSF operating teams are focused on maintaining positive performance momentum across the network,” the Class I wrote in an online customer notification, dated Jan. 16. (Chart, Courtesy of BNSF)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, NS, CN

BNSF provides an operational performance update. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) generates record scrap metal revenue; and CN’s Material Planning team reaches 1,000-plus days “injury-free.”

Railway Age’s 2026 ‘Fast Trackers’ 25 Under 40 Honorees

Railway Age is pleased to announce the 25 “Fast Trackers” selected for this year’s 25 Under 40 awards program. This year’s honorees were selected from freight and passenger railroads; government entities; and

At CPKC, 16 five-year agreements have been ratified that provide “increased wages” to approximately 700 railroaders working in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. (Courtesy of CPKC)

Class I Briefs: CPKC, NS

Sixteen collective bargaining agreements have been ratified and two tentative agreements have been reached at Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) in the United States. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) surpasses its locomotive “Fly Rate” goal in 2025.

Class I Briefs: UP, NS

Union Pacific (UP) hosts U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer at its Training Center and Harriman Dispatching Center. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) joins the Smart Freight Centre.

BNSF reported that 2025 was the “best year ever” for safety in the company’s 177-year history. (Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, NS, CSX

BNSF marks 2025 as the safest year in its history. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) surpasses $18.2 million in charitable giving in 2025; and CSX reveals the “Spirit of Kingman” tribute on locomotive No. 8400.

(Courtesy of the St. Louis Regional Freightway in Missouri)

Driving Freight Growth in St. Louis

The St. Louis Regional Freightway in Missouri (Freightway) has released its 2026 Priority Projects List, with 29 projects totaling nearly $8.9 billion in investments.

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