Wal-Mart is testing a direct intermodal relationship with U.S. railroads and now rosters a fleet of purpose-built 53-foot containers. Wal-Mart BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is expanding its use of rail intermodal and doing it with new custom containers. Walmart launched a new rail strategy in 2018 when, with its own specially-designed containers, the big retailer […]
Magazine: Trains Magazine
Ask Trains: How Triple Crown trailers withstand train forces without standard freight cars
A Triple Crown trailer train heads westbound out of Huntington, Ind., in September 2015. 15273-21 Randy Olson Question: I occasionally see Triple Crown semi-trailer trains on a route that runs near Decatur, Ill. Since these trailers are attached directly to one another and are not on flatcars, how are the frames of these trailers reinforced […]
Ask Trains: What is the function of the spikes in this picture?
Golden spikes are popular, and have long been used as symbols of completing an important railroad construction project. In October 2018, officials drove multiple gold-colored track spikes into a new industrial park track in Kalispell, Mont. Important as they are as symbols, the spikes in this ceremony were not intended to function as standard railroad […]
New director sees momentum for Colorado Front Range passenger rail NEWSWIRE
DENVER — The first project director of Colorado’s Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is ready to help move forward plans to link Denver by rail to cities north and south. Randy Grauberger, a 28-year veteran of the Colorado Department of Transportation, joins the rail commission after a stint with WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff. […]
Black Hills Central 2-6-6-2T No. 108 is nearing completion NEWSWIRE
Black Hills Central No. 108 comes together in July 2018. Trains: Jim Wrinn No. 108 in service at Weyerhaeuser in Washington state. Martin E. Hansen collection HILL CITY, S.D. — While American steam fans have focused their attention on the amazing restorations of 2-4-4-2 Skookum, 2-6-6-2 No. 1309, and Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. […]
Closure of US-Mexico border would hurt rail traffic NEWSWIRE
President Donald Trump The White House WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s threat to close the border with Mexico this week would quickly have an impact on railroads and wreak economic havoc on both sides of the Rio Grande. Cross-border traffic represents about 11 percent of Union Pacific’s total volume and nearly 30 percent of volume […]
CN CEO Ruest makes broad management changes NEWSWIRE
CN CEO Jean-Jacques Ruest Canadian National MONTREAL — Canadian National CEO Jean-Jacques Ruest made sweeping changes to the railway’s management team last month with an eye toward broadening their experience and forging tighter links between operations and the technology and marketing teams. The changes, which went into effect on Monday, were announced in an internal […]
Denver to open commuter rail G Line on April 26 NEWSWIRE
Passengers await the arrival of a Denver A Line train at the 40th Avenue-Airport Boulevard station in October 2018. Denver will open its second commuter rail line, the G Line, later this month. TRAINS: David Lassen DENVER — Denver RTD’s long-delayed G Line commuter rail operation is scheduled to open April 26, more than two years […]
Police officer criticizes Amtrak for putting 13-year-old off train NEWSWIRE
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A Battle Creek police officer is questioning Amtrak’s decision to remove a 13-year-old girl traveling alone from a train, but the passenger railroad says acted within its ticket policies and with safety in mind. WOOD-TV reports the incident in question occurred March 26, when the 13-year-old boarded a train in Lapeer, […]
Aerospace executive named as new VIA Rail Canada CEO NEWSWIRE
OTTAWA — Aircraft industry executive Cynthia Garneau has been appointed as the new president and CEO of VIA Rail Canada, replacing Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, who had held the position for five years. Her five-year term begins May 9. Her appointment, as well as the appointment of three members of VIA’s board of directors, were announced Friday […]
April Fools Day pranks extend to railroading world NEWSWIRE
An illustration from Brightline’s “announcement” of Convertible Class. Brightline/Virgin Trains USA April Fools Day did not pass unnoticed in the railroading world, as some organizations reported “news” in the spirit of the day. Among the highlights: — The San Antonio Zoo announced that its narrow gauge zoo train, the Eagle Train in Brackenridge Park, would […]
Big week ahead for Virgin Trains USA’s Brightline NEWSWIRE
An electronic display at MiamiCentral station in May 2018 features the Brightline logo. An event this week featuring Virgin Group founder Richard Branson will provide a look at the station’s rebranding as Brightline transitions to Virgin Trains USA. Bob Johnston MIAMI — Two events this week could provide insight into the look and expansion efforts […]