Archive for May 2020

(Source: National Review, May 5, 2020) NEW YORK — At the start of the 19th century, America was a rural society that depended on boats and horses for its transportation needs. A century later, it was the greatest industrial power in the world. In the interim, the railroad had carried the industrial revolution across America,…

(Source: Freight Waves opinion column by Jim Blaze, May 4, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — This week’s strategic question is “What are the bold new benefits shippers can expect now that the freight railways are super-efficient?” Full story: Freight Waves Monday, May 4, 2020

(Source: Reuters, May 2, 2020) OMAHA, Neb. — Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway on Saturday posted a record net loss of nearly $50 billion as the coronavirus pandemic pummeled its common stock investments, but operating profit rose even as COVID-19 hurt its businesses. Berkshire’s first-quarter net loss totaled $49.75 billion, or $30,653 per Class A share,…

(Source: My Leader Paper, May 1, 2020) FESTUS, Mo. — The Union Pacific railroad car shops in De Soto, one of the oldest and largest employers in Jefferson County, informed its hundreds of employees Thursday afternoon (April 30) that they were being laid off, effective immediately but subject to a potential recall on June 1,…

(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, April 30, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Millions of workers are finding themselves in pinch right now, out of a job with bills to pay. The coronavirus has not only disrupted their livelihoods, it has left their futures up in the air. It seems uncertainty is their only certainty. How…