Northwest congestion spurs intermodal shift

Historically high levels of traffic, plus numerous track and capacity improvement projects that are currently under way, are both putting the squeeze on BNSF’s northern corridor, with intermodal a potential casualty.

RAIL.ONE opens Iowa rail tie plant

RAIL.ONE USA Corp. on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, held an opening ceremony for a $22 million concrete rail tie plant in Clinton, Iowa, located within the city’s Lincolnway Railport.

For Union Pacific, a strong first quarter

Union Pacific on April 17, 2014 reported 2014 first quarter net income of $1.1 billion, or $2.38 per diluted share, compared to $957 million, or $2.03 per diluted share, in first-quarter 2013, a 17% improvement. Operating revenues totaled $5.6 billion, up 7%; operating income totaled $1.85 billion, up 14%; the operating ratio of 67.1% improved 2.0 points, a first-quarter record.

UP, Missouri county reach MOU on R-O-W

Jackson County, Mo., and Union Pacific have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding to transfer ownership of 19 miles of UP right-of-way to the county for future passenger rail use.

Commentary

Mexico to its rail franchisees: “Yanqui go home”

At the turn of the 20th century, seven-term Mexican President Porfirio Diaz is cited as having complained, “Poor Mexico, so far from God and so close to the United States.”

Mexico’s stalking railway horse impacting KCS

A railway reform bill that has been approved by the lower house of Mexico’s Congress and that would impose a form of open access has had a major impact on Kansas City Southern’s share price, according to analysts. KCS derives close to 50% of its revenue from its Mexican operation, KCSM; the company’s share price has declined about 15% in recent weeks, despite record revenues in 2013 and an improved operating ratio.

UP: $3.9 billion capex, key management changes

Union Pacific has announced a capital spending plan worth $3.9 billion, and has installed Lance Fritz and Cameron Scott in new leadership positions following Jim Young’s retirement as Chairman.

Good 4Q13 for Union Pacific

Union Pacific said Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014 fourth-quarter 2013 earnings of $1.17 billion, or $2.55 per share, up 13% from $1.04 billion, or $2.19 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Kelley, O’Connor in new roles at Union Pacific

Union Pacific has appointed vice presidents D. Lynn Kelley and Joseph O’Connor to new positions within the organization, effective Feb. 1, 2014.

2014 TRAFFIC AND SPENDING OUTLOOK: A capital year for suppliers

2013 has been a record year for the railroads, “a very robust and challenging year for growth and re-investment,” in the words of BNSF chief executive Matt Rose. The indications are that 2014 could be even better—from a shareholder’s standpoint, “a profile of continued steady earnings growth, stock repurchases, and increasing dividends,” in the words of Jason Seidl, Railway Age’s Wall Street contributing editor.
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