BLET News
U.S. weekly coal carloads fall to seven-week low
(Source: S&P Global Platts, February 19, 2020) HOUSTON — U.S. coal carloads were at a seven-week low 63,045 in the week ended February 15, down 3% from 64,996 a week earlier and 21.4% lower than 80,105 in the year-ago week, the Association of American Railroads said Wednesday. Full story: S&P Global Platts Thursday, February 20, 2020
Read More“It’s infuriating… just corporate greed:” Why Norfolk Southern is downsizing in Roanoke
(Source: Television station WSLS, February 18, 2020) ROANOKE, Va. — Norfolk Southern said it will eliminate about 104 workers from its Roanoke operations when it closes down its locomotive shop and transfers work at its distribution center. Full story: www.wsls.com Thursday, February 20, 2020
Read MoreOpinion: Oil trains need big enough crew for safety
(Source: Everett Herald opinion column by Derek Stanford and Mike Sells, February 19, 2020. State Sen. Derek Sanford, D-Bothell, represents the 1st Legislative District. State Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett, represents the 38th Legislative District.) EVERETT, Wash. — Some rail industry leaders have even expressed a desire to eliminate crews entirely, relying solely on technology to…
Read MoreDOT clarifies marijuana testing rule
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, February 19 — Please read the below notice from DOT regarding Cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring substance found in cannabis derived from the hemp plant. The notice also can be accessed as a PDF file via the link at the end of this News Flash. CBD promises all kinds of health benefits from…
Read MoreA look back at 2019, gearing up for 2020
By Dennis R. Pierce, BLET National President (BLET Editor’s Note: The following message from BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce has been excerpted from the January 2020 issue of the Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen News.) INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, February 14 — As we begin 2020, the month of January gives us a chance to look back…
Read More