BLET News

(Source: Wall Street Journal, May 20, 2021) NEW YORK — Kansas City Southern is expected to ditch its merger agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. in favor of a competing proposal from Canadian National Railway Co., according to people familiar with the matter, a dramatic turn with big implications for the shape of the U.S.…

(Source: Reuters, May 17, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday asked the U.S. Solicitor General’s office to take a side in a case involving Union Pacific Railroad Co over whether a train that has temporarily stopped is still “in use,” exposing railroads to liability for worker injuries. Full story: Reuters Tuesday, May…

(Source: Associated Press, May 16, 2021) OMAHA, Neb. — Even as railroads are operating longer and longer freight trains that sometimes stretch for miles, the companies have drastically reduced staffing levels, prompting unions to warn that moves meant to increase profits could endanger safety. Full story: Associated Press Monday, May 17, 2021

(Source: Supply Chain Dive, May 14, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — A committee of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday sent a letter asking the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study into the impact precision scheduled railroading has had on shippers and “other affected parties.” The letter specifically requested the GAO provide a report…

(Source: Railway Age, May 13, 2021) NEW YORK — The activity involving Kansas City Southern and its two potential merger partners, Canadian Pacific and CN, took yet another turn late on May 13. CN appears to have come out on top, but don’t count CP out, at least not yet. KCS on May 13 announced…