BLET News
AAR reports rail traffic for week ending January 8, 2022
(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, January 12, 2022) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending January 8, 2022. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 440,761 carloads and intermodal units, down 16 percent compared with the same week last year. Total…
Read MoreOklahoma can’t put time limits on trains blocking streets, federal appeals court rules
(Source: The Oklahoman, January 12, 2022) NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma’s 10-minute limit on trains blocking city streets violates the federal government’s authority to regulate rail carriers and tracks, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. Full story: Yahoo News Friday, January 14, 2022
Read MoreRailroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance taxes in 2022
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, December 8, 2021) CHICAGO — The amounts of compensation subject to railroad retirement tier I and tier II payroll taxes will increase in 2022, while the tax rates on employers and employees will stay the same. In addition, unemployment insurance contribution rates paid by railroad employers will include a surcharge…
Read MoreRRB Q&A: Annuitants may need to increase tax withholding at age 62
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, December 21, 2021) CHICAGO — Certain portions of a railroad retirement annuity are treated differently for Federal income tax purposes. The following questions and answers explain these differences and address the importance of individuals establishing accurate tax withholding from their annuities. Certain beneficiaries, including those retiring at age 60 with…
Read MoreUP nearing purchase of battery-electrics for yard tests, CEO says
(Source: Trains Magazine, January 6, 2022) PHOENIX, Ariz. — Union Pacific is nearing agreements to purchase battery-electric locomotives for tests in yard use, CEO Lance Fritz says, with plans to try the locomotives in one cold-weather location and one warm-weather site. Full story: Trains Magazine Tuesday, January 11, 2022
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