Missouri judge holds hearing on potential stay of Southwest Chief lawsuits

Aerial view of accident site with debris of truck hit by train

KEYTESVILLE, Mo. — A Missouri judge is considering a request to stay litigation over the fatal June 27 derailment of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief while the National Transportation Safety Board investigation is ongoing, as requested by defendants. KMBC-TV reports Chariton County Circuit Court Judge Terry Tschannen heard arguments Tuesday from attorneys for Amtrak, BNSF Railway, and […]

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Presidential Emergency Board issues rail contract recommendations meant to avert strike

Man climbing on front steps of orange locomotive

WASHINGTON — The Presidential Emergency Board charged with making recommendations to resolve the longstanding contract differences between the U.S. Class I railroads and their unionized workforce today submitted its report to the White House, railroads, and organized labor. The board recommended a 22% wage increase, along with $5,000 in service recognition bonus payments, over the […]

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Union Pacific operations recovery continues as crew ranks rise

Yellow locomotives leading train of double-stacked containers over bridge

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific’s operations are recovering as more conductors graduate from training classes and are deployed in revenue service, executives said at an investor conference today. UP’s traffic is up 2% in the quarter to date, but would be higher if not for ongoing service problems related to crew shortages, particularly on the […]

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CP-KCS deal receives government clearance for foreign investment

Logos for Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern

CALGARY — The proposed Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger has received regulatory clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, CP has announced. The interagency committee reviews business moves and some real estate transactions involving foreign companies or individuals to determine the potential national security impact of those transactions. More information about […]

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European proposal to change rail gauge in Finland causes debate

Green and white electric locomotive pulling freight cars

Politicians in Finland have spoken out against a European Union (EU) proposal that would see Finland’s 5-foot gauge (1524mm) rail network at least partly rebuilt to standard gauge, or most likely dual 5foot/standard gauge, although some politicians and business organizations support the idea. Finland’s use of 5-foot gauge reflects its history as part of the […]

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CSX makes contributions to Kentucky flood relief

CSX logo

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation has made $80,000 in contributions to organizations involved in flood relief in Kentucky, where at least 35 people have died and hundreds were forced from their home. The company is also encouraging employee contributions. The company announced last week that it was contributing $50,000 to the American Red Cross, $25,000 […]

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NS train derails in Ohio after collision with truck

Aerial view of derailment following collision at grade crossing

NORTH LAWRENCE, Ohio — Nineteen cars of a Norfolk Southern train derailed in North Lawrence on Monday morning after the train hit a truck at a grade crossing, the Canton Repository newspaper reports. No injuries were reported after law enforcement and fire agencies responded to the collision at about 7:45 a.m. The accident occurred at […]

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