BNSF

Intermodal powers to record volume

Recovery flows and the looming threat of an East Coast port strike helped push intermodal volume to record highs for the week ending Sept. 14.

The Association of American Railroads on Wednesday reported U.S. rail traffic was 522,557 carloads and intermodal units, up 6.8% from the same week in 2023.

Intermodal volume soared to 290,403 containers and trailers, up 13% compared to the same week in 2023 and ahead of all other carloads for the week ending Sept. 14 at 232,154 carloads, unchanged from a...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/intermodal-powers-to-record-volume

Unions warn regulators cost cuts at BNSF are risky

WASHINGTON — Recent cutbacks totaling $105 million in BNSF’s 2024 capital maintenance plan have raised major safety and service concerns from the railroad’s unions.

In a statement filed with the Surface Transportation Board, Tony Cardwell, president of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) of the Teamsters Union, contends that BNSF’s decision to defer the maintenance and infrastructure projects is being done “in pursuit of a lower operating ratio” to satisfy the...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/unions-warn-regulators-cost-cuts-at-bnsf-are-risky

At STB, rail shippers reveal preference for trucks

WASHINGTON — More regulatory oversight is needed to keep rail volumes from shifting to trucks and limiting the railroads’ growth potential, rail customers have told the Surface Transportation Board.

Their testimony, along with that of railroads, unions, industry consultants and others has been filed with STB ahead of a two-day hearing at the agency next week over concerns about the railroads’ ability to continue to grow their business.

“The deteriorating rail service members have experienced for...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/at-stb-rail-shippers-reveal-preference-for-trucks

Minnesota DOT seeks comments on freight plan

Trucking and intermodal access highlight the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s proposed all-modes State Freight Plan for future infrastructure investments.

The DOT is asking for public comments on the plan website through Sept. 18. Federal regulations require every state to formulate the review and outlook. The plan covers trucking, railroads, water transport, pipelines and air cargo.

In addition to business, markets and infrastructure trends, the plan details changes in population...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/minnesota-dot-seeks-comments-on-freight-plan

NS, BNSF reach early contracts with unions

Norfolk Southern and BNSF late Friday said they had, in partnership, reached tentative, five-year collective bargaining agreements with a number of their unions.

The railroad pacts come four months before the opening of the next bargaining round and cover approximately 30% of the unionized NS (NASDAQ: NSC) workforce and 15% of BNSF (workers.

The early deals are yet another sign of labors’ growing bargaining strength as railroads and other employers struggle to fill out their workforces following...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ns-bnsf-reach-early-contracts-with-unions

Regulators nervous about rail freight decline

WASHINGTON — Federal regulators are summoning executives from the major freight railroads to a rare public hearing to explain how their companies plan to invest in and grow their business amid concern over recent negative volume trends.

In a notice published Friday, the Surface Transportation Board, which regulates railroad rates and service, said it also welcomes railroad customers, suppliers and rail labor to testify during the two-day hearing on Sept. 16 and 17 at STB headquarters in...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/regulators-nervous-about-rail-freight-decline

Borderlands Mexico: Foreign direct investment in Mexico $39B so far in 2024

Borderlands is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: Foreign direct investment in Mexico $39B so far in 2024; BNSF announces intermodal logistics hub near Phoenix; Trailer manufacturer launches production facility in Eagle Pass, Texas; and Doosan Bobcat begins construction of $300M plant in Mexico.

Foreign direct investment in Mexico $39B so far in 2024

Global companies continue to be bullish on Mexico’s economic...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/borderlands-mexico-foreign-direct-investment-in-mexico-39b-so-far-in-2024

Borderlands Mexico: China-to-Mexico freight spurs growth in Laredo, Texas

Borderlands is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: China-to-Mexico freight spurs growth in Laredo, Texas; BNSF sues Texas city over stalled logistics center; RJW Logistics acquires second warehouse near Dallas; and sportswear giant Puma opens distribution center near Phoenix.

China-to-Mexico freight spurs growth in Laredo, Texas

ATLANTA — China’s ocean container exports to Mexico have been a boon for the border city of...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/borderlands-mexico-china-to-mexico-freight-spurs-growth-in-laredo-texas

BNSF Railway appeals $8M verdict for asbestos-related deaths in Montana

BNSF Railway has filed an appeal of an $8 million jury verdict that found the company contributed to the deaths of two people who were exposed to asbestos decades ago when mining material was shipped by rail through Libby, Montana.

The appeal filed Thursday will delay the start of a similar case in Missoula, Montana, that was set to begin this month.

BNSF did not immediately respond to a request for comment from FreightWaves.

On April 22, a federal jury in Helena, Montana, said...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/bnsf-railway-appeals-8m-verdict-for-asbestos-related-deaths-in-montana

Mass furloughs reported at BNSF Railway operations in 4 states

BNSF Railway, one of the largest freight railroads in the U.S., has reportedly furloughed hundreds of employees in Kansas, Montana, Nebraska and Texas.

The furloughs were announced Tuesday, with 362 workers reportedly losing their jobs, according to the Transportation Trades Department (TTD) with the AFL-CIO, the union representing the workers.

“BNSF Railway callously announced it has furloughed over 362 mechanical department positions at numerous locations across their system,” Greg Regan,...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/mass-furloughs-reported-at-bnsf-railway-operations-in-4-states

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