Opinion

Commentary

• April 14, 2021
• Regulatory

CPKC: Tri-National Considerations

After a thorough review of my mergers and acquisitions career work, I have reached the conclusion that the Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern (“CPKC”) combination has several less-than-optimal locations where overall system performance affecting three nations—the U.S., Mexico and Canada—could be addressed and improved during Surface Transportation Board review.

Commentary

• April 09, 2021
• Intermodal

Class I Q1 Lower, Q2 Rebound: Cowen Insight

At Cowen and Company, we are updating our rail models to reflect carload data and costs associated with severe weather and fuel in the first quarter.

Commentary

• April 09, 2021
• Intercity

Amtrak 2035 Map: Hopes and Challenges

As Amtrak marks its 50th anniversary, many are reflecting on the railroad’s past half-century and wondering how it will do in the next.

Commentary

• April 08, 2021
• Class I

Next-Gen Freight Rail Sets Agenda for the 2020s

FINANCIAL EDGE, RAILWAY AGE APRIL 2021 ISSUE: The tone and context of Railway Age’s Next-Gen Freight Rail conference held virtually on March 10, 2021 changes rapidly when viewed through the blockbuster announcement of Canadian Pacific’s (CP) acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS).

Commentary

• April 08, 2021
• News

‘A Fancy Way to Get to a Twins Game’? Really?

Minnesota State Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville) apparently doesn’t think much of rail transit, much less understand its purpose. If he did, he wouldn’t be trying to deep-six the Minneapolis Northstar commuter rail system. I’ll try to be diplomatic here, but don’t expect too much.

Commentary

• April 07, 2021
• Locomotives

Clear Road to Carbon Neutrality

North American rail is on the beginning edge of a secular change in its approach to carbon emissions.

Commentary

• April 05, 2021
• Freight

CP-KCS Merger: Let the Games Begin

Several shipper trade associations, a major agricultural shipper and four of the remaining five North American Class I railroads have asked the Surface Transportation Board to review Canadian Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern under the more stringent 2001 merger rules. A few argue that the smallest Class I rail carrier, KCS, should not get a “gentle pass” STB review. As to the merger itself, most support it, with a few notable exceptions.

Commentary

• April 01, 2021
• Freight Cars

Do We Need Another North American Railcar Builder?

ARS Canada Rolling Stock Co. is entering the North American freight railcar market with support from a $3 million repayable contribution from the New Brunswick Provincial government in Canada. Here we go again.

Commentary

• March 31, 2021
• Freight

How to Win More Freight Rail Grants

A comprehensive Lifecycle Benefit Cost Analysis is essential to illuminate the real value of freight rail projects—and ensure their success.

Commentary

• March 25, 2021
• Regulatory

CP + KCS a Unique Opportunity

The recent merger agreement between Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) offers a unique opportunity to fuel economic growth across North America while reducing freight congestion, helping the environment, and strengthening competition in the freight transport marketplace.