Watco Companies

Louisiana gives $3 million to 2 short-line railroad projects

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is awarding grants totalling $3 million to two projects aimed at increasing network fluidity, supporting the broader supply chain and modernizing and increasing the climate resiliency of existing infrastructure.

The state offered the grants via its Class II and Class III rail infrastructure improvement program.

“Our freight and passenger rail infrastructure needs improving if we want to continue successfully moving goods throughout the...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/louisiana-gives-3-million-to-2-short-line-railroad-projects

Watco, Telegraph to partner in railcar visibility initiative

Short-line operator and 3PL Watco is partnering with next-generation rail software provider Telegraph to provide shippers with railcar visibility beyond Watco’s facilities and tracks.

Pittsburg, Kansas-headquartered Watco will incorporate Chicago-based Telegraph’s operating system into its operations. The two companies say the partnership will enable Watco’s customers to incorporate rail into the procurement and execution processes. 

Telegraph says its software provides visibility into carload...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/watco-telegraph-to-partner-in-railcar-visibility-initiative

Freight rail panel: Sustainability needn’t break the bank

While battery-electric and hydrogen-powered locomotives have received the lion’s share of coverage when it comes to North American freight railroads and sustainability initiatives, a railroad seeking to adopt sustainability or climate resiliency measures need not spend vast amounts of money.

Indeed, implementing sustainability initiatives may consist of determining where to adjust existing procedures to align with the goal of reducing carbon emissions, according to panelists who spoke at the Tran...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/freight-rail-panel-sustainability-neednt-break-the-bank

Rail Roundup: STB sees flurry of activity ahead of holidays

A photograph of intermodal containers parked in a rail yard.Senate confirms STB nominee to take spot of outgoing board member Begeman

President Joe Biden appointed Karen Hedlund last week to serve as a member of the Surface Transportation Board after the Senate confirmed the nomination. 

She replaced Ann Begeman, whose time at STB ended on Friday with Hedlund’s appointment. Hedlund has yet to be sworn in. 

When Biden nominated her last April, Hedlund was described as a rail expert who has served as a legal adviser at the federal, state and local levels and...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/rail-roundup-stb-sees-flurry-of-activity-ahead-of-holidays