General Information
Here’s why oil train derailments and pipeline spills keep happening
(Source: Rabble.ca, July 20, 2020) TORONTO — In the midst of global upheaval, recent oil spills in Canada have received little attention. These spills occurred as governments, both federal and provincial — notably Alberta and Ontario (which later reversed the suspension) — suspended environmental regulations for the oil and gas sector, mirroring suspensions in the…
Read MoreClass I rail headcount levels drop further in June
(Source: Freight Waves, May 20, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Rail headcount levels in June reached a fresh low for 2020 as U.S. rail volumes were still recovering from the coronavirus-induced traffic declines from earlier in the spring. The number of employees working for U.S. operations of Class I railroads in mid-June totaled 116,128, an 18%…
Read MoreNRF: Retail imports remain far below last year
(Source: Progressive Railroading 07/20/20) Imports at the major U.S. retail container ports are expected to remain significantly below last year’s levels into fall as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the National Retail Federation (NRF) announced earlier this month. Retailers are being conservative with the amount of merchandise they import this year, said Jonathan Gold, NRF…
Read MoreU.S. rail volumes still under pressure
(Source: Freight Waves, July 16, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — U.S. weekly rail traffic is still facing double-digit percentage declines, with carloads once again down by over 20% since the same period in 2019. Full story: Freight Waves Friday, July 17, 2020
Read MoreUncertainty, concerns surround potential oil train resurgence
(Source: Bismarck Tribune, July 20, 2020) BISMARCK, N.D. — While lawyers fight over a federal judge’s order to temporarily shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline, the oil industry is grappling with uncertainty as it ponders how to keep shipping Bakken crude to market. Full story: Bismarck Tribune Monday, July 20, 2020
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