Robert E. Primus (Screen Grab from Government Hearing)
Commentary

Primus, Late of STB, Alleges Racial Bias

Democrat Robert E. Primus, fired Aug. 27 from the Surface Transportation Board (STB) by Republican POTUS 47, alleges in an amended legal challenge filed in federal district court Dec. 4 that the

With its “direct-to-port rail access, dependable plug capacity, and weekly service” at the Port of Prince Rupert, CN said that perishable goods can “move seamlessly and stay fresh from Asia to key markets across Canada and the U.S. Midwest.” (Courtesy of CN)

Class I Briefs: CN, NS, UP

CN reignites CargoCool Intelligen Powerpack service out of the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) awards more than $6.1 million through its Thriving Communities and Safety First grant programs in 2025; and Union Pacific (UP) shares how it helps keep America “mission ready,” moving equipment, supplies and technology that supports national defense.

Rob Russell: ‘Rail is a Precious Commodity’ – RAIL GROUP ON AIR

Rob Russell, Managing Partner, Russell-Kroese Partners, joins Railway Age Editor-in-Chief William C. Vantuono for a wide-ranging discussion on the railroad industry and its future, with particular emphasis on the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk

Commentary

UP+NS: STB Application Now Mid-December; 4Q25 Earnings Tempered

Union Pacific updated investors Dec. 2 that its Surface Transportation Board filing to acquire Norfolk Southern will be pushed out two weeks due to “additional analysis from a contractor.” UP now expects

A Union Pacific boom truck and lowboy truck position to transport Omaha’s official Christmas Tree, a 5,500-pound blue spruce donated from the front yard of a metro-area home. (Courtesy of UP)

‘Holiday Briefs’: UP, NS, G&W

Union Pacific (UP) delivers the city of Omaha’s official Christmas tree. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS), Amtrak, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation announce the schedule for their New York Holiday Train; and Genesee & Wyoming’s (G&W) Quebec-Gatineau Railway kicks off the holidays in downtown Trois-Rivières, Quebec.

Commentary

Where’s the Beef?

The Contrarian View: The phrase “Where’s the Beef” originated from a Wendy’s commercial in 1984 and quickly became a “cultural catchphrase” used to express skepticism or doubt about the substance of something.

Class I Briefs: UP, CN

Union Pacific (UP) partners to build a first responder training site in California. Also, CN, along with Port Halifax and PSA Halifax, welcome the inaugural call of CMA CGM Ambition as part of the Amerigo service.

BNSF to STB: First Cure UP’s ‘Old Harms’

In advance of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) evaluating a Union Pacific (UP)-Norfolk Southern (NS) merger application (yet to be filed), rival BNSF wants a separate proceeding to examine, with remedies, its

During the True Blue gala on Nov. 14, Herbert Smith (left), NS Regional Vice President of Government Relations, awarded a grant to the Chicago Police Foundation. Standing next to Smith are CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling and Chicago Police Foundation Chairman Rick Simon. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of NS)

Class I Briefs: NS, CSX, BNSF, UP

Norfolk Southern (NS) delivers a $100,000 grant to the Chicago Police Foundation and rolls out a new collection of holiday merchandise. Also, CSX celebrates its Rocky Mount terminal in North Carolina; the BNSF-served NEW Cooperative expands its Osceola, Iowa, location; and Union Pacific (UP) uses point protection technology to boost visibility for locomotive crews.

(Screen Grab of Letter Entered by the STB Into Public Record)

64 Industry Organizations to the STB: ‘Proceed With Great Care’

A Nov. 24 letter to the Surface Transportation Board co-authored by 64 U.S. trade associations, chambers, and businesses—from the chemical and agribusiness sectors to the automotive dealer, plastics, building, vinyl, and pet

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