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January 11, 2013
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Daily news coverage of the railroad industry

  Industry Update 
  • AAR reports latest weekly carload, intermodal results
    Freight carload traffic on U.S. railroads declined 12.1% in the week ending Jan. 5 from the year-ago level, and intermodal dropped 8%, according to the Association of American Railroads. However, petroleum shipments rose 53.6% and "traffic volume was likely impacted by the New Year's holiday, which fell on a Monday and Tuesday in 2013, as opposed to Saturday and Sunday in 2012," AAR noted. RailwayAge.com (1/10), The Journal of Commerce (1/10), Platts (1/10)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  • UP: Tech center in Texas to scout for high-caliber talent
    A newly opened information technology center in Austin, Texas, will help Union Pacific search and recruit highly skilled candidates for the company's IT operations, according to UP. "Having an office in the heart of Austin will help us bring exciting new opportunities to the exceptional talent being developed in Texas," said Lynden Tennison, UP senior vice president and chief information officer. Progressive Railroading (1/2013)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  Infrastructure & Economic Spotlight  
  • Several names appear as potential successor if LaHood leaves
    Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is not listed in President Barack Obama's second-term Cabinet, and it is unclear whether he will stay on. Several names have emerged as his potential successor. Among the likely candidates are Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire; former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas; former Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio; former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell; former Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn.; and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The Hill/Transportation blog (1/10)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  • Amtrak unveils numerous infrastructure investments in 2013
    Amtrak is planning a score of infrastructure development programs this year, including enhancement to its high-speed rail, as it hopes to build on its successful endeavors in 2012, said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman. "Amtrak continues to advance and invest in projects that provide both near-term benefits and long-term improvements for the effective delivery and reliability of intercity passenger rail service," Boardman said. The Hill/Transportation blog (1/10), Bloomberg Businessweek (1/10), RT&S online (1/10)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  • U.S. needs to "listen, discuss and act" on high-speed rail
    High-speed rail development in the U.S. can only be achieved if the country decides to "listen, discuss and act" on the issue, writes Peter Gertler, HNTB Corp.'s high-speed rail services chair. In this piece, he posits several ways America could implement a "long-term vision" for an efficient high-speed rail network. Progressive Railroading (1/2013)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
 
  Energy & Environmental Watch 
  • Class I's gain more business from Marcellus and Utica shale plays
    Canadian Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern and Genesee & Wyoming are among the railroads taking advantage of the booming business in the Marcellus and Utica shales. This year, rail companies will continue to ship materials used for drilling, making shale plays one of the largest sources of business, according to rail officials. Progressive Railroading (1/2013)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  Safety & Security 
  • Railroads making gains in grade-crossing safety with "multi-pronged approach"
    BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific's grade crossing initiatives depict how the industry is making significant strides in safety improvement through a "multi-pronged approach," writes Walter Weart. In this piece, the Class I's detail their recent programs, which involve the use of advanced technology and awareness campaigns to heighten public education on railroad safety. Progressive Railroading (1/2013)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  SmartQuote 
The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do."
--Thomas Jefferson,
3rd U.S. president

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