(Photograph Courtesy of UP)

Renewable Fuels Testing Under Way at UP

Four Union Pacific (UP) locomotives in California are now running on 100% biomass-based fuel, the Class I railroad reported July 14.

Commentary

Second Chance Hiring: ‘All I Needed Was Someone to Believe in Me’

People both outside and inside my company have asked why Union Pacific is involved in Second Chance Hiring— the practice of hiring individuals with a criminal record. The following story from one

A Cyclyx employee feeds post-use polystyrene onto a conveyer belt to shred and prepare it for the chemical recycling process. (Photograph and Caption Courtesy of UP)
Commentary

Recycling Innovations Support Shift to a Circular Economy

Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with industry leaders to develop economical and sustainable supply chain solutions to get their products to market. And while I’ve seen numerous innovations impact our customers’ businesses, few have been as significant as the adoption of hydraulic fracking to extract petroleum, and with it, ethane gas.

According to the Cowen and Company Rail Equipment Survey for 2Q22, it appears that hoppers and gondolas saw demand improvement relative to 1Q22. Containers and centerbeams declined relative to 1Q22.
Commentary

Cowen: 2Q22 Shipper Surveys Say …

According to Cowen and Company’s recently conducted second-quarter 2022 Rail Equipment and Rail Shipper Surveys, the outlook for railcar orders is positive, and rail shipping rates will continue to increase. Details follow, plus insights on the Class I railroads, ahead of earnings.

TGSC will create a common carrier at the Cedar Point Industrial Park. (Image Courtesy of TGSC, via STB)

TGSC Files to Become Class III Rail Carrier

Non-carrier TGS Cedar Point Railroad LLC (TGSC) has filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) a present notice of exemption pursuant to 49 C.F.R. Part 1150 Subpart D to offer common carrier

Michael Soriano, Manager-Safety Field Operations at UP, is proud to be a multigenerational railroader. (Photograph and Caption Courtesy of UP)
Commentary

Meet the Sorianos: Michael, Nen, Rick, Sal, Seth

Michael Soriano, Manager-Safety Field Operations, isn’t the first Union Pacific (UP) railroader in his family, and he likely won’t be the last—so day-in and day-out, he does his best to ensure every

Commentary

Analysis: ‘Big 4’ Revised STB Service Recovery Plans

The four largest U.S. freight railroad companies—BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific—all reported, per the request of the Surface Transportation Board, supplemental information about their efforts to improve service and network fluidity. This is, of course part, of an ongoing STB service investigation with public hearings held back on April 26 and 27 of this year.

USDA to STB: ‘Move Forward’ With Private Railcar Rulemaking

The Petition for Rulemaking that would update the demurrage and accessorial rules governing the railroads’ use and handling of privately owned freight cars “is a step in the right direction,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in comments filed June 30 with the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

The public comment period on KDOT's State Rail Plan draft will remain open for 30 days.

KDOT Requests Comments on State Rail Plan

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is requesting comments on its draft State Rail Plan, which provides an overview of freight rail networks in Kansas, commodity flows, economic data and information about

Commentary

Cowen: Adjusting the Tracks for 2Q22

At Cowen and Company, we are adjusting our railroad estimates ahead of second-quarter 2022 earnings. Continued rail congestion is hindering volume (still below 2019 levels), while pricing is expected to be on par with first-quarter levels.

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