General Information
Rail union warns members about coronavirus exposure
(Source: Progressive Railroading 06/24/2020) The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division-IBT announced late last week a rash of positive coronavirus cases among its members at several major railroads. The BMWED estimated 109 members were affected by a coronavirus exposure. Of those,15 individuals tested positive, while the remaining 94 are on required self-contained quarantine, union officials announced…
Read MoreBNSF adds intermodal option between Pacific Northwest, Ohio Valley
(Source: Progressive Railroading 06/24/2020) BNSF Railway Co. earlier this month introduced a new direct intermodal service option between the Pacific Northwest and the Ohio Valley region. The new container-only service initially is being offered five days a week for eastbound and westbound freight originating and terminating at BNSF’s South Seattle Intermodal Facility. Customers who originate shipments…
Read MoreRail suppliers raise concerns about INVEST Act
(Source: Progressive Railroading 06/23/2020) Two rail supplier groups last week announced mixed reactions to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s (T&I) multiyear surface transportation legislation known as the INVEST in America Act. Both the Railway Supply Institute (RSI) and the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) expressed support for the committee taking up a surface transportation package, especially with…
Read MoreClass I workforce continued to shrink in May
(Source: Progressive Railroading 06/23/2020) Class Is employed 118,880 employees as of mid-May, down 4.46 percent percent from April and down 16.84 percent from May 2019 levels, according to Surface Transportation Board data. All six employment categories logged month-to-month decreases. They were: transportation (train and engine), down 10.27 percent to 43,660 employees; maintenance of equipment and stores, down…
Read MoreRail groups gear up for infrastructure bill fight
(Source: Freight Waves, June 22, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Rail groups are considering their next steps as a major, multi-billion dollar infrastructure bill becomes part of a wider trillion-dollar package that also addresses education, housing and renewable energy infrastructure. Full story: Freight Waves Tuesday, June 23, 2020
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