Intermodal

Rail industry outlines legislative priorities at House hearing

WASHINGTON — Widespread support for a federal grade-crossing safety program emerged during a lengthy House subcommittee hearing, a session which also saw representatives of the railroad industry and rail labor lay down markers for their priorities in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill.

The two-hour, 45-minute session on Jan. 23rd of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials was billed as “examining...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/rail-industry-outlines-legislative-priorities-at-house-hearing

Union Pacific profit up 7% in Q4, forecasts similar growth in 2025UPQ4

Union Pacific reported 2024 fourth quarter net income of $1.8 billion, up from $1.7 billion a year ago, as higher rail freight volumes drove record profits.

The largest Class 1 railroad (NYSE: UNP) reported net income for full year 2024 of $6.7 billion, from $6.4 billion in 2023.

“We had a very successful year in 2024, with an operating ratio of better than 58%,” said Chief Executive Jim Vena, in a call with analysts and media. “That shows how our team executed on strategy, safety, and service...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/union-pacific-profit-up-7-in-q4-forecasts-similar-growth-in-2025upq4

La FRA aprueba el primer programa de prueba de vagones autónomos

WASHINGTON – La Administración Federal de Ferrocarriles permitirá a Parallel Systems probar su sistema de vagón plano autónomo y autopropulsado en un par de líneas cortas de Genesee y Wyoming en Georgia. La FRA aprobó la semana pasada la solicitud de Parallel, Georgia Central Railway y Heart of...

https://fullavantenews.com/la-fra-aprueba-el-primer-programa-de-prueba-de-vagones-autonomos/?lang=es

ITS rates West Coast port drayage, rail ops as ‘elevated’ but ‘running smoothy’

North American port container drayage and rail ramp operations “are running relatively smoothly,” with little change expected through the end of the month.

The exception is Canada’s Port of Vancouver, which is still working through a backlog of containers, according to the January U.S. Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index released by ITS Logistics.

“Vancouver is still clearing a three-week backlog of containers that are awaiting rail transit,” said Paul Brashier, vice president of global supply chain for...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/its-rates-west-coast-port-drayage-rail-ops-as-elevated-but-running-smoothy

Intermodal volume still outperforming

Intermodal’s long peak continues, as volumes are still outpacing January 2024.

The rail intermodal market rocketed forward in the third week of January, recording remarkable year-over-year volume growth of 27% which was helped by easier year-over-year comparisons during a typical period of seasonal softness. That softness hasn’t manifested this year, as intermodal volume growth continues to be driven by high Chinese exports, a robust U.S. consumer and shippers building up inventory in...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/intermodal-volume-still-outperforming

FRA approves first autonomous railcar test program

WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration will allow Parallel Systems to test its autonomous, self-propelled flatcar system on a pair of Genesee & Wyoming short lines in Georgia.

The FRA last week approved the request from Parallel, Georgia Central Railway and Heart of Georgia Railroad. In August 2023, Los Angeles-based Parallel and the G&W railroads sought FRA permission to test the battery-electric container cars, which target short-haul intermodal markets.

The agency’s Railroad Safety...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fra-approves-first-autonomous-railcar-test-program

US Appeals court blocks rule allowing movement of LNG by rail

WASHINGTON — A federal court has struck down a Department of Transportation rule on transportation of liquefied natural gas enacted in 2020, saying the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration did not sufficiently consider the safety risks involved.

Specifically, the decision by a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia agreed with a group of state attorneys general, environmental groups, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, who challenged the rule on...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/us-appeals-court-blocks-rule-allowing-movement-of-lng-by-rail

Union Pacific official tells shippers of plans for online, security improvements

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — When people in shipping or logistics discuss the advantages of trucking over railroads, one of the things they talk about is ease of use.

Union Pacific is working on addressing that, at least when it comes to its online portal for customers, says Kenny Rocker, executive vice president, marketing and sales.

“Some of you go to our websites today,” Rocker said at the recent Midwest Association of Rail Shippers Winter Meeting, “and there can be quite a few clicks. If you’re doing a...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/union-pacific-official-tells-shippers-of-plans-for-online-security-improvements

At TRB: Railroads have lots of questions, some skepticism about zero emissions

WASHINGTON — While global transportation transitions to a cleaner future fueled by alternative power sources, North American railroads have fewer good options outside of diesel fuel.

“We love diesel; we like to take showers in diesel,” joked Michael Nicoletti, a partner at Innovative Rail Technologies (IRT), at “Toward Zero Emissions in Rail: Lessons Learned,” a panel discussion held at the Transportation Research Board’s 124th annual meeting here.

Nicoletti’s observation underscored a...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/at-trb-railroads-have-lots-of-questions-some-skepticism-about-zero-emissions

STB chair remains frustrated over Class I railroads’ lack of growth

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Approaching the likely end of his tenure as chairman of the Surface Transportation Board, Robert Primus made it clear: The hearing the board held last fall on growth in the rail industry did not ease his concerns about Class I efforts to increase volume.

In a rare address Thursday at the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers Winter Meeting — the same day he issued a statement concerning retaliation by railroads against those who bring matters to the board or participate in its...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/stb-chair-remains-frustrated-over-class-i-railroads-lack-of-growth

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