Archive for October 2020
NRF: Imports set new record, as retailers stock up early for holidays
(Source: Progressive Railroading 10/13/2020) U.S. ports covered by the Global Port Tracker handled 2.1 million 20-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) in August, a 9.7% increase from July and an 8% increase year over year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates reported late last week. August’s TEU level was the highest number of containers imported in a single…
Read MoreUP names Jalali chief information officer, Panzer SVP of strategic planning
(Source: Progressive Railroading 10/13/2020) Union Pacific Corp. has named Rahul Jalali chief information officer, effective Nov. 2. Jalali will lead the development, implementation and operation of UP’s information and telecommunications technologies, UP officials said in a press release. Jalali served 23 years at Walmart Inc., most recently as vice president of Walmart International. During his…
Read MoreRailroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits will see slight decrease in new sequestration reduction rate
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, September 30, 2020) CHICAGO — Under the Budget Control Act of 2011, and a subsequent sequestration order to implement mandated cuts, railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits are reduced by a set percentage that is subject to revision at the beginning of each fiscal year. Starting October 1, 2020, the…
Read MoreFTA awards HOPE grants to Oregon Metro, SEPTA
(Source: Progressive Railroading 10/12/2020) The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) earlier this month awarded the Metro Regional Government in Portland, Oregon, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) grants for transit projects that improve rural communities and areas experiencing long-term economic distress. Portland’s Metro was awarded a $850,000 Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone (HOPE) grant to fund community engagement efforts for the…
Read MoreCoos Bay port to receive federal grant for rail infrastructure project
(Source: Progressive Railroading 10/12/2020) The U.S. Department of Transportation last week notified the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay that it will receive a $10 million grant through the federal Port Infrastructure and Development Program for a project along the Coos Bay Rail Line. The project calls for replacing 67,000 crossties and resurfacing the mainline, sidings, an industrial lead, rail…
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