Class I Briefs: BNSF, UP

BNSF delivers the first load to its new intermodal ramp in Oklahoma City. Also, Union Pacific (UP) introduces a new GPS-powered platform developed by supply chain technology partner Blume Global.

BNSF, CN, CPKC, CSX, NGFA: UP+NS Merger Application ‘Incomplete’

All four Class I railroads—BNSF, CN, CPKC, CSX—that will remain independent, at least in the short term, if the Surface Transportation Board approves the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, have given the application

Commentary

Former Rail Executive: UP-NS Deal Likely to Get Done & Other Views

We hosted a former Class I CEO to review the recent Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger application. He sees a very strong filing with acceptance likely though not until 2027. The CGP (Committed

Commentary

Merging Lines – First Take on UP-NS Application

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s growth-oriented merger argument remains sound, but the bid-ask spread on competitive concessions remains unknown until the rails respond. Downstream, we view today’s filing as constructive for domestic

Commentary

How Railroads Can Deliver What Congress Promised: Better Infrastructure

When Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Americans were promised modernization of the country’s transportation network. Roads, bridges, ports, and supply chains were all supposed to emerge faster, stronger, and more competitive.  Several years

Class I Briefs: UP, CSX, CN/CPKC

Union Pacific’s (UP) Chicago Service Unit celebrates a world-class safety achievement. Also, CSX’s Columbus, Ohio, Mechanical Team achieves 1,500 days injury-free; and the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) releases its annual Maximum Grain Revenue Entitlements for CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).

STB Vice Chairman Michelle Schultz. (Courtesy of U.S. Government)

STB’s Schultz Confirmed; Kloster Not (UPDATED 12/19)

The Senate Dec. 18 voted 53-43, along party lines, to confirm STB member Michelle A. Schultz to a second two-year term on the five-member agency.

William A. Mullins
Commentary

UP-NS: Already, a Two-Words Debate

The level of granularity in evaluating thousands of pages of a merger application prompted William H. Tucker, when a member of Surface Transportation Board (STB) predecessor Interstate Commerce Commission in 1967, to equate the regulatory process with “a trial for first degree homicide.”

BLET, BMWED, BRS Oppose Potential UP-NS Merger (UPDATED 12/23)

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), representing 53% of the unionized workforce at Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS), on Dec. 17 announced their opposition to the $85 billion plan to merge the two Class I railroads. On Dec. 22, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) also reported opposing the UP-NS combination.

“Safety is the foundation of everything we do at CPKC, and our Safe Shipper Award represents that commitment—not only for our railroad but for the dedicated shippers who share our vision,” CPKC Senior Vice-President, Sales and Marketing Coby Bullard said during the railroad’s Dec. 17 announcement of the award honorees for 2024. (CPKC Photograph)

Class I Briefs: CPKC, UP

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) names its 2024 Safe Shipper Award honorees. Also, Union Pacific (UP) is developing a 2,040-acre industrial park just outside Houston, Tex.

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