Railroads voice wary optimism for peak as freight volumes make slow progress in July

Intermodal traffic is close to pre-pandemic levels, down 1% compared to July 2019. CSX attributed growing intermodal volumes to retailers replenishing inventories.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 11, 2020

Norfolk Southern nabs former CSX, Union Pacific exec as railroad pushes forward on PSR

The railroad has consistently reported gains in train speed and reductions in dwell time, but operating ratio jumped above 70% in Q2.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 29, 2020

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Residual effects of Hurricane Hanna to slow cross-border freight for days

Any closure of the major roads between Saltillo and Monterrey in Mexico can result in concentrated traffic and delays at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 28, 2020

Union Pacific improves service metrics despite 20% volume drop

The railroad is now building up capacity for the volume growth it expects through the balance of the year, but executives emphasized it will not return to pre-pandemic workforce or equipment levels.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 24, 2020

CSX loses ground on service metrics due to volume volatility

A principal concern for the railroad was recalling workers who may have already found interim work elsewhere, delaying their return.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 23, 2020

Kansas City Southern's dwell time up 3% as volume returns amid cost cutting

The volume surge midway through the quarter caused the railroad to lose some progress on dwell, velocity and operations ratio compared with the same period last year.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 20, 2020

Rail volumes make 'slow recovery' but KCS keeps capacity tight

KCS's intermodal volume began improving as automotive plants reopened and parts were exported to Mexico. But lackluster consumer demand is still a drag on overall levels.

By Matt Leonard • July 7, 2020

CSX lays off 86 including management

The railroad did not specifically reference the coronavirus in its explanation for the staff cuts, but CEO Jim Foote has forecasted that the cost cuts driven by the pandemic may be maintained even when volumes recover.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 23, 2020

Automotive rail volume remains below pre-pandemic levels as factories reopen

Motor vehicles and parts volume was down 75% year over year in May, according to the latest numbers from the Association of American Railroads.

By Matt Leonard • June 17, 2020

Kansas City Southern attempts to get pandemic cuts to 'stick'

From executives to engineers, the coronavirus has taught Kansas City Southern that it can move freight with fewer people. 

By Emma Cosgrove • June 3, 2020

Rail companies cut capacity as volume slides 20%

Rail volume is expected to increase in the coming weeks as auto plants reopen across the country.

By Matt Leonard • May 27, 2020

Union Pacific cites pandemic, trucking market for end of cold chain service

Executives called refrigerated transportation "a long term growth opportunity" earlier this year, but say the COVID-19 pandemic meant the business could no longer sustain itself.

By Matt Leonard • May 12, 2020

Rail carriers cut capacity as intermodal volume drops 17% in April, the largest fall since 2009

CSX, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific all mentioned reducing train starts as a result of falling demand during April earnings calls. 

By Matt Leonard • May 7, 2020

As volumes drop, Norfolk Southern expects Q2 to be the roughest yet

The cost cuts needed to weather the financial hit from coronavirus will come from accelerating PSR efforts and selling, storing or scrapping equipment. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 30, 2020

Union Pacific expects 25% volume dip in Q2

CEO Lance Fritz said he expects the economic impact of the coronavirus to be "sharp and deep," without a steep recovery.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 23, 2020

CSX: Near-term cost cutting may last beyond COVID-19

Foote said CSX is working to maintain what it sees as a high level of service despite down volumes. Still, some rail shippers are going to notice the latest cuts.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 23, 2020

6 charts show how PSR changed rail

Early adopters of precision-scheduled railroading saw increased speed and lower dwell times in 2019. Do the changes benefit shippers?

By Matt Leonard • April 22, 2020

Kansas City Southern doubles down on PSR to deal with coronavirus 'curveball'

An even more aggressive focus on efficiency will get Kansas City Southern through the COVID-19 crisis, which hit the automotive industry — a particularly important customer segment — hard and early, executives said.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 20, 2020

Low April shipment volumes could rival early 2009, Cass says

Shipper spending on transport fell 8% in March, and Cass said it expects transport pricing to remain low through May. 

By S.L. Fuller • April 15, 2020

Blank sailings, idle automotive manufacturing hit March rail volume

Recent SEC filings from Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific and CSX suggest the pandemic's effect on rail operations and financial performance "could be material." 

By Matt Leonard • April 7, 2020

CSX says leaner operations, more tech will help reduce emissions 37% by 2030

The railroad seeks to meet this target by employing technology and operational strategies to increase fuel efficiency. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 26, 2020

67 trade organizations urge FMC to adopt rule on detention, demurrage fees

Trade associations across industries say clarity is needed to keep fees consistent and fair, especially in the current coronavirus-impacted global economy.  

By S.L. Fuller • March 17, 2020

Struggling intermodal meets further headwinds with coronavirus

Intermodal had to compete with low spot rates in the trucking sector for all of 2019 and now must deal with a slump in demand caused by a pandemic.

By Matt Leonard • March 16, 2020

Union Pacific to tackle emissions reduction with science-based targets

Railroads are one of the lowest-emissions freight modes available, but a longstanding close relationship with the coal industry complicates their record on climate issues. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 11, 2020

Canadian National calls back furloughed staff, normal operations will take weeks

The railroad is still monitoring the network for further disruptions, said CEO JJ Ruest in a statement.

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated March 3, 2020