Commentary

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

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

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

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

‘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

Clear Road to Carbon Neutrality

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

Commentary

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

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

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

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.

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