Railway Age magazine

Total U.S. rail traffic for Week 5 (ending Feb. 7, 2026) and Week 4 (ending Jan. 31, 2026) was down 3.2% and 15.5%, respectively.

U.S. Class I railroads hauled 510,399 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending Feb. 14, 2026, according to the AAR. Total carloads came in at 225,283, up 7.7%, and intermodal volume was 285,116 containers and trailers, up 5.0% from the same week last year.

For the week ending Feb. 14, 2026, seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week last year. They included grain, up 8,175 carloads, to 27,822; coal, up 3,918 carloads, to 58,413; and chemicals, up 1,690 carloads, to 33,957. Commodity groups that posted declines were motor vehicles and parts, down 173 carloads, to 14,608; forest products, down 172 carloads, to 8,074; and miscellaneous carloads, down 49 carloads, to 8,374.

For the first six weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 1,297,249 carloads, a 3.4% gain over the same point last year; and 1,631,915 intermodal units, a 1.8% fall-off from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first six weeks of this year was 2,929,164 carloads and intermodal units, up 0.4% from 2025.

North American rail volume for the week ending Feb. 14, 2026, on nine reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 333,151 carloads, increasing 7.8% from the same week last year, and 372,091 intermodal units, rising 6.7% from last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 705,242 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.2%. North American rail volume for the first six weeks of 2026 came in at 4,035,344 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.1% from 2025.

For the week ending Feb. 14, 2026, Canadian railroads reported 94,385 carloads, an increase of 8.5%, and 72,528 intermodal units, an increase of 10.6% from with the same week in 2025. For the first six weeks of this year, they reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 947,293 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 0.2%.

Mexican railroads reported 13,483 carloads for the week ending Feb. 14, 2026, a 5.1% gain over the prior-year period, and 14,447 intermodal units, a 22.8% gain. Their cumulative volume for the first six weeks of 2026 was 158,887 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 26.4% from the same point last year.

The post Rail Traffic Uptick for Week 6 appeared first on Railway Age.

Tri-Rail/SFRTA

The SFRTA on Feb. 17 announced that it celebrated the groundbreaking of Link at Boca last week, a transformative mixed-use, TOD adjacent to Tri-Rail’s Boca Raton Station. The project, the agency says, “represents a significant milestone in SFRTA’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, activate publicly owned land, and create vibrant, walkable communities centered around transit.”

Developed through a public-private partnership with 13th Floor Investments and Rockpoint, Link at Boca will rise eight stories and deliver 340 residential units along with approximately 24,000 square feet of lifestyle-oriented retail space, the agency noted. The development is located at 680 West Yamato Road, directly next to Tri-Rail’s train station, “reinforcing its role as a key transportation hub in Palm Beach County.”

The residential component will include a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments ranging from approximately 600 to 1,300 square feet. The community is designed to appeal to commuters, professionals, families, and residents seeking convenient access to regional transit. Amenities will include a resort-style pool deck, coworking spaces, social lounges, fitness and wellness areas, and family-friendly features, reflecting evolving lifestyle needs and the growing demand for transit-connected living. A 650-space parking garage will be constructed as part of the development, providing parking for residents, retail visitors, and Tri-Rail riders.

Strategically located off Yamato Road with direct access to I-95 and the El Rio Trail, the project connects transit riders to major employment centers, educational institutions, retail destinations, and recreational amenities. Its proximity to Florida Atlantic University, the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, and Boca Raton Airport “further strengthens the station’s position as a central mobility node in the region,” SFRTA noted. Construction is expected to take approximately 24 months, bringing new housing, retail, and improved station-area infrastructure to the community.

Caltrain

Caltrain’s Electrification Project was awarded by AGC of California during its Installation & Awards Gala in January. Caltrain received the Owner of the Year Award, while Caltrain contractor Balfour Beatty US received the award for a Heavy Civil Project with a budget of more than $100 Million and the Excellence in Partnering Award. 

The event recognized award-winning construction projects and industry leaders from across the state, “highlighting excellence in safety, collaboration, and the delivery of critical infrastructure that strengthens California’s communities.”

“Electrifying the Caltrain corridor was a challenging task that took the efforts of hundreds of people throughout our organization and those of our partners,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “Today, that hard work is paying off for tens of thousands of commuters every day, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we were able to achieve together.”

“Projects like this don’t come together without strong partnerships,” said AGC of California CEO Peter Tateishi. “Caltrain and Balfour Beatty US set a high bar for collaboration, safety, and execution to deliver critical infrastructure for our communities.”

These are not the first awards given to the Electrification Project, which since its launch “has made Caltrain the fastest-growing transit agency in the country.” Last year, Caltrain received the 2025 Sustainability Award from Sustainable San Mateo County, the American Public Transit Association’s (APTA) Commuter Rail Safety Gold Award and the Build America Highway & Transportation Renovation Award from the AGC America.

Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act

Gov. Wes Moore on Feb. 17 testified in front of the Senate Finance Committee in support of the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, which “addresses zoning and financing barriers to create more jobs and housing near transit.”

The legislation, SB389/HB894, according to the Office of the Governor, would eliminate minimum parking requirements for certain TODs, “promote mixed-use development around key stations, and give the State more authority over the development of state-owned land adjacent to transit stations.” The legislation also reduces upfront capital restraints by designating TOD projects as Enterprise Zones, “expanding financing opportunities and deferring impact fees and development taxes until after residential projects are complete.”

The Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, Gov. Moore says, will unlock more than 300 acres of State-owned land adjacent to existing transit stations for development, resulting in more than 7,000 new housing units and nearly $1.4 billion in tax revenue for the State and its communities, “leveraging Maryland’s multi-billion-dollar transit investments to speed up development of affordable, transit-connected housing.”

The post Transit Briefs: Tri-Rail/SFRTA, Caltrain, Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act appeared first on Railway Age.

Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) submitted a letter of intent for their major merger application refiling on Feb. 17, the deadline the Surface Transportation Board (STB) set earlier this year when it rejected, “without prejudice,” their first application as incomplete “because it does not contain certain information required by the Board’s regulations.”

Michael L. Rosenthal, a Covington & Burling LLP attorney representing UP, wrote in the letter that the railroads “anticipate” refiling on April 30, 2026. (Download the letter below.) When Railway Age spoke with UP CEO Jim Vena last month, he had anticipated “sometime in March.”

310879 (1)Download

UP and NS entered into a merger agreement July 29, 2025, to create the first U.S. transcontinental railroad, in which UP is the acquiring carrier. In their 6,700 page application filed Dec. 19, they described the proposed transaction as an “end-to-end combination [that] will enhance competition and deliver broad public benefits.”

The STB on Jan. 16 rejected that application in a unanimous decision and outlined the “deficiencies.”

(Courtesy of STB)

“Under the law, the Board … must reject the application, and does so without prejudice to Applicants refiling a revised application remedying the deficiencies identified in the decision,” the STB noted. The decision, it said, “is based solely on the incompleteness of the Dec. 19 application and should not be read as an indication of how the Board might ultimately assess any future revised application.”

According to the STB, regulations at 49 C.F.R. part 1180 “detail the information that must be contained in a major merger application. This includes: (1) full system impact analyses that include, among other things, market share projections for the entity to be created by the transaction; and (2) the entire merger agreement, including the submission of any contract or other written instrument that pertains to the transaction.

(Courtesy of UP)

“Under 49 C.F.R. § 1180.7(b), Applicants are required to submit ‘full system’ impact analyses that include actual and projected market shares of certain revenues and traffic volumes demonstrating, among other things, the impacts of the transaction on competition. In the application, Applicants project that the merger will result in traffic growth, including diversions, and state that the full impacts of the transaction will not be realized until three years post-consummation. However, Applicants present as the projected market shares only the sum of actual 2023 UP and NS estimated market shares. The application does not contain future market share projections showing the combined effects of merger-related growth, diversions, and merger-influenced and other changes to market conditions that Applicants anticipate. Today’s decision finds that Applicants’ market impact analyses must necessarily project market shares beyond the transaction’s consummation date, and therefore that the application does not include the ‘projected market shares’ as required. These market-share projections are necessary because ‘[a]ny railroad combination,’ including an end-to-end combination, ‘entails a risk that the merged carrier would acquire and exploit increased market power.’ 49 C.F.R. § 1180.1(c)(2)(i).

“In addition, under 49 C.F.R. § 1180.6(a)(7), Applicants must provide copies of ‘any contract or other written instrument entered into, or proposed to be entered into, pertaining to the proposed transaction.’ Applicants’ submission to the Board includes their ‘Agreement and Plan of Merger’ document but does not include certain schedules and documents that are expressly made part of the merger agreement and that define Applicants’ obligations under it. Nor do Applicants attempt to justify why they withheld these materials from the Board.

“The plain text of the Board’s regulations requires submission of these documents. Such documents—disclosure schedules, exhibits, and other documents that supply terms of the agreement—may contain information that relates to competitive issues the Board must consider in its review of the proposed transaction. One of the merger agreement schedules, referred to as ‘Schedule 5.8,’ describes the contractual term ‘Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition,’ which, if imposed by the Board or a court, would give UP the contractual right to walk away from the merger agreement. Because the application failed to provide the complete merger agreement and all contracts or other written instruments pertaining to the transaction, including Schedule 5.8, today’s decision finds the application is incomplete.”

“Among the deficiencies cited in STB’s rejection the UP-NS merger application as incomplete is how a merged UP-NS, which will hold controlling financial interest of St. Louis-area rail switching facilities, will act with neutrality toward other railroads,” Railway Age Capitol Hill Contributing Editor Frank N. Wilner wrote in his February 2026 magazine column. (St. Louis Terminal Railroad Association Map)

The STB’s decision also “identifies further deficiencies with the application,” the agency said. “Specifically, the decision finds that Applicants’ related application for acquisition of control of the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis is a significant transaction, not a minor transaction as submitted to the Board. Finally, the decision identifies several technical, minor issues that should be addressed in any revised application.”

In a Feb. 18 statement to Railway Age, UP Senior Director-Corporate Communications and Media Relations Kristen South said that the railroad has notified the STB “that we intend to refile our merger application with Norfolk Southern and remain fully committed to addressing their request for additional information. America’s first transcontinental railroad is supported by more than 2,000 stakeholders who understand how this end-to-end combination will enhance competition and deliver broad public benefits by shifting an estimated 2 million truckloads from the highway to rail, protecting union jobs and driving substantial cost savings.”

Further Reading:

• STB Heeds SCOTUS on UP-NS Merger
• STB Rejection of UP-NS Merger: A Delay, Not a Judgment
• For UP, a ‘Record-Breaking Year’ 
• UP-NS Merger Dominates MARS 2026 Winter Meeting
• TD Cowen: Lowering ’26 Expectations Amid Modest Shipper Optimism
• TD Cowen Railroad Roundtable: Soft Demand Amid Imminent Industry Transformation
• BNSF, CN, CPKC, CSX, NGFA: UP+NS Merger Application ‘Incomplete’
• Former Rail Executive: UP-NS Deal Likely to Get Done & Other Views
• Merging Lines – First Take on UP-NS Application
• How Railroads Can Deliver What Congress Promised: Better Infrastructure
• CPKC: UP+NS Merger ‘Not in the Public Interest’
• UP, NS Deliver 6,700-Page ‘Christmas Present’
• UP, NS Shareholders Greenlight Merger
• UP 3Q25: ‘Continued Improvements in Pursuit of What’s Possible’
• For NS 3Q25, ‘Strong Results’
• ASLRRA to Participate in STB Review of Proposed UP-NS Merger
• Is a UP-NS ‘Fix’ In? Don’t Bet on It!
• Why a Unified Rail Network Makes Sense
• A Rail Merger to Put America Back on Track
• UP’s Jalali: No Hiccups With NS IT Integration
• 64 Industry Organizations to the STB: ‘Proceed With Great Care’
• Ag-State Senators to STB: Be ‘Rigorous’ and ‘Comprehensive’
• BNSF vs. UP, Take Three
• Eliminating Paper Barriers is the Pro-Competitive Move
• Hoeven, Klobuchar to STB: ‘Closely Scrutinize’ UP+NS

The post UP-NS Release Merger-Application Refiling Date appeared first on Railway Age.

When Americans think about national defense, images of aircraft carriers, fighter jets or complex cyber systems often come to mind. What’s less obvious, but no less critical, is the role of freight rail and the railcar manufacturers that support the Department of Defense (DoD).

Companies like Ebenezer Railcar and its sister company, Liberty Railway Services, are part of the quiet but indispensable backbone that keeps the nation’s defense logistics moving. The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) sat down with Ebenezer Railcar’s CEO Jeffrey Schmarje and CFO Joel Marsh to dive into how a facility in West Seneca, N.Y., supports the DoD.

Purpose-Built Railcars for a Modern Military

Ebenezer Railcar has long provided purpose-built boxcars and flatcars tailored to the DoD’s transportation needs. As Schmarje explains, the company primarily works as a subcontractor, constructing highly specialized railcars designed to carry sensitive, oversized or mission-critical military materials. Sister company Liberty Railway Services plays an equally important role in supporting tank and equipment mobilization at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs and in providing preventive maintenance on DoD railcars operating in the western United States.

These are not everyday railcars. They are engineered to accommodate the weight, footprint and safety requirements associated with the military’s most valuable assets. And while the railcar builders rarely know exactly what the cargo is due to security protocols, they know it is essential.

An Industry the Public Rarely Sees, But Always Depends On

Many Americans may not immediately associate railcar manufacturers with national security. But as Marsh notes, the rail network is “the most efficient method for long-distance transport over land.” Whether it’s material to support the U.S. Navy, large-scale equipment or general supplies, freight rail quietly moves enormous volumes across the country.

During times of mobilization, most heavy equipment travels by rail to U.S. ports, where it is then deployed. Rail remains the most efficient and secure overland transportation method for bulky and sensitive assets. The system is so central to national stability that, as Schmarje points out, Congress and the administration have the authority to intervene to prevent freight rail strikes—underscoring how essential uninterrupted rail service is to America’s economy and readiness.

Incremental Advancements With Outsized Impact

Unlike some sectors of defense manufacturing where rapid breakthroughs are common, railcar innovation tends to be incremental but meaningful. Schmarje observes that structural requirements remain relatively consistent, but advancements increasingly focus on communications, telemetrics, GPS tracking and environmental monitoring. These technologies allow the DoD and its contractors to track railcar health, location, and conditions in real time. These are modern necessities for a military that relies on precision logistics.

Another example that Schmarje gives is the industry-wide shift toward stronger, lighter materials that can safely carry heavier loads. Traditional railcars built nearly five decades ago are nearing the end of their functional life. Most modern military-support railcars are now designed to be 286 thousand lbs., the current gross rail load standard, which is an increase from earlier generations of 263-270 thousand lb. cars. Each incremental improvement contributes to a more resilient and capable defense transportation network.

Many older heavy-duty flatcars equipped with triple-axle trucks are being phased out in favor of four-axle designs that allow for safer, more reliable operation. “That [current transportation method] has to be replaced with better technology and better equipment,” Schmarje said.

Looking Toward America 250: Preparing for the Next Generation

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, ongoing DoD modernization efforts will require new railcar fleets to support next-generation defense systems, such as submarines and aircraft carriers. Marsh observes that the components, materials and oversized structures that make these platforms possible must be transported. Companies like Ebenezer Railcar stand ready to support this effort.

Railcar manufacturers will continue evolving by strengthening materials, improving load capacities, modernizing monitoring systems and ensuring cars operate safely and reliably. These changes may not make headlines, but they are essential. Defense infrastructure doesn’t function without mobility, and mobility wouldn’t be possible without the rail system that quietly carries the weight of America’s security.

Railcar manufacturers may play a relatively small role in the DoD, but it’s one the country cannot do without.

This article first appeared on the RSI website.

The post Behind the Scenes of National Defense: How Railcar Manufacturers Strengthen America’s Strategic Readiness appeared first on Railway Age.

January 2026 loaded imports came in at 421,594 TEUs, 13% less than last year. Loaded exports landed at 104,297 TEUs, an 8% drop compared to 2025. The Port of Los Angeles handled 286,110 empty container units, 12% less than last year.

“There are several factors at play,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka at a media briefing (watch, below). “First, we’re comparing January to 2025 elevated numbers when importers were scrambling to get cargo in ahead of tariffs. Second, inventories remain slightly higher, reflecting the earlier cargo surge and a more cautious restocking pace.”

“Finally,” Seroka added, “U.S. trade policy continues to keep everyone on edge. However, the American consumer has shown remarkable resilience. And purchase orders that go out three months in advance to Asia look stable, a good sign.”

Joining Seroka for the briefing was economist Chad Bown, a leading authority on tariffs and trade policy impacts. Bown discussed the expected U.S. Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, as well as what to expect on the trade policy front in 2026. 

Current and historical cargo data, including fiscal year-end totals, are available here.

The post Port of Los Angeles: January Cargo ‘Eases’ Compared to ‘Elevated’ 2025 Levels appeared first on Railway Age.

RailPros

Eric Sifferlen has been named Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Irving, Tex.-based RailPros, which offers signal and communications training and certification, turnkey program delivery, and alternative delivery execution, engineering, field services, total right-of-way management, project management, training, and technology solutions for freight, passenger, and transit rail-related clients across North America.

With more than two decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions, including oversight of 20-plus successful multimillion dollar transactions, Sifferlen has navigated deals in both private equity and public companies across a broad range of industries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the United States Naval Academy, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Sifferlen is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

“Eric’s addition to the team will enable us to continue to partner with founder-led firms, as well as business enterprises of all sizes across North America,” said Kendall “Ken” Koff, CEO of RailPros. “His expertise will help us to successfully acquire and integrate companies with in the E&A, Safety, and Field Services areas that, in turn, will allow us to expand our services to our growing group of clients.”

“The rail industry continues to play a vital role in North America’s infrastructure,” Eric Sifferlen said. “I look forward to working with the RailPros executive team and partnering with complementary companies within the railroad ecosystem by combining our respective capabilities and resources to better serve customers, drive shared value, and deliver improved outcomes.”

In related developments, RailPros earlier this month completed its acquisition of Diverging Approach, Inc., a railway system contractor based in Williamsburg, Va. In 2025, it acquired St. Louis-based Design Nine, Inc., and opened offices in Kansas City, Mo., and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Michael Baker International

Farzad Moghbel has joined Pittsburgh, Pa.-based Michael Baker International as Vice President of Technology Products. He will lead end‑to‑end product strategy and execution, ensuring technology services are aligned with business goals, market trends and customer needs. He will also coordinate across the engineering, consulting, and digital solutions firm and its family of companies, and work to modernize across cloud, infrastructure, and data systems while strengthening security and expanding AI capabilities.

Moghbel has nearly a decade of technology and product leadership experience. Most recently, he was Hexagon’s Cloud Strategy-Technical Product Manager. He has also served as Lead Technical Product Manager at Mimik Technology, where he led AI and digital platform modernization initiatives.

Moghbel studied Design Thinking at the MIT Sloan School of Management and Full-Stack Software Development at the University of Toronto. He holds a Master of Science degree in engineering from the University of Ottawa.

“For more than 85 years, Michael Baker has pioneered progress and shaped the infrastructure that supports communities nationwide,” said Rod Malehmir, Chief Technology Officer at Michael Baker International. “Precision, efficiency, and resilience are at the core of our technology‑driven approach, and Farzad’s leadership will help us continue delivering innovative solutions that create lasting value for our clients.”

Separately, Michael Baker International last year hired Kevin Reed as President and Chris Peters as Chief Operating Officer; Mike Salmon as Regional Practice Lead–Design-Build; and Devendra Kumar as Chief Information Officer. 

HNTB

Greg Boulanger has taken on the role of Carolinas Office Leader at HNTB, succeeding Spencer Franklin, who was promoted to HNTB Mid-Atlantic Division Operations Officer. Boulanger will lead “multidisciplinary professionals in delivering transportation and infrastructure solutions throughout North Carolina and South Carolina while advancing mobility, long-term regional growth and client partnerships,” according to the firm.

HNTB’s recent work in the area includes North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Hurricane Helene recovery program, Charlotte Area Transit System’ (CATS) LYNX Blue Line Extension, Clemson University’s women’s sports‑focused expansion complex, NCTA’s Complete 540 project, CLT’s North End Around Taxiway Program, and Dorchester County’s US Highway 17A Widening Project, among others.

With more than 27 years of experience managing complex transportation programs and leading high-performing teams, Boulanger has been involved in transportation projects across the Carolinas and the East Coast valued at a total of nearly $30 billion. His experience includes planning, design, program management, and construction management assignments for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, CATS, NCDOT, and North Carolina Turnpike Authority.

Since joining HNTB in 2008, Boulanger has served in key leadership roles on major highway, transit, and aviation initiatives. Most recently, he served as Charlotte Group Director, overseeing teams and initiatives that supported regional growth, long‑term vitality, and evolving client needs.

Boulanger holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Hartford and is a registered licensed professional engineer in North Carolina. He also serves on the board of trustees for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.

“Greg is a collaborative, client-focused leader with a deep understanding of the Carolinas market and the transportation investments shaping its future,” said Bryan Jones, HNTB Mid-Atlantic Division President. “He has a proven track record of translating strategy into results and mentoring high-performing teams to deliver for our clients.”

“I’m honored to lead HNTB’s offices across the Carolinas and build on the strong foundation our teams have established across the region,” Boulanger said. “With continued growth and investment under way, I look forward to working closely with our clients and partners to deliver infrastructure solutions that support mobility, economic development and quality of life throughout the Carolinas.”

Earlier this year, HNTB appointed Alicia Leite as a senior associate to help expand the firm’s transit planning practice; Kimberly Lesay as Transportation Planning Practice Consultant; and Michael Mangione as New York Office Leader.

The post People News: RailPros, Michael Baker International, HNTB appeared first on Railway Age.

Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business, Center for Railway Research and Education (CRRE) is debuting a conference, Rails to the Future: 200 Years of Progress, Building What’s Next, at the MSU Troy Conference and Event Center, Troy, Mich., May 11-13, 2026. Railway Age is the official media sponsor.

“Building on the success of the MSU CRRE brand, we are launching a new conference that celebrates 200 years of rail innovation while charting the course for the industry’s next era of growth,” says Valerii Kucherenko, MSU Director of Railway Education and its Railway Management Certificate Program. “This initiative is designed to engage a broad audience—from established railroads to shippers who have experience in shipping by rail and those who are yet to explore rail as part of their logistics strategy. The conference will serve as a platform for dialogue, innovation and partnership, connecting history with forward-looking solutions. It represents an opportunity to expand industry knowledge, foster new partnerships, and support modal shift strategies that align with rail industry growth.”

Key themes and topics include “Rail’s 200-Year Legacy: Lessons for Today’s Supply Chains”; “Fundamentals of Freight Rail Logistics for New Shippers”; “Cost, Efficiency, and Sustainability Comparisons”; “Infrastructure, Access, and Policy Considerations”; and “Case Studies: Successful Rail Conversions and Growth Stories.” The agenda includes panels with Industry leaders, current and retired:

Additional Information is available through this link.

The post MSU Offering ‘Rails to the Future’ Conference appeared first on Railway Age.

NS

The Altoona (pictured, top) is the latest locomotive in the NS Landmark Series, which pays tribute to the communities—and railroaders—“who keep America moving.” The Class I unveiled the unit on Feb. 16 via social media.

“Fresh out of our Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, PA, this unit was crafted and painted by the railroaders who live and work in the town—adding an extra layer of pride to a locomotive that honors the people and the places that built America and helped shape our railroad’s story,” NS reported online.

(Courtesy of NS)

NS rolled out the first two Landmark Series units last fall. The Birmingham and the Atlanta (SD70IACs 1230 and 1231; see above and below) pulled NS business cars for a special event supporting Hope Atlanta. The railroad in 2025 raised and donated $600,000 to advance the nonprofit’s mission: to serve people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

(Courtesy of NS)

The three Landmark Series locomotives are traveling NS’s 19,500-plus route-mile network spanning 22 states and the District of Columbia; they operate in freight revenue service or lead the railroad’s Office Car Special (OCS) train.

NS’s Juniata shop also paints Heritage schemes on locomotives. The newest unit, EMD SD70ACe No. 1080, honoring predecessor road Delaware & Hudson, debuted last spring. It joined a fleet of 22 Heritage units, “each a moving tribute to the railroads that built NS,” the company said.

For more on the shop, read: Mechanical Marvel.

$3.8M Growing Alabama Grant to Launch Rail-Served Commerce Park in St. Clair County https://t.co/gQLqTUIeS2 via @ExpansionSolMag @MadeinAL @GovernorKayIvey @bhmbizalliance @nscorp

— Expansion Solutions (@ExpansionSolMag) February 5, 2026

Meanwhile, a $3.8 million Growing Alabama grant is going toward the development a new NS-served industrial park in Springville.

“The St. Clair County Economic Development Council (EDC) announced the award, which will fund site clearing and preparation for the new commerce park located along the Interstate 59 corridor,” according to an Expansion Solutions Magazine report, which NS shared via social media on Feb. 16. “The project is supported through a partnership among the City of Springville, the St. Clair County Commission, the Industrial Development Board of St. Clair County, the State of Alabama and private donors, including Norfolk Southern.”

According to state and local leaders, “the investment represents a strategic move to increase Alabama’s portfolio of development-ready, rail-accessible sites,” the magazine said.

“We’re proud to champion St. Clair County’s vision for building an industrial hub on Norfolk Southern’s rail network,” NS Senior Manager of Industrial Development Tyler Preast was quoted as saying. “Rail connectivity helps attract forward-thinking companies and supports the creation of high-quality jobs.”

NS customers in 2025 advanced more than 60 industrial development projects, representing $7.7 billion in investment for new or expanded rail-served facilities along NS and partner short line routes in the Southeast and Midwest.

(Courtesy of NS)

NS is also welcoming applications for its Community Impact grant program through Aug. 3.

Any eligible tax-exempt organization can apply for a:

• Safety First Grant: Focused on advancing safety in NS communities, grants are up to $15,000 for first responders and organizations “working to prevent and prepare for emergencies, ensuring community safety, including education and awareness, response readiness, mitigation of criminal activities and disaster relief,” according to the railroad.
• Thriving Communities Grant: Dedicated to “fostering economic opportunity, vibrant community life, and equitable access to essential resources,” the grants are up to $50,000, NS said.

Since launching in 2023, the Community Impact Grant program has provided more than $17 million in support.

Further Reading:

• NS: ‘Reliable Service, Measurable Safety Gains’
• NS Issues 2025 Safety Report
• Nine NS-Served Industrial Properties Recognized by National REDI Sites Program

BNSF (Courtesy of BNSF)

“The BNSF network is in solid condition, with service performance continuing to strengthen following January’s winter weather,” the Class I reported Feb. 13 as part of an online customer notification. “As we move further into February, key operating metrics are trending positively [see above]. Average car velocity has increased 2% compared to both last week and last month. Terminal dwell has improved by more than 8% week over week and nearly 5% month over month. Additionally, local service compliance has strengthened and now exceeds 90%.”

For a January operational performance update, click here.

Further Reading:

• Delivering on Our Service Promise: 2025 One of BNSF’s Best Years
• STB Seeks More Details on Proposed Maverick County, Tex., Line
• For BNSF, a $3.6B Capital Plan

CSX (Courtesy of CSX)

AESS technology is part of CSX’s “broader strategy to lower operational costs, improve fuel efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability,” the Class I railroad reported Feb. 16 as part of a technology spotlight. (See video, above.) It automatically shuts down locomotives when not in use and restarts them when operations resume, minimizing unnecessary idling.

“In 2024, the CSX Mechanical team introduced the AESS Assist system, an enhancement that improves shutdown performance and provides additional battery support during engine cranking,” the railroad said. “This innovation delivers fuel and cost savings, boosts fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions. The added battery support is also expected to extend battery life over time.

“CSX, in collaboration with Wabtec, has also implemented software upgrades to the AESS platform. These enhancements extend the allowable engine shutdown time without requiring idling, further cutting fuel consumption and emissions.”

To learn more about AESS and CSX’s sustainability initiatives, read the latest CSX Sustainability Report.

Further Reading:

• For CSX, $670MM Power Upgrade Order
• CSX 4Q, Full-Year ’25: ‘Challenging Year’

The post Class I Briefs: NS, BNSF, CSX appeared first on Railway Age.

Total intermodal volume fell 2.0% year-over-year in fourth-quarter 2025, the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported Feb. 16. While domestic container originations grew 2.2%, international containers declined 4.7%, and trailers dropped 23.1%. For the year, total volume rose 2.3%.

“While aggregate intermodal volume weakened 2.0% year-over-year for Q4 2025, the domestic market actually decoupled from this trend, showing 2.2% growth,” said IANA Director of Economics Andrew Sibold. “This stands in sharp contrast to the 4.7% drop in international containers.”

According to IANA, only three of the seven highest-density trade corridors, which collectively handled more than 60% of total volume, were up in fourth-quarter 2025. The Trans-Canada jumped 10.8%; the Northeast-Midwest increased 3.0%; and the intra-Southeast edged 0.8% higher. The South Central-Southwest lost 4.3%, and the Midwest-Southwest contracted 9.9%. The Southeast-Southwest and the Midwest-Northwest delivered 12.9% and 19.7% less volume, respectively.

Total IMC volume was down 6.8% year-over-year in 4Q25, with intermodal loads off 2.8% and highway traffic 12.8% to the negative.

The post IANA: Intermodal Down in 4Q25 appeared first on Railway Age.

The integration, which “reflects a shared focus between Standard Rail and Tratics on embedding pricing intelligence across the rail logistics workflow,” means that a shipper evaluating a new distribution point can now “compare rail access, available services, and estimated freight costs across multiple locations in a single session—a process that previously required separate outreach to carriers, brokers, and service providers.” Estimates are generated instantly within the platform and are intended for planning and feasibility purposes.

According to the company, “rail freight cost has historically been one of the last variables a shipper learns about—often weeks into a planning process, and only after location, access, and service decisions have already narrowed. By the time a rate estimate arrives, the window for considering rail at all may have closed.”

The Tratics integration addresses this directly, Standard Rail noted. Rate context is now present from the start of the planning process, embedded alongside the infrastructure and service data that SIDINGS already provides. The feature does not provide live carrier pricing or initiate commercial negotiations; it is built to inform early-stage decisions about whether and where rail makes economic sense.

“Until now, you found the location, found the service, then started a separate process just to find out if rail pencils out. That’s backwards,” said Standard Rail CEO Robert Skarzynski. “Now the cost picture is there from the start.”

“We at Tratics are always looking for ways to simplify rail logistics for shippers,” said Tratics CEO Nderim Rudi. “Making Tratics rates available within the SIDINGS workflow is a great way to move the needle forward in our mission.”

The post Standard Rail Integrates Rail Freight Estimation Platform Through Tratics Partnership appeared first on Railway Age.

The Siemens Mobility trainset, which will be in regular rotation through July 2026, features a patriotic wrap that “transforms each coach into a moment in America’s story, creating a striking rolling timeline,” according to the railroad that covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando (see map below and scroll down for fact sheets). It also “reflects national pride, progress, and the people who move our communities forward.”

Brightline (map above) launched the first phase of its South Florida operations in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened in 2022. Construction of its 170-mile, $6 billion phase two extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019 and service launched in September 2023. (Courtesy of Brightline) (Both photographs courtesy of Brightline)

The Freedom Express’ inaugural ride included “local community heroes,” as well as community stakeholders, partners, and transportation advocates, according to Brightline. (Download video below.)

america250-video-reelDownload

The following historic moments are depicted on the trainset:

(All images courtesy of Brightline)

“Brightline is honored to help lead this national celebration and mark a pivotal moment in how America connects and moves,” Brightline Florida CEO Patrick Goddard said. “This is one of the most meaningful and visually powerful train wraps yet, and we’re proud to share it with communities across the state of Florida.”

(Screen grabs from Brightline video)

“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the moments that have shaped our nation and the people who continue to move it forward,” said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President at America250. “Brightline’s Freedom Express offers a compelling way to share that history with communities across Florida, and we’re proud to partner with them to commemorate this milestone.”

(All photographs courtesy of Brightline)

Brightline reported that it will team throughout the year with groups marking America’s 250th, including HistoryMiami, which will offer riders the opportunity to see the original Bill of Rights.

Other railroads and organizations have recently kicked off the 250th anniversary with celebrations of their own. New Jersey Transit, Sierra Northern Railway, and North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates are among those that have rolled out specially painted locomotives, and Union Pacific announced its first-ever coast-to-coast steam tour led by Big Boy No. 4014 and including its newest locomotive, No. 1776 – America250. Also, the B&O Railroad Museum has unveiled the restored American Freedom Train No. 1 (AFT No. 1), one of three locomotives that powered the 1975-76 American Freedom Train.

DOWNLOAD BRIGHTLINE FACT SHEETS BELOW: brightline-facts-on-the-tracks-siemensDownload brightline-fast-factsDownload brightline-trainset-innovationDownload brightline-the-making-of-a-trainDownload Further Reading:

• Brightline: Something Different on the Rails
• Brightline Loses Nearly $550MM in 2024, but Keeps on Going
• Brightline Financial Woes Continue

The post First Look: Brightline Freedom Express appeared first on Railway Age.

BLET’s new contract with GWR, a subsidiary of OmniTRAX that operates more than 80 miles of track throughout Colorado and interchanges with BNSF and Union Pacific (UP), provides pay increases, paid sick leave days, and protects the members’ health and welfare benefits, according to the union.

The negotiating team consisted of BNSF (former ATSF) General Chairman Rob Cunningham, BNSF-ATSF Vice General Chairman Jeremy McFather, Division 256 Local Chairman Mike Dunkelberger, and National Vice President Bill Lyons.

The BLET first organized the GWR property in 2003. Its members belong to Division 256 in Denver, and they are represented by the BNSF (former ATSF) General Committee of Adjustment for purposes of contract negotiations and enforcement.

The BMWED’s new deal with Vassar, Mich.-based HESR, includes a compounded wage increase of 18.1% over four years, along with vacation and paid time off improvements. The 18 members of the HESR, which is comprised of 331 operating miles, mostly in Michigan’s “Thumb” region and has interchanges with CN, the Great Lakes Central and Lake State Railway, and was acquired by Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) in 2012, are members of the Brotherhood’s Allied Federation.

“We are proud to report that the members of the Huron and Eastern have locked in improvements to their wages, benefits and working conditions on that property,” Allied General Chairman Brian Thompson said. “Throughout this process, the members were engaged, responsive and provided significant input to the bargaining table. Their involvement was paramount in securing this contract and I commend them for their diligence.”

The post BLET Ratifies Contract With GWR; BMWED, HESR Ratify New Agreement appeared first on Railway Age.

After just shy of one year on the job, Railway Supply Institute (RSI) President Jim Riley on Feb. 13 unexpectedly was dismissed, RSI Board Chair and Progress Rail Executive Vice President Freight Car Services Greg Dalpe announced to members.

“Over the past year, our industry has faced a volatile period defined by uneven economic recovery, complex geopolitical trade topics, industry consolidation and upcoming surface transportation legislation. During this period, the Board of Directors has been revisiting strategic priorities and have come to the decision that there is the need for a leadership change to better support our short and long-term goals. We are appreciative of Jim’s leadership and contributions over the past year and wish him the best in future endeavors.”

RSI Vice President Government & Public Affairs Ashley Shelton became Acting President, effective immediately.

“RSI has achieved a lot over the past five years with our focus and work on advocacy and effectively supporting a wide range of technical committees to deliver on our mission to proactively advance safety, innovation, technology, and sustainability within the rail industry,” Dalpe said Now is the time for RSI to advance our strategic priorities to be able to continue our work and ensure we are supporting all of the constituents we serve and represent in our industry. I am working closely with the Board of Directors and Smithbucklin to search for a permanent replacement. We will share updates on this process and remain fully committed to sustaining RSI’s current momentum throughout this transition.”

 RSI is managed by Smithbucklin, a professional services company serving non-profits and industry associations.

The post Riley Departs RSI appeared first on Railway Age.

WMATA

Virginia leaders from Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Manassas along with Maryland leaders from Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and cities of College Park, Greenbelt, and Rockville recently endorsed the DMVMoves Task Force recommendations “to increase regional funding to WMATA’s annual capital budget by $460 million and to index the new funding to grow at 3% annually to address inflation and support a revolving bond program.”

The DMVMoves initiative brought leaders in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia together in May 2024 to develop a unified vision for the region, “delivering a more efficient, reliable, and seamless experience for transit users across all three jurisdictions,” according to the agency. After concluding 18-months of work groups and meetings, a historic vote in November by Washington WMATA and Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) boards endorsed future dedicated funding for the agency and recommendations to better integrate the region’s 14 transit operators, including WMATA, MARC, VRE, and local bus systems. 

“We appreciate Virginia and Maryland leaders’ collective show of support to ensure America’s Metro System continues to deliver the world-class service our region deserves,” said WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “Metro’s future is bright, and I am confident with this new dedicated funding indexed to grow, we will continue to deliver the service this region deserves.”  

All jurisdictions are now working through their governing boards and legislative sessions to identify how to advance the DMVMoves recommended capital funding investment.

DART

The DART Board of Directors on Feb. 10 voted on a resolution that “proposes a new governance and funding model for its 13 member cities,” according to a KERA report.

(DART)

Under the new model, according to the report, “each city would get a seat on the board as opposed to some seats being shared by a single member. That would reduce the city of Dallas’ majority on the board to 45%. It would also implement a program that would return sales tax contributions to member cities over the course of six years.”

“For our organization to try to be a regional organization, and not just our services, but how we address the concerns of our 13 cities, I felt it would be best that for both governance and for funding that we approach both problems with a regional solution,” said DART Board Chairman Randall Bryant.

The resolution on the new funding model passed in a 14 to 1 vote, with Dallas and Cockrell Hill representative Enrique Macgregor voting against it, according to the KERA report.

The vote comes after Plano’s City Manager announced Feb. 9 that the city is “considering DART’s proposal.” The Plano City Council tabled a decision on a rideshare service that would have replaced DART if voters chose to withdraw in the May 2 election, according to the report.

The new proposal, KERA reports, “also calls for DART and the North Central Texas Council of Governments to create a new transit authority for all commuter rail lines in North Texas. That authority would then operate DART’s Silver Line, Trinity Metro’s Trinity Railway Express, TEXRail and Denton County Transit Authority’s A-Train.”

The Regional Transportation Council (RTC), which represents various local governments and entities on transportation matters, would also provide funding to cities under the new model, according to the report.

DART, KERA reports, “is also going to seek additional funding through a local effort for a new vehicle registration fee, depending on state legislation. The board will vote on specific language in an interlocal agreement later this month.”

The RTC was expected to vote on its participation in the new funding model with DART on Feb 12.

Withdrawal elections in six member cities—Addison, Farmers Branch, Highland Park, Irving, Plano and University Park—are still scheduled for May 2. Cities have until March 18 to rescind the elections.

CABR

After news of a recent MOU, which was signed Jan. 20, between Canada’s Building Trades Unions, the Building Trades of Alberta and Friends of CABR, Mayor Morgan Nagel said, “he is excited about the [C$2.6 billion] project and what it could mean for Cochrane,” according to a Cochrane Eagle report.

“The Calgary–Banff rail project presents a truly transformational opportunity for Cochrane,” Nagel said. “Essentially, this train would mean Cochrane suddenly has a real and thriving tourism industry. From there, I think the world may realize that Cochrane’s unique western identity can provide an experience that nowhere else can offer.”

According to the report, Nagel said the project “could create opportunities for hotels, restaurants and entertainment businesses, attracting visitors not only from neighboring communities but from across Canada and internationally.”

“One of our top priorities in Cochrane is supporting local businesses and attracting new major job creators,” he said. “If we can get a train connecting Cochrane to the Rockies, it will unlock a new paradigm for our tourism industry.”

Friends of CABR Executive Director Bruce Graham said the Calgary-Banff proposal “stands out among rail projects in Canada due to its relative affordability and readiness to proceed,” according to the Cochrane Eagle report.

Graham, according to the report, added, that the key advantage of the Calgary–Banff proposal “is its use of an existing Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail corridor.”

“There’s a lot of added cost and time involved in creating a new corridor,” he said. “What we’re doing is adding a rail line within an existing, disturbed rail corridor that CPKC already has secured.”

Despite that advantage, including only building 20 of the 150-km-proejct, Graham said “the province appears to be leaning toward a high-speed express option that would bypass several communities, including Cochrane,” the Cochrane Eagle reports.

For now, the Cochrane Eagle reports, “project proponents and Friends of CABR are awaiting an announcement from the province on which direction it will take. Meanwhile, the Town of Cochrane continues to advocate for the Calgary–Banff rail proposal.”

“When it comes to Cochrane, our first focus is making sure it happens,” Nagel said. “We’re doing everything we can to encourage stakeholders and decision-makers to get behind this project, and it’s something we’re talking about and working toward on a weekly basis.”

The post Transit Briefs: WMATA, DART, CABR appeared first on Railway Age.

HNTB on Feb. 12 reported hiring Alicia Leite as a senior associate to help expand the firm’s transit planning practice, as well as its client relationships across the Northeast and nationally.

With experience in public transportation planning, customer experience, transit service planning, and organizational strategy, Leite served most recently at WSP as Assistant Vice President, Advisory Services. She also spent more than ten years at the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), where she held several senior leadership roles within the Bureau of Public Transportation.

While at CTDOT, Leite oversaw customer experience, marketing, and planning functions across rail, bus and paratransit services statewide. She led the creation of the department’s Customer Experience (CX) Unit and directed development of the Statewide Customer Experience Action Plan, working closely with transit districts, rail operators, advocacy organizations and community stakeholders. Her work focused on improving rider satisfaction, accessibility, equity and consistency across Connecticut’s multimodal transit network. Leite also played a key role in advancing mobility innovation and transit technology, including authoring and helping to secure a SMART grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Connecticut Integrated Transit Mobility Project. This initiative supported open payments, unified fare strategies, and the identification of a statewide mobility application, positioning Connecticut as a leader in customer-focused transit modernization, according to HNTB. In addition, Leite managed and supported bus service planning, service expansion, fare equity analysis and federal transit programs.

Leite’s background also includes work on rail start-up support, bus rapid transit, grant-funded pilot programs and public engagement for major transit initiatives.

She is a graduate of the American Public Transportation Association’s Emerging Leaders Program and serves as a national mentor. Recently, Leite was appointed to a two-year term on the APTA Emerging Leaders Program committee. She is an active member in the Connecticut chapters of WTS and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO).

Now as HNTB’s senior associate in transit planning, Leite will “partner with transit agencies to deliver strategic transit planning, customer experience programs, service planning, organizational assessments, and mobility innovation initiatives that enable agencies to meet evolving rider expectations and long-term operational goals,” according to the firm.

“Alicia brings a rare combination of public-sector leadership, customer experience expertise and hands-on transit planning experience,” said Jake Argiro, Connecticut Office Leader and Vice President at HNTB. “Her work at CTDOT, including statewide customer experience initiatives and federal innovation grants, aligns directly with what our clients need as they modernize systems and respond to changing customer expectations. She will be instrumental in growing our transit planning capabilities.”

“Joining HNTB gives me the opportunity to continue working alongside transit agencies and improve how people experience public transportation,” Leite said. “My career has focused on putting riders first through thoughtful planning, customer experience and innovation. HNTB’s collaborative approach and strong transit practice create an ideal platform to help agencies deliver meaningful, lasting improvements.”

Separately, earlier this year, Kimberly Lesay joined HNTB as Transportation Planning Practice Consultant, and HNTB Senior Vice President Michael Mangione became the firm’s New York Office Leader.

The post HNTB Taps Leite for Transit Planning Practice appeared first on Railway Age.

The firm reported that U.S. container import volumes totaled 2,318,722 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in January, down 6.8% year-over-year but slightly above the six-year average for the month and posting modest gains over December. U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports increased their share of total imports to 40.8%, up from 39.3% in December, “reflecting the ongoing return of freight volumes to the East Coast as Red Sea trade routes reopen and imports from Europe, Africa, and South America increase.” China-origin imports increased 9.3% from December but remain approximately 22% below 2025 levels. While the largest percentage gains of China-origin imports were observed at the Port of Houston, multiple West Coast gateways, including Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma, and Seattle, recorded month-over-month gains.

(ITS Logistics)

Industry analysts interpret muted pre-Lunar New Year demand to be the result of “ongoing tariff uncertainty, hesitant consumer sentiment, and a return to typical seasonal demand patterns,” according to the Nevada-based third-party logistics (3PL) firm. Volumes are therefore forecasted to continue declines from late January through early February before rebounding as freight that was loaded just prior to the Lunar New Year lands in the U.S.

“While forecasted container volumes year-over-year are flat to slightly up from 2025, it is important to acknowledge that volume last year was exceptionally strong due to frontloading ahead of anticipated tariffs,” said ITS Logistics Vice President of Global Supply Chain Paul Brashier. “Expect this volume to impact the U.S. West Coast throughout February and subside by March.”

Outside of the ports, severe winter weather has created challenges for truckload transportation, according to the ITS Logistics report. While January disruptions in port-to-rail service and linehaul operations have largely returned to normal, carriers continue to report downstream bottlenecks and major delays across inland terminals in Chicago, Cincinnati, and Memphis, according to the Journal of Commerce. Ongoing winter weather continues to impact inland transportation across the Central and Eastern U.S., extending transit times and disrupting supply chains.

“Inland transportation lanes longer than 30 miles should be closely monitored in weather-affected areas, as increased transit times will reduce the number of deliveries a driver can turn,” Brashier added.

Evolving non-domiciled carrier regulations also continue to shape domestic transportation capacity, specifically with regard to English-language proficiency (ELP), the firm noted. In Oklahoma, roadside ELP checks are being reported along the I-35, a key cross-border corridor. The joint enforcement effort between OHP and federal ICE agents, known as Operation Guardian, “has resulted in multiple arrests stemming from immigration violations and failure to meet ELP standards,” per Fox News. Across the state line, Texas has issued 1,381 ELP out-of-service violations since June of last year, according to analysis by researcher Danielle Chaffin. In contrast, its domiciled carrier base has received more than 3,300 citations nationwide, including roughly 500 carriers identified as “repeat offenders.”

ITS Logistics each month releases the ITS Logistics U.S. Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index, which forecasts port container and dray operations for the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf regions. Ocean and domestic container rail ramp operations are also highlighted in the index for both the West Inland and East Inland regions.

The post ITS Logistics Issues February US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index appeared first on Railway Age.

IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) District 19, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) on Feb. 12 reported that they have “invoked federal mediation after more than a year of stalled contract talks with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).”

According to the three unions, they have been bargaining as a coalition since February 2025 under 19 collective bargaining agreements with CPKC, which was created in 2023 through the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern (KCS), forming the first single-line, transnational railway connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. “While the parties are in accord on wage increases consistent with agreements with the other Class I railroads and have agreed to nationally negotiated health care changes, significant issues remain unresolved,” they said. “CPKC’s DM&E [Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern] employees remain excluded from the railroad industry’s National Health and Welfare Plan and earn about 10% less than [CPKC-subsidiary] Soo Line workers and more than 12% less than nearby Kansas City Southern employees, despite performing the same work. They are the only U.S. craft employees at any Class I railroad without coverage under the national plan or an equivalent plan. Additionally, CPKC’s proposed sick leave agreement is more restrictive and conditioned than the sick leave agreements the unions have with the other Class I railroads, and CPKC’s Delaware and Hudson employees are also underpaid.”

The three unions reported that when Canadian Pacific reacquired the DM&E, whose lines run primarily through Iowa and Missouri, and later merged with KCS, “executives promised DM&E employees their wages would be brought up to Soo Line rates,” but noted that “those commitments have not been honored.”

Because talks have stalled, the unions said, they have requested mediation services from the National Mediation Board under the Railway Labor Act.

“We are prepared to work through the Railway Labor Act process,” the unions said. “But fairness for DM&E employees is not optional; respect and dignity are long overdue.”

In a Feb. 13 statement to Railway Age, CPKC said: “In recent months, CPKC has reached and seen ratified 17 new collective bargaining agreements (with two other tentative agreements reached and pending ratification) covering hundreds of employees working in 11 states across the CPKC network in the United States. We will continue to pursue agreements through direct engagement with IAM District 19, BRS and BMWED, with the assistance of mediators from the National Mediation Board. CPKC remains committed to bargaining in good faith with all our union partners.”

Further Reading:

• 16 U.S. Contracts Ratified, 2 Tentative Agreements Reached at CPKC (part of Class I briefs)
• BLET Teamsters at SEPTA, CPKC Soo Line Ratify New Contracts
• CPKC Reaches Tentative U.S. Labor Agreements

The post Unions Seek Federal Mediation in CPKC Contract Dispute appeared first on Railway Age.

Littlejohn & Company Partner Farrukh Bezar is a featured speaker at the2026 edition of Railway Age’s Next-Gen Freight Rail (NGFR) conference, March 10 at the Union League Club of Chicago. Bezar and Railway Age Editor-In-Chief William C. Vantuono will discuss growth and business development, market conditions and the regulatory environment, truck-to-rail conversion, rail-to-rail competition, and how the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk merger to create the first east-west transcontinental Class I railroad in the U.S. could impact the North American rail industry, among other topics of interest.

Farrukh Bezar has more than 30 years of consulting, investment and industry experience in the transportation, logistics, financial services and supply chain industries. His areas of expertise include strategic planning and growth strategy, operations improvement, sales effectiveness and mergers and acquisitions support. A Partner at Littlejohn & Company, an integrated private equity and special situations investor focused on industrial and services companies in North America, Bezar is a strategic advisor, board member and investor across the transportation and logistics sector. Bezar spent five years at CSX as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer and Senior Vice President, Marketing. Launching his career as a Senior Analyst, Intermodal Marketing & Sales at the Santa Fe Railway, he has also held senior-level positions at The Clarendon Group, Oliver Wyman, A.T. Kearney and Booz Allen & Hamilton. He also was a Founding Partner of Miami-based Lynwood Capital Partners.

The conference also brings together many stakeholders involved with the proposed UP-NS merger. The “fireside chat” format will feature five of the six North American Class I railroads (all except CSX, which recently chose not to participate after initially accepting), plus the Surface Transportation Board, which is undertaking one of its most consequential tasks in its history—deciding on a major merger transaction under rules that will be applied for the first time. However, the STB will not discuss the merger, and instead focus on the agency’s outlook—process and environmental streamlining, preemption and modernization.

“The proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is the biggest topic in the rail industry today,” notes Railway Age Editor-Chief William C. Vantuono. “The leaders at the heart of this merger—Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena and Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George—open the conference, and we’re looking forward to engaging with them in an open forum. We’re also keen to discuss viewpoints with the other Class I railroads who chose to participate.”

In addition to Farrukh Bezar, Jim Vena and Mark George, the NGFR speaker lineup includes Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President and COO John Orr, Railway Age’s 2026 Railroader of the Year; Patrick Fuchs, Chair, and Michelle Schulz, Vice Chair, Surface Transportation Board; Canadian Pacific Kansas City President and CEO Keith Creel; CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson, BNSF Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Tom G. Williams; and RailPulse LLC General Manager David Shannon. In addition to Vantuono, Railway Age Executive Editor Marybeth Luczak, Senior Editor Carolina Worrell, Wall Street Contributing Editor Jason Seidl (TD Cowen) and Financial Editor David Nahas (Railroad Financial Corporation) will host the sessions. The luncheon will honor Railway Age’s 2026 25 Under 40 “Fast Trackers.” 

Railway Age’s Next-Generation Freight Rail conference takes place March 10, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Union League Club of Chicago. A unique opportunity to discuss the freight rail industry’s future, the conference brings together top executives and thought leaders to discuss topics ranging from business strategy to the latest technological innovations and increasing safety and reliability. The conference also features a luncheon honoring the 2026 recipients of Railway Age‘s Fast Trackers 25 Under 40 award.

ATTENDANCE IS FILLING UP FAST! REGISTER NOW!

The post Railway Age Next-Gen Freight Rail Conference: What Does It Take to Grow the Top Line? appeared first on Railway Age.

Caterpillar Inc.-subsidiary Progress Rail and technology, energy, and metals company Fortescue on Feb. 12 celebrated the delivery of two EMD® SD70J-BB battery-electric locomotives (BELs) at a ceremony in Western Australia’s Port Hedland.

The BELs arrived in December after a journey from Progress Rail’s plant in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Embarking from Sete Lagoas, Brazil, the locomotive made its way around South Africa before arriving in Western Australia. We’re proud to solve our customers’ toughest challenges with advanced technologies that deliver performance, reliability, and efficiency. pic.twitter.com/S4z1Ojt0ne

— Progress Rail (@Progress_Rail) December 12, 2025

Fortescue ordered the units in 2022 to support its iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, as part of its mission “to achieve ‘real zero’ operational emissions by 2030,” according to Progress Rail, which announced the companies’ celebration on Feb. 12. The BELs will be used to help transport ore between mining sites and port infrastructure.

(Screen grab from Fortescue video)

The commissioning of both units is now under way, Fortescue reported Feb. 12.

“Each eight-axle BEL is capable of providing 1,100 kilonewtons of tractive effort and 14.5 megawatt-hours of onboard energy, making them the most powerful and highest capacity BELs ever produced,” Progress Rail said. “Powered by renewable electricity through Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect network, each BEL is expected to eliminate the consumption of approximately one million liters of diesel per locomotive per year. The units are also designed to recover 40% to 60% of energy through regenerative braking and support high-power charging up to 2.8 MW, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround times.”

According to Progress Rail, the new BELs are also equipped with an advanced technology suite. It said:

• “By using Nitro ETA, customers can orchestrate train movements, meet-and-passes and asset maintenance with greater precision, unlocking capacity gains.
• “With Talos, operators utilize cruise control technology that reduces energy use, improves in-train forces, and optimizes overall operational performance.
• “Through the UptimeIQ predictive‑maintenance platform, railroads can increase locomotive availability and reliability by identifying issues earlier, optimizing service intervals, and improving fleet readiness.”

(Courtesy of Fortescue)

“Today’s celebration highlights the power of collaboration and innovation,” said John Newman, President and CEO of Progress Rail. “We are proud to deliver railway solutions that help our customers meet their toughest challenges.”

“‘Real Zero’ is about transforming the way we power our assets, move our materials, and run our operations, not offsetting emissions but eliminating them,” Fortescue Metals and Operations CEO Dino Otranto said. “Decarbonizing our rail network is a critical part of that task and commissioning these battery-electric locomotives demonstrate that heavy-haul rail can operate reliably without fossil fuels.”

Separately, Anacostia Rail Holding’s Pacific Harbor Line is acquiring five zero-emission locomotives, building upon a successful first year of operations with its zero-emission Progress Rail EMD® Joule SD40JR BEL at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Also, Progress Rail and Brazilian logistics firm VLI on Feb. 10 reported celebrating the delivery of the last of eight EMD SD70ACe-BBs. 

Further Reading:

• Looking Beyond Diesel
• Engines of Change
• Could BE Technology Reinvigorate the Locomotive Market?
• Battery Locomotives: Debate Continues
• Progress Rail to Expand in KC
• Wabtec, Roy Hill Unveil Second-Gen FLXdrive 
• Wabtec Lands Orders from CN, Fortescue

The post Fortescue Commences Progress Rail BEL Commissioning appeared first on Railway Age.

Amtrak on Feb. 10 showcased the first new Airo trainset from Siemens Mobility at Union Station in Washington, D.C. It features the Amtrak Cascades evergreen, cream, and mocha color scheme and Cascade Range mountain graphics.

(Courtesy of Amtrak)

Amtrak President Roger Harris (pictured above, second from right), USDOT Deputy Transportation Secretary and Amtrak Board Member Steve Bradbury (second from left), FRA Administrator David Fink (far right), and Siemens Mobility CEO Tobias Bauer (far left) attended the event (watch below).

Behind the scenes at the Airo Fleet First Look event today w/ @USDOT, @USDOTFRA, and @SiemensMobility.

Airo trains represent a new generation of passenger rail, designed to improve comfort, reliability, connectivity, and capacity as demand for rail travel continues to grow.… pic.twitter.com/EOjJpb5dnH

— Amtrak (@Amtrak) February 12, 2026

The first of the 83 Airo trainsets—ordered in 2021 and 2023 and funded as a part of the federal Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act—are slated to enter revenue service on the Amtrak Cascades route, which serves 18 stations across the Pacific Northwest between Seattle, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Vancouver, B.C.; and Eugene, Ore., according to “America’s Railroad.” Siemens is expected to finish manufacturing all eight Cascades trainsets this year at its Sacramento, Calif., plant.

The first Cascades trainset left the plant July 22, 2025, and wrapped up testing in Pueblo, Colo., in October before officially heading to the Northeast Corridor (NEC) for additional testing.

(All Photographs Courtesy of Amtrak Cascades)

Airo trainsets will also be deployed in the coming years on the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Amtrak Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Amtrak Downeaster, Maple Leaf, New Haven-Springfield-Greenfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express, and Adirondack routes.

According to Amtrak, the first trainsets for the Northeast Regional will complete production and begin testing this year, with revenue service expected to start in 2027.

(Courtesy of Amtrak)

Collectively, the 83 trainsets, valued at $3.909 billion, “will form the backbone of a modernized Amtrak network—expanding capacity, improving reliability, and enhancing the end-to-end travel experience for customers across the country,” Amtrak said. The final new Airo trainset is anticipated to enter service in 2031/2032.

(All Photographs Courtesy of Amtrak Cascades)

Each trainset will seat more than 300 riders, offer “large and sturdy” tray tables, cushioned headrests, water bottle holders, and seatback tablet holders; panoramic windows and additional table seating; a redesigned café car, which for Cascades service will feature “local Northwest favorite foods including beer, wine, and spirits along with some self-service food options”; and amenities such as individual outlets, USB ports, free onboard Wi-Fi, “enhanced” lighting, digital customer information displays, automated steps, and touchless restroom controls.

(Courtesy of Amtrak Cascades)

The introduction of the new Airo trainsets follows the rollout of NextGen Acela, which entered NEC service last August and served more than 60,000 riders in the first month.

“Together, these new trainsets signal a fundamental shift in how Amtrak serves customers—reshaping the travel experience today while laying the foundation for long-term growth,” Amtrak said.

Further Reading:

• Airo Trainsets Prepare for Shipment (part of Transit Briefs)
• Amtrak King Street Yard Upgrade Under Way
• Production of Amtrak Airo Trains ‘Boosting Business Nationwide’
• Amtrak Orders 10 Additional Airo Trainsets
• OIG Releases Audit Report on Amtrak Intercity Trainset Program
• First Look: Amtrak Airo
• From Siemens: Amtrak’s Next-Gen Trainsets
• OIG to Amtrak: Improved Facilities Planning Needed to Support New Trains
• NextGen Acela Inaugural Run Impressions

(Courtesy of Amtrak Cascades)

The post Watch: Amtrak Debuts Airo appeared first on Railway Age.