short line railroads

What are stakeholders in the freight rail space keeping an eye on in 2024? Here’s a starter list.

3i-backed Regional Rail plans to acquire two more short-line railroads, one in Ohio and one in Indiana, as part of a push to expand its presence in the Midwest.

The Federal Railroad Administration’s CRISI program for rail infrastructure projects awarded a record $1.4 billion to 70 projects across the U.S.

Jacksonville, Florida-based Gulf & Atlantic Railways is acquiring the Pioneer Valley Railroad in Massachusetts and operating the revamped Grenada Railroad.

3i Infrastructure-backed Regional Rail is adding Clinton Terminal Railroad to its assets in North Carolina.

The new regulations calling for zero-emissions configurations by as early as 2030 are too lofty in part because technologies are not yet commercially viable.

Kennan Beard, president of the California Short Line Railroad Association and president and CEO of the Sierra Northern Railway, talks to FreightWaves about why he thinks CARB’s new regulation governing locomotive emissions isn’t well thought out.

The U.S. Small Business Administration wants the Federal Railroad Administration to revise its analysis for the proposed train crew size rule, contending it “significantly understated” costs and the number of potentially affected businesses.

The Federal Railroad Administration heard starkly different opinions from some railroads and unions about whether the agency should mandate freight train crews of at least two people.

Regional Rail, which is backed by United Kingdom investment firm 3i Infrastructure, is acquiring three short-line railroads from Agracel Rail Holdings.

Regional Rail, which is backed by infrastructure investment firm 3i, has acquired freight rail assets in western Canada that serve agricultural and energy interests.

Patriot Rail Company announced it is acquiring fellow short-line operator Delta Southern Railroad.

News briefs involving short line acquisitions, Class I rail headcount in August and rail technology developments.

Advocates for freight and passenger rail in Texas are pressing legislators to pursue federal grant opportunities that would bolster short lines and intercity rail.

Fourteen projects received matching grants to upgrade track and bridges.

FreightWaves recently chatted with Brian E. Gorton, Conrail’s new president and chief operating officer, to discuss his vision for Conrail and what opportunities lie ahead for the Northeast terminal railroad jointly owned by CSX and Norfolk Southern.

President Joe Biden’s budget for the Federal Railroad Administration supports funding to rehabilitate Amtrak, expand passenger rail service and provide continued support to grant programs.

See why Freight Railroads are Separated Into Classes

This AskWaves article explains what Class I, Class II and Class III railroads are and why they exist.

Short line operator Vermont Rail System and legislators from Vermont and Massachusetts question how CSX and Norfolk Southern would handle joint ownership of Pan Am Southern because it would involve a competing short line railroad

Witnesses at a U.S. House hearing on Wednesday stressed the need for a multimodal approach in federal support of the railroads, citing freight rail’s connection with both rural, inland towns and coastal ports.

U.S. short line rail operator OmniTRAX confirms it was the victim of a ransomware attack and data breach targeting its owner, Broe Group.

The coronavirus relief bill that passed Congress includes language that would make permanent a tax credit encouraging short line railroads to invest in capital projects.

Jaguar acquires five short lines, while OmniTRAX readies more business-ready sites.

The U.S. Department of Transportation hopes the changes will help more short line and regional railroads modernize and upgrade their infrastructure.

The grants help localities, short lines and passenger railroads improve the safety and efficiency of their rail networks.

OmniTrax, a short line operator, says the appointment will help the company capitalize on customer interest for rail-based supply chains.

The bipartisan bill seeks to streamline the application process and lower the application costs for a loan program for short line and passenger railroads.

A report from Boston Consulting Group suggests that the Class I railroads must look beyond precision scheduled railroading and operating ratios if the industry wants to be a competitive transportation mode.

Freight rail trade and labor groups applaud the U.S. federal government for passing the $2 trillion stimulus package aimed at stabilizing the American economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The requests to waive the Federal Railroad Administration’s regulations on random alcohol and drug testing and on certain rail operations are due to social distancing recommendations and an anticipated reduction in staff because of COVID-19.

Improving rail volumes and service are among the crucial issues to look out for as the railroads reveal their 2020 guidance in the coming days.

OmniTRAX and R.J. Corman seek to cultivate customer relations with recent appointments.

A portfolio of acquisitions culminates in a large sale. Genesee and Wyoming announces that the sale of the company has been completed.

Private equity firms are likely to continue M&As in freight rail industry next year and beyond, observers say.

The loans would enable short line railroads to pay for rehabilitation projects.

The funding includes $14.4 million to support CSX’s double-stacking efforts near the Port of Philadelphia.

The notice of proposed rulemaking pertains to training for Class II and Class III rail employees.

BNSF placed in service approximately 2.5 miles of second main track near Westmond, Idaho, closing the gap between two larger sections of double-track main line on one of the busiest segments of BNSF’s Northern Corridor.

Third-quarter revenue fell for the shortline operator.

Market View commentator Jim Blaze writes about the advantages short line railroads offer to shippers.

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.78 for the first quarter of 2019, which were 11.4 percent better year-over-year, but less than the consensus estimate of $0.83.

Lawmakers heard how costly fees and equipment shortages along the supply chain are hurting exports.