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PSR: Can We Please Be Honest Here?
Written by Matt Parker (Source: Railway Age July 26, 2021) Editor’s Note: This opinion piece is in response to my invitation for “reasonable, fact-based, non-political opinions on Precision Scheduled Railroading by experienced railroaders from both the agreement and non-agreement sectors, to encourage discussion,” in response to “PSR Point/Counterpoint: Fortune,” published July 22 – William C. Vantuono An Oct. 3,…
Read MoreSTB asks Class Is to report on intermodal supply chain problems
(Source: Progressive Railroading 07/23/2021) Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Martin Oberman yesterday sent a letter to all Class Is expressing his concern over persistent problems with congestion in the international intermodal supply chain and significant container storage fees that some shippers are being required to pay in order to receive their containers. Overman asked the Class…
Read MoreAAR reports rail traffic for week ending July 17, 2021
(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, July 21, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 17, 2021. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 513,255 carloads and intermodal units, up 6.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Total…
Read MoreUnion Pacific profit jumps 59% as volume grows 22%
(Source: Associated Press, July 22, 2021) OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific’s second-quarter profit jumped 59% as the railroad hauled 22% more cargo than a year ago when shipments fell to the lowest levels of the coronavirus pandemic. The reported Thursday that quarterly net income was $1.8 billion, or $2.72 per share. That’s up from $1.13…
Read MoreAfter slashing 33% of workers in 6 years, railroads complain about “labor shortage” amid uproar over slow shipments
(Source: Wolf Street, July 22, 2021) NEW YORK — Over the past six years, the Class 1 railroads have axed 33% of their workers through layoffs and attrition. According to the Surface of Transportation Board (STB), the Class 1 railroads slashed their headcount from 174,000 workers in April 2015 to 116,000 workers in June 2021.…
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