In February of 2020, OT-57 was introduced by Railinc. The Loading Authority OT-57 system provides a centralized, paperless process for registering private freight rail equipment and access to controlling entity (shipper, owner, or lessee) contact information and storage information. OT-57, and its predecessor OT-5, is crucial to understand for rail fleet management. Before OT-57, Loading …
You want to run an efficient short line railroad, and making sure operations run smoothly takes time and attention. In between these essential tasks, it can be difficult to find time to grow your business and make sure you’re getting exposure. Furthermore, finding marketing strategies that resonate with your specific customers can be even more …
Fair rates with Class 1 railroads are important for short line railroad profitability. But when these larger railroads keep revenue allocation stagnant for small rail lines, it can be difficult to negotiate. Understanding the pricing system behind Class I railroad rates, and gaining insight into the competitive landscape can bolster your negotiating strategy. With the …
The September 12th acceptance of the Canadian Pacific’s (CP) $31 billion merger offer for the Kansas City Southern (KCS) initiated the KCS’ plans to terminate their merger agreement with the Canadian National (CN). The CN was provided five business days to respond to the KCS. During the morning of September 15th, 2021, the CN released …
Strengthening relationships with shippers along your short line railroad often means increasing railcar volume, improving word-of-mouth-marketing, and encouraging customers to use other rail services you provide. How can you provide value-added insights to customers on your short line? Let’s take a look at strategies that you can use to gain value-added insights and share these …
One of the most important aspects of shipping by rail is accurate data. Since shipping by rail is heavily reliant on data, inaccuracies can be present numerous challenges. Inaccurate data in rail shipping can result in additional rates and switching charges, less optimized routes, increased time spent preparing shipments, and more time spent responding to …
When tracking railcars, there are several components that determine how complex your rail shipping is and how much time is needed to properly monitor your fleet and follow up on problem railcars. These factors can increase or decrease the complexity of your shipments. Streamlining rail operations begins with understanding each factor and how it affects …
On July 9, 2021, President Joe Biden released specifics concerning his Executive Order to promote competition within the American economy. Among other concerns, the President’s Executive Order calls for sweeping reform of corporate monopolies in the areas of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, technology, and transportation. The Executive Order consists of 72 initiatives that will become the investigative …
Bulk shipping by rail is no easy task. As shippers, whether you lease or own your railcars, they need to be shopped from time to time to complete a scheduled maintenance program or perform the annual qualifications for tank cars. Scheduling tank car qualifications can be problematic, to say the least, and can place constraints …
CSX Transportation has had a busy start to July 2021, particularly, regarding its acquisitions of Pan Am Railways Inc., and Quality Carriers Inc. Since CSX’s announcement regarding their acquisition of the Pan Am Railway (PAR) on November 20, 2020, CSX has had to work through several regulatory obstacles. The US Surface Transportation Board (STB) reviewed …
NITL Statement The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) is the nation’s oldest and largest freight transportation association. Since 1907, the NITL has represented the shipping public in regulatory matters involving all modes of transportation. It was therefore a given that the Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific (CP) sought the NITL’s support of their respective …
Transload facilities load and unload many different types of materials, from canned foods and bulk food products to plastics to chemicals and much more. Each of these materials requires certain transloading equipment to make its way safely and securely from the railcar and onto the next leg of its journey. As you plot the most …
(updated May 24th, 2021) Tuesday, April 20th the Canadian National (CN) offered to acquire the Kansas City Southern (KCS) for $33.7 billion, setting the stage for both of Canada’s class I carriers to faceoff for the KCS. Merger Plans One month ago, the CP announced merger plans with the KCS that stipulated that CP acquire …
Rail is a reliable shipping mode for many different types of materials, including food. Maintaining food safety during this process is essential. Knowing what to look out for and what to expect can help new food shippers maintain food safety and the quality of their products. 6 Tips for Maintaining Food Safety in Rail Transit …
CSX Corporation announced Wednesday May 12th, that it has signed an agreement with Quality Distribution to acquire bulk liquid chemicals transportation provider Quality Carriers Inc. (QC). No terms of the agreement were released. Headquartered in Tampa, FL, QC operates the largest liquid bulk chemical trucking network in North America. QC’s network of company terminals, independent …
What is Rail Fuel Surcharge? Simply put, Fuel Surcharge is a tool that was designed for railroads to recover the cost of fuel consumed to move railcars. Fuel Surcharge came about when the cost of fuel increased, and the railroads decided to pass the excess cost onto shippers. The railroads will apply Fuel Surcharge on …