Freight Tracks Issue #3

FREIGHT TRACKS

MARCH 14 2022

#3

All’s well in a well car Wabtec and UP partner to use higher biodiesel

Deutsche Bahn launches Ukraine rail bridge

RAIL FREIGHT STEPS UP T0 SHIP AID TO STRICKEN UKRAINE

CONTENTS MARCH 14 2022

#3

FEATURES

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Workshops: Keeping the wheels turning World Freight Train Day How to mark rail freight’s importance

NEWS headline news DB starts operations of rail bridge Pioneer Lines reaches safety milestone RFG Awards 2022: call for entries NEWS REVIEW Loup Logistics acquires big footprint Amtrak recognises CP VR Group’s new diesel locomotive

REGULARS

17 People on the Move 43 Small Scale Rail Freight 44 End of the Line: A winner!

Press releases can be sent to editor@freight-tracks.com Cover photos: The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation sent a shipment of Swiss relief supplies to Ukraine by rail on Monday March 7.

DB launches rail bridge, shows support for the country

Publisher & Editor: James Graham

If you have any stunning photos of freight trains you might like to see on the cover, send them to freighttracks@gmail.com.

Webmaster: Natasha Antony

editor@freight-tracks.com

Editorial support: Kim Smith Designer: Alex Brown freighttracks@gmail.com

Sales Manager: Martin Kingswell Sales Executive: Peter Dolan

Contributors: Neil Madden, Chris Lewis Johnathan Webb. Will Huskisson

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Multiple copying of the contents of the magazine without prior written consent is forbidden.

Material sent to the editor, whether commissioned or freely submitted, is provided at the contributor’s own risk. Freight Tracks cannot be held responsible for loss of damage however cause. The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Freight Tracks are not necessarily those of the editor or Freight Tracks. We are unable to guarantee the bona ideas of any advertisers.

Copyright: 1435 Media London 2022 1435 Media London 259 Sydenham Road Croydon CR0 2ET United Kingdom

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headline news

DB STARTS OPERATIONS OF RAIL BRID

First container train set off on Friday night from Seddin, Germany via Krakow in the direction of Kiev • 15 containers contain urgently needed goods such as food, warm clothing and medical products

T

he rail bridge operated by DB Cargo and DB Schenker is picking up speed. On Friday night (March 11), a first train carrying relief goods for the people of Ukraine left the Seddin marshalling yard near Berlin. The train was loaded with 15 containers. The cargo included sleeping bags, sleeping mats, diapers, canned food, drinking water, warm clothing and baby food, as well as medical products such as syringes, plasters, gauze bandages and cannulas. A total of 350 tonnes of relief supplies were moved.

freight transport and head of DB Cargo.

Jochen Thewes, Chairman of the Board of Management of DB Schenker: “Logistics gets things to where they are needed, especially in times of crisis.

With our rail bridge, we’re making sure that the huge international readiness to help reaches the people in Ukraine.”

For its Ukraine aid, Deutsche Bahn has set up a logistics network on rail

Rail bridge

“Rail provides a stable connection to Ukraine. Today we are starting to help quickly - with what is needed most. A stable connection and experience in logistics processes are important here so that we can help reliably,” said Dr Sigrid Nikutta, Member of the Board of Management of Deutsche Bahn Group for

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and road to transport aid supplies from Germany directly to Ukraine. This will enable thousands of tonnes of food, drinking water and sanitary items to be transported directly to the country by truck and by rail in the coming weeks.

The logistics teams of DB Cargo and DB Schenker are working hand in hand here: donations are collected by truck in Germany, packed into containers and

headline news

DGE WITH RELIEF GOODS FOR UKRAINE

finally transported across the border to Ukraine by freight train on DB Cargo’s European rail network. This is made possible thanks to a co-operation between the Polish subsidiary of DB Cargo and the Ukrainian railroad as well as the DB Schenker teams on site in Poland.

DB Group has set up a dedicated hotline for the rail bridge to Ukraine. Here, freight can be registered and its pick-up

co-ordinated, especially for companies and large donations. Transport is free of charge for donors until further notice. The hotline is staffed on weekdays from 08:00 to 20:00 - 030-720 220 640, schienenbruecke-ukraine@deutschebahn.com Deutsche Bahn’s logistics network can also accept individual donations.

For this purpose, collection points have

been opened at three different Schenker branches in Germany to accept humanitarian aid supplies that are currently particularly needed in Ukraine.

Volunteers from the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) are providing on-site support in Cologne, Hannover and Munich to sort the items and professionally pack them for container transport.

CP donates $500,000 to Red Cross in support of refugees CANADA Canadian Pacific has pledged $500,000 to the Canadian Red Cross in support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine and for Ukrainian refugees.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and we hope this donation will provide some much-needed support in the growing humanitarian crisis this deeply troubling conflict has created,” said Keith Creel, CP President and Chief Executive Officer.

“The strength and bravery of the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedoms is nothing short of inspiring.”

CP will be 100% matching employee donations for 30 days made to the Canadian Red Cross and American Red Cross. CP will continue to match donations to other aid agencies providing relief to the suffering in Ukraine via CP’s employee charitable giving programme. The railway encourage employees in Canada and the United States to continue donating to help refugees and support humanitarian aid.

“I also encourage other companies across Canada and the United States to join us contributing to relief efforts,” Creel said.

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headline news

SWISS LEND A HAND TO UKRAINE

SWITZERLAND The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation sent a shipment of Swiss relief supplies to Ukraine by rail on Monday March 7. SBB Cargo organised and took care of the transport to Poland.

This delivery contains everyday hygiene items worth one million Swiss francs. Migros and Coop provided the relief supplies.

The 19 rail wagons with around 300 tonnes of material were transported to the Ukrainian border.

This will followed by distribution in the interior of the country together with partner organisations of the SDC. Baby nappies, wet wipes, pads, tampons, toothpaste and baby food were shipped to the Ukrainian border.

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headline news

Pioneer Lines reaches safety milestone Twelve consecutive months without injury across Pioneer network’s fifteen US short line railroads

UNITED STATES Pioneer Lines, a holding company for fifteen short line railroads across the United States, has reached a milestone achievement of one year without injury across the entire Pioneer rail network.

This one-year milestone brings Pioneer’s injury frequency rate to zero, which is well below the industry average of 2.18 per 200,000 employee on-duty hours. This also marks an incredible safety turn-around for the company, which reported an astounding a 15.96 injury rate in 2018 and underscores the high priority Pioneer Lines has placed on safety since a new leadership took the helm at the company in 2019.

No injuries

“When our team came on board in 2019, Pioneer’s injury rate was unacceptable,“ noted Ross Grantham, Chief Operating Officer of Pioneer Lines. “We immediately recognised safety would be our first priority and we undertook a number of initiatives to build a strong safety culture and set a goal of reaching no injuries across our entire network. To have all our railroads reach this goal in such a small amount of time is an indication of the incredible men and women at Pioneer. This was a collective effort, and I am extremely proud of our team’s dedication to operating safely.”

“This is an incredible achievement for each of our railroads and team members,” added Pioneer Lines Chief Executive Officer and President Alex Yeros. “Not only have we reached a remarkable safety milestone, but we have done so while maintaining our customer-focused culture, which has led to significant growth in carloads since we acquired the company. We have encouraged a ‘Pioneer’ team mantra which focuses on responsibility, accountability and commitment to excellence across the organisation, urging our teams to focus every day on working to build a safer and stronger business. On behalf of Pioneer Lines, I would like to thank our employees for their contribution towards this milestone and success.”

Pioneer’s railroad network includes the Decatur Junction Railroad, Elkhart & Western Railroad, Garden City Western Railway, Fort Smith Railroad, Georgia Southern Railroad, Gettysburg & Northern Railroad, Indiana Southwestern Railway, Kendallville Terminal Railway, Keokuk Junction Railway, Michigan Southern Railroad, Mississippi Central Railroad, Napoleon, Defiance and Western Railroad, Pioneer Industrial Railway Co., Ripley & New Albany Railroad, and Vandalia Railroad.

The total recordable injury rate is calculated through monthly injury and Employee-On-Duty data reported by Pioneer Lines to the Federal Railroad Authority for the last twelve months.

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headline news

AYLESBURY TRAINS TO TAKE EXTRA 28,000

T

he move to cut lorry numbers will help reduce disruption for communities and comes as construction work continues on the early stages of the new high speed rail line which will pass to the west of the

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town.

HS2 (High Speed 2) has already run more than 500 freight trains into its site at Calvert since the first railhead opened in December 2020 – and the opening of this new facility on the Prince’s Risborough line, south of Aylesbury, will allow a further 285,000 tonnes of aggregate, needed for construction, to be delivered over the next four months.

Across the county, HS2 contractors are focused on com-

pleting archaeological investigations, excavating the Chiltern tunnel and delivering initials works such as the haul roads and internal access roads which will access to the main construction sites.

HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager, Paul Marshall said: “HS2 will offer low carbon journey options linking London with the major cities of the north and release capacity for more freight and local trains on our existing mainlines. But it’s also important that we cut the amount of embedded carbon in construction and work to reduce the number of lorries on local roads.

“That’s why I’m really pleased by the progress we have

headline news

0 HS2 TRUCKS OFF LOCAL ROADS HS2 confirmed that a decision to move more material by rail into construction sites near Aylesbury will take the equivalent of an extra 28,500 lorries off Buckinghamshire’s roads and avoid 9,680 tonnes of carbon emissions.

made – working closely with Network Rail, EKFB and the Rail Freight Operators – to deliver more material by rail to our construction sites across Bucks.”

The construction of the central section of the HS2 project - through Buckinghamshire, South Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire - is managed by HS2’s main works contractor, EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall. EKFB is delivering 80 km in total, including 17 viaducts, 81 bridges, three cut and cover ‘green tunnels’ and are set to create 3,000 jobs over the next two years.

EKFB’s Project Director, Ignacio Chicharro said: “EKFB is committed to using carbon-reducing methods within our

construction programme to help minimise disruption for the local communities and make our earthworks as efficient as possible.

“The additional rail head operation will remove more than 28,000 HGVs from the roads in Buckinghamshire.”

The trains into Calvert were operated by DB Cargo and Hanson, which will also be operating the railhead into Aylesbury.

Across the whole HS2 project, 15,000 freight trains are set to be used to haul 10 million tonnes of aggregate to construction sites – taking the equivalent of 1.5 million HGVs off the UK’s roads.

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headline news

VDV: Eliminate bottleneck

Network expansion, energy prices and staff shorta

R

ail freight in Germany has come through the Corona crisis relatively unscathed. The industry currently has better numbers than before the pandemic. Nevertheless, these are still not enough for the necessary growth and for achieving climate protection goals for 2030.

That was the theme of VDV (Der Verkehrsunternehmen - The Association of German Transport Companies) General Manager Oliver Wolff speaking in Berlin.

“There are numerous adjustment screws in grid expansion, in the development of energy prices, as well as the shortage of skilled workers, which we have to work on in order to achieve significantly improved development - both the industry itself and politics are required to do so.”

There are also external factors such as infrastructure expansion, the rising construction and material costs, which one has to accept as an industry.

“Our report on rail freight transport has shown factually well-founded that a market share of 25% by 2030 is very ambitious but also realistically achievable. Politicians and the industry must immediately create the necessary conditions to achieve the climate protection goals,” said Wolff.

The VDV is the industry association for bus and train operators with over 250 railway companies in passenger and freight transport.

Capacity bottlenecks

Capacity bottlenecks due to construction work are annoying. But with the current and planned future growth in rail freight transport, freight railways

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are also becoming increasingly concerned about performance.

Above all, the increasing number of construction measures in the German rail network can have a massive impact on the punctuality and reliability of transport.

A necessary evil from the point of view of the VDV: “First of all, the increased number of construction sites is an excellent sign that progress is being made in the country, that we are modernizing, expanding and digitising routes. Nevertheless, we also need more stable networks during construction phases, even if this increases the financial outlay.

“After all, rail must be a reliable mode of transport even during construction work. And that’s only possible if routes are used and timetables are adhered to despite construction work,” says Wolff.

This requires insight and co-ordination on all sides. You need a structural change in construction projects in close co-operation with politics.

According to the VDV, the service and financing agreement is not customer-friendly enough. Politicians must adjust here so that not only the most economical offer wins, but also the most economical one in that as much as possible can be transported by rail at any time.

According to the industry association, the growth of the market share in rail freight transport to 25%, which is envisaged by politicians and the industry as a whole, could otherwise not be achieved.

The operational quality had recently fallen considerably as a result of construction work, severe weather con-

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ditions and other reasons If the route network is not sufficiently available, the expense for the capital-intensive means of transport increases.

Price rises

Traction current and diesel prices are an important item when calculating passenger transport and goods transport by rail.

“This development will not affect everyone equally, but we have to be very concerned about individual railway companies in all areas.

“Those who are discussing this under the heading of market shakeout

headline news

s for traffic turnaround

ages are major challenges for German rail freight Personnel bottlenecks

Personnel bottlenecks must not become a bottleneck in the traffic turnaround “While Omicon’s failure rates in the industry due to illness or quarantine are not above average, the structural bottlenecks among skilled workers in both freight and passenger rail for local and long-distance transport are becoming increasingly clear,” explains Wolff. This is also confirmed by a special evaluation of the VDV industry survey for personnel from November 2021 with around 30 rail transport companies: “The shortage of personnel and skilled workers is becoming increasingly serious. We are looking in all areas, especially in driving operations, but also in the commercial-technical area. We advertise for engineers, we recruit IT specialists, we would like to train and hire many more,” says Wolff.

According to information from the Employment Agency (2020), there are just 54 job seekers for every 100 registered positions among train drivers who have the technical qualifications.

This job profile has therefore been on the list of so-called “shortage jobs” in Germany for years at the Employment Agency. Things are looking a little better in other areas, but here too there are not enough applicants to fill the vacancies and additional positions that have been created. And that despite the fact that even during the crisis at the freight railways, more staff were hired in the last two years than in the previous year. should be told that it will be precisely these companies and their capacities that we will ultimately miss to achieve the goals of the traffic turnaround,” says Wolff.

The VDV advises the German federal government to react appropriately in order to alleviate the tense situation for the industry.

For example, it should be considered to continue the train path price promotion for long-distance rail transport- currently around 50% discount as ‘corona aid’ - at a moderate level for 2022.

This would be practically applied to climate protection. The cancellation of the EEG levy, which the federal government has already announced for all consumers and companies, could also help prevent worse things from happening in the current situation.

Of course, the latter applies not only to the railways, but also to public transport, according to the industry association.

More recruitment in 2021 and 2020 than in 2019

“Even during the pandemic, transport companies cannot afford not to hire staff. On the contrary, we are desperately looking for people,” says Wolff.

On the one hand, there is a need for action due to demographic change - according to the companies, around 30% of the employees will have to be replaced by 2030 due to age. In addition, the necessary expansion of the offer to achieve the climate protection goals requires considerable additional hires: The companies forecast an additional demand of around 23 percent by 2030.

Over 72% of companies hired more staff in 2021 than in the previous year. “After the need for skilled workers had already increased compared to the previous year’s survey, 62% of the rail companies say that it has increased again.8. 328 job vacancies,” concludes Wolff.

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headline news

RFG AWARDS 2022: T

he Rail Freight Group (RFG) Awards 2022, which recognise excellence in all aspects of rail freight, have been launched. The UK rail industry group encourages all members to use this opportunity to take the chance to acknowledge the outstanding work done by your teams up and down the country, each and every day.

The period of eligibility covered by these awards is: April 1 2021 to March 31 2022. The deadline for entries is: Tuesday May 31 2022.

Each entry submitted must not exceed 2,000 words. However, judges welcome supporting statements from third parties that do not exceed 500 words. No pre-published advertising or marketing materials will be accepted for consideration.

Winners will be presented with their trophies at an informal ceremony and dinner on Thursday September 8 2022 at a hotel north of London.

AWARD CATEGORIES

• Driving Rail Freight Growth • Sustainability & Safety • Innovation & Talent • Rail Freight Project of the Year • Outstanding Individual Contribution • Young Rail Freight Professional • Business of the Year Award (chosen by the judges from en-

tries received in the other categories)

DRIVING RAIL FREIGHT GROWTH

RFG’s mission is to increase the volume of goods moved by rail – benefiting the environment and economy – and to help its members to grow their businesses.

This category seeks to recognise those companies which

have helped rail freight to grow. For instance, through enabling modal shift from road to rail, excellent customer care, developing new products and services, and/or changes to policies, systems and processes essential for growth.

This could be achieved through overcoming physical, legal or technical barriers or developing software, infrastructure and/or equipment to improve productivity or to make new flows viable.

It also includes working closely with customers and potential customers to understand their needs and demonstrating a genuine commitment to serving those needs.

This category covers both new and increased existing cargo flows, and includes those who have ensured that existing services have been sustained when threatened by short-term incidents or long-term changes.

SUSTAINABILITY AND SAFETY

The rail freight industry recognises that in order to thrive, we need to act responsibly and sustainably with respect to communities and to the environment.

The safety – of our people and those working with us, as well as of the general public – is a vital component in this strategy.

RFG welcome submissions from companies which can demonstrate evidence of sustainable development – from cutting emissions/noise to building better relationships with local communities and promoting the benefits of rail freight.

This also includes instituting new safety measures, making depots and terminals safer and more environmentally friendly, developing or trialling new fuels/software/ways of working to

You must be a member of RFG to enter. If you are not al tact phillippa@rfg.org.uk. Entries, with completed entry for

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headline news

CALL FOR ENTRIES increase sustainability/safety, finding ways to attract new cargo flows to rail.

INNOVATION AND TALENT

For rail freight to thrive the industry must innovate constantly and develop the best workforce for the future. This category recognises businesses which are investing in talent development, and/or in innovation and technology.

The judges are looking for evidence of real innovation in the range or quality of services provided to customers as well as in technical development of infrastructure, rolling stock, handling equipment, safety, software and communications systems, etc.

This category also includes the launch/extension of recruitment, training and apprenticeship programmes, and programmes to improve diversity and inclusion in the sector to ensure the industry is drawing from the widest talent pool.

RFG recognise that upskilling and recruitment are vital for the future growth of the industry. Submissions should demonstrate that the innovation, technical development or talent programme submitted has improved, or is improving, the service quality, safety, productivity, cost-effectiveness and/or capacity of rail freight services, or otherwise contributing to the sustainability and growth of rail freight.

RAIL FREIGHT PROJECT OF THE YEAR

This is a wide-ranging entry category. An eligible project may comprise anything from a new civil engineering maintenance programme or technique to reduce interruptions to rail freight services, new infrastructure facilities to improve network ca-

lready a member and would like to join RFG, please conrm, should be sent to: Yvonne Mulder: yvonne@rfg.org.uk

pacity and reliability, products to encourage modal shift and/ or other environmental benefits or operational initiatives to increase service speeds or freight train weights / lengths.

The main criterion is that the project should make, or should directly contribute to, a significant improvement in the quality, range and or safety of services offered to freight users, as well as enhancing the market prospects for rail freight.

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION

The RFG would like to encourage its members to nominate a member of staff who has made an outstanding contribution to their business and the interest of rail freight. It gives the opportunity for companies to publicly recognise their staff who make a real difference within the business and/or with customers.

YOUNG RAIL FREIGHT PROFESSIONAL

This category recognises the importance to the industry of encouraging and helping to develop its newest staff, who often go unrecognised. It is open to staff under 30 years of age on January 1 2022 who should be nominated by a manager or colleague or customer for providing exceptional service or a major contribution to a project or programme.

This category is also open to those who have entered the industry in the last two years (from January 1 2020 onwards) and have made an outstanding contribution in that time. Entries submitted should contain clear examples of where the nominee has made a significant contribution to rail freight, the company and/or its customers.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

The winner of the Business of the Year award is selected by the judging panel from all entries received on the basis of the successful organisation’s all-round performance.

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headline news

VR Group’s new diesel locomotive begins test runs in Finland

FINLAND The first new Dr19 locomotive arrived in Finland in February to start extensive test runs. The tests ensure the functionality of the locomotive on the Finnish railway network. VR Group has ordered 60 new diesel locomotives from Stadler. They will mainly be used in freight traffic. The first new locomotives will be introduced into commercial traffic in 2023.

The new locomotives will undergo a comprehensive test programme which includes test runs on different railway sections and in different train configurations as well as shunting work tests where wagons are arranged in the railway yards. The test period will last until the end of 2022.

“The new diesel locomotives will be mainly used in freight traffic and their pulling capacity is twice as effective as in our old locomotives. Today, train is by far the most low-emission mode of transport, but we are committed to reducing emissions even further. The new locomotive has many climate-friendly features and its particulate emissions are significantly lower than those of our old diesel fleet. Nitrogen oxide emis-

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sions, for example, are 80% lower,” says Ilkka Heiskanen, Senior Vice President, Train Operations and Safety, VR Group.

There is still a need for diesel locomotives, as only slightly more than half of the Finnish railway network has been electrified. VR aims to maximise the amount of electric hauling but in the future other power sources will also be needed in addition to electricity produced with hydropower. The structure of the new locomotive has been designed so that diesel can, in the future, be replaced with a more climate-friendly energy source once sufficiently competitive and reliable alternatives are available on the market.

“After working intensively on the development of these state-of-the-art locomotives, we are very proud to see the first Dr19 in Finland for testing on the rail network. The high-performance locomotives have been designed, in close cooperation with VR, to operate efficiently and reliably under extreme temperature and weather conditions.

We are convinced that the environmental-friendly Dr19 locomotives will support VR Group’s strategy to improve the

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quality of customers service in freight traffic,” says Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia.

Better operational reliability

The Dr19 locomotive plays a significant role in logistics transport. The modern diesel locomotive enables increasing train sizes and increasingly climate-friendly transport.

“The new locomotives are an investment in the operating preconditions of Finnish industry. We want to use modern cutting-edge locomotives, which are more efficient, safer and more reliable than before. For the customers, our new locomotives will enable even greater operational reliability,” says Martti Koskinen, Senior Vice President, VR Transpoint.

Dr19 locomotives will replace the slowly aging diesel locomotives, which by then will be about 40–60 years old and have already exceeded their normal lifecycle. In 2022, five locomotives will be delivered to Finland and after that the deliveries will continue until the end of 2026.

headline news

Amtrak recognises CP as best performing host railroad

UNITED STATES Amtrak President and CEO Stephen J. Gardner has congratulated Canadian Pacific (CP) for earning an industry-leading “A” grade for the sixth consecutive year on the annual Amtrak Host Railroad Report Card. This ranks freight railroads for keeping Amtrak trains on-time. Gardner presented the host railroad award to CP President and CEO Keith Creel at Amtrak Chicago Union Station. ”We’re proud of the Amtrak-CP partnership and we applaud you and your team’s continued commitment to providing outstanding service to our passengers. Congratulations on six years straight as Amtrak’s best performing host railroad,” Gardner said. ”CP is honoUred to receive this recognition of the success we have achieved as a host railroad providing industry-leading service to Amtrak on our lines,” Creel said.

In January, Amtrak and CP announced an agreement com-

mitting to maintaining CP’s industry-leading role as a host railroad and to cooperating with Amtrak to implement its long-term strategic vision to bring new and expanded intercity passenger rail service to the Midwestern and Southern US. ”Given CP’s consistent record as an Amtrak host, we are supporting CP’s proposal to expand its network in a merger with Kansas City Southern,” Gardner added. ”CP is pleased to continue to support Amtrak and its infrastructure projects to provide capacity needed to accommodate additional service and thankful to Amtrak for its support of our historic combination with Kansas City Southern,” said Creel.

In addition to its strong dispatching performance from its Minneapolis-based rail traffic control centre, CP was the first Amtrak host to certify schedules to measure on-time status at each Amtrak station.

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

CARGOBEAMER NAMES BORIS TIMM AS COO, BOOSTS MANAGEMENT TEAM

GERMANY CargoBeamer, the leading operator for unaccomIn that period, Krasowka led the strategic realignment of the panied transport of non-cranable semi-trailers in Europe, has transport plan in Western and Southern Europe at Euro Cargo signed manager Boris Timm to the newly created position Rail in Paris (recently rebranded as DB Cargo France) as Head as Chief Operating Officer (COO). He becomes a member of of Service Design and member of the management board. At the executive board. A proven expert in European rail freight CargoBeamer, Krasowka will take over the Operations departtransport, he recently served as Head of Intermodal Europe at ment, while Schadler will head Sales and Customer ManageAmazon and spent many years at Maersk in various management. In addition to his position at CargoBeamer intermodal ment positions before. In addition to Timm, two new managoperations, Krasowka also serves as Managing Director of Caring directors, Tim Krasowka and Mario Glöckner, have been goBeamer’s French business.

Krasowka says: “In the past, I have repeatedly been in conappointed. Krasowka will take over management of CargoBetact with the CargoBeamer system and have already become amer intermodal operations together with Matthias Schadler, familiar with many of its facets here. CargoBeamer offers one while Glöckner will head CargoBeamer Terminal jointly with of the best approaches for this Thomas Rietz. All positions are in the market and can be the newly created, recording no answer to numerous challengdepartures from the board and es in the logistics industry, so I management level. look forward to re-shaping the With the signing of Timm, logistics industry in the coming CargoBeamer expands its exyears.” ecutive board from previously three to now four members.

As COO, he joins the existing group of Nicolas Albrecht Leading role (CEO), Dr Markus E. FischIn Glöckner, CargoBeamer has er (CFO) and Dr Hans-Jürgen been able to hire an expert in Weidemann (CTO). In his new the identification and develFrom left: Boris Timm, Tim Krasowka and Mario Glöckner role at CargoBeamer, he will be opment of new terminal locaresponsible for the operational and commercial development tions. For several years, the manager with a degree in interof the company’s offering on its way to becoming one of the national business led the pan-European corporate real estate most important players in European rail freight transport. expansion at the e-Commerce start-up Zalando.

Timm explains: “With CargoBeamer’s mission to shift road Glöckner explains: “I am very pleased to become part of transport to rail on a large scale and thus make the train acCargoBeamer and to identify and co-develop new terminal cessible for all types of semi-trailers, we have the opportunity locations in Europe with the team in the future. At CargoBeto change the European transport sector significantly in favour amer, I am looking forward to working at a company with high of a greatly improved environmental balance in the coming growth ambitions in an international market again to make our years. As a person who cares about rail, I fully share this vision. goal of a Europe-wide network of terminals a reality.”

In addition, the exciting challenge of building up CargoBeamer Nicolas Albrecht, CEO of CargoBeamer, on the new hires: to one of the leading players in the European intermodal busi“The appointment of Boris Timm, Tim Krasowka and Mario ness ultimately convinced me to become part of CargoBeamGlöckner is an important step for us and a strong signal on er’s journey.” the way to becoming one of the most influential players in the combined transport sector in Europe. With the signing of Boris and Tim we have massively strengthened our operaKnowledge of international rail freight tional know-how. Both are bringing excellent knowledge and Krasowka will take over the management of CargoBeamer ina strong network in the European intermodal business to the termodal operations, which is responsible for operating, distable and will be instrumental in driving our expansion plans of patching, and selling the company’s intermodal trains across establishing lanes in numerous new markets. Mario will own a Europe. He brings more than 15 years of experience in Euroleading position in the selection of new locations for our Carpean rail freight transport, during which he held various mangoBeamer terminals, for which he brings excellent expertise agement positions within the Deutsche Bahn Group in Germathanks to his past professional stations. We are very pleased ny, France and Switzerland. to have Boris, Tim and Mario on board at CargoBeamer now.”

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

John Hudson CBE joins NTS board

UNITED KINGDOM Nuclear Transport Solutions NTS has appointed John Hudson (CBE) to its board as an independent non-executive director. Announcing the appointment, Wanda Goldwag, the Chair of NTS, said: “I am delighted that John is joining NTS to support the important role we play in delivering specialist transport services on behalf of customers in the UK and overseas. His leadership experience from within the maritime sector will be invaluable as we develop and grow our world-leading transport and logistics capability.”

Hudson said: “It is a privilege to be joining the Nuclear Transport Solutions Board.

NTS’s work is of vital national and international importance, and I am very much looking forward to contributing to its continued success as a leading global provider of safe, secure and reliable nuclear transport solutions.”

He has over 20 years of executive management experience working on large complex programmes with a particular focus on the maritime sector. He was managing director of BAE Systems Maritime Group until 2019, with responsibility for managing the company’s large portfolio of maritime interests. Prior to that he spent many years in shipbuilding, becoming Engineering Director then Managing Director at the Barrow Shipyard.

Hudson is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He is married with one son and enjoys rock climbing and cycling. He took up his position as non-executive director in March 2022.

Greenbrier Appoints Lorie Tekorius as CEO UNITED STATES The Greenbrier Companies, a leading international supplier of equipment and services to global freight transportation markets, has appointed Lorie Tekorius to the role of President and CEO, effective March 1.

“Lorie’s contributions to Greenbrier are outstanding and worthy of her new role. She has excelled in assignments of increasing responsibility throughout her long career with Greenbrier. Lorie epitomizes the Company’s values of respect for humanity, integrity, and the interests of all stakeholders. Lorie’s dedication to Greenbrier and the transportation industry extends over more than two decades. The Board of Directors and I are confident her tenure and leadership will drive high impact outcomes,” said Chairman, CEO and co-founder William A. Furman. “Greenbrier is a global freight equipment and services provider with a strong foundation in place for long-term growth. Lorie’s vision for the Company is innovative and strategic. I am proud that tomorrow she becomes Greenbrier’s second-ever CEO.” Tekorius began her career with

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Greenbrier in 1995 and has risen through many positions of increasing leadership. Most recently, she served as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), working side-by-side with Furman and key leaders to grow Greenbrier at scale; to enhance its core business strengths of engineering, manufacturing, commercial and leasing; to develop its international business, while advancing workplace diversity, equity and inclusion; and creating a strong external and internal talent pipeline along with succession planning for key management.

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Prior to her promotion to President and COO, she served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and directed Greenbrier’s strategic team and process over the past five years. During her tenure as CFO, Tekorius was integral to the strategic growth, development and restructuring of Greenbrier’s operations.

“In her position as President, Lorie delivered significant results for the Company, including oversight of multiple business units. She has also managed two of Greenbrier’s largest acquisitions, global diversification, expansion into foreign markets and the integration of thousands of new employees in that time period,” said Lead Director Admiral Thomas B. Fargo (USN Retired).

In addition to her career at Greenbrier, since 2019, Tekorius has served as an independent director on the Board of Directors of Alamo Group, which manufacturers equipment for infrastructure maintenance, agricultural and other applications. She is an active community member, serving as President of the Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation Council of Trustees.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Holenda new CCO of PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL POLAND On March 1 2022, Kamil Holenda was appointed the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL. Holenda will continue in the Group as Chairman of the Board of Directors of AWT Rekultivace, a subsidiary of PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL. He replaced Anna Różalska as CCO of PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL, who will work in the company as Sales Manager for intermodal and automotive segments.

During his professional career, Kamil Holenda worked as a managing director and CEO of Keravit and later held the position of CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of company SEEIF Ceramic. Since April 2017 he has been a Member of the Board of Directors of AWT Rekultivace and since August 2018 he has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors of this company. He is a

graduate of the Faculty of Economics of the VSB – Technical University of Ostrava.

“Kamil Holenda has many years of business and management experience in managing of companies.

“He knows the processes in the PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL Group very well and therefore has excellent preconditions for managing the Sales Department. He will be responsible for managing of sales team, business and development activities of the Group, fulfilling our ambitious goals and coordinating our business activities with the companies of the PKP CARGO Group.

“On behalf of the company’s Board of Directors, I wish him many successes in his new position and satisfied existing or new customers,“ says Dariusz Seliga, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL.

INDIANA RAIL ROAD ANNOUNCES ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNITED STATES Over the past year, The Indiana Rail Road Company (INRD) has undertaken organisational realignments streamlining the management structure, recognising future leaders that have demonstrated core values and skill-sets to become future leaders of the company.

As part of this realignment, Matt Haire has been promoted from Director to Assistant Vice President, Information Technology. Haire joined INRD’s IT department in 2004 as a Technology Specialist working on web development and internal web applications.

After advancing to Manager of Information Technology and then Director of IT, he focused on implementing technologies and solutions that would increase efficiencies, reduce costs, improved service and reliability to support internal and external customers.

This promotion is indicative of Matt’s experience, expertise, and proven results demonstrated throughout his career with INRD. “Informational Technology is a critical component to support our operation. Matt’s leadership is being recognised for his unwavering desire to lead his team that deliver top quality support every single day.” said Dewayne Swindall, president and CEO of The Indiana Rail Road.

“This well deserved promotion will continue to solidify our strategic realignment.”

The Indiana Rail Road Company is a privately held, 250-mile railroad which serves southwest Indiana and eastern Illinois, connecting the entire North American rail network via strategic gateways at Chicago, Indianapolis and Newton, Ill.

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$15 million grants and loans to improve Wisconsin rail freight UNITED STATES Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), has announced nearly $15 million in grants and loans for five freight rail projects worth an estimated $24.4 million. The projects will enhance safety by replacing timber bridges, improving crossings and allowing emergency vehicle access.

“These freight rail projects are an investment in a critical part of Wisconsin’s supply chain,” Evers said. “Modern and efficient freight rail makes our communities safer and our whole transportation infrastructure stronger.

“This work will mean shorter routes for some emergency vehicles, higher weight limits for some trains, and a more modern rail for Wisconsin.”

“Strengthening bridges, creating new routes for emergency vehicles and updating crossings improves safety and the efficient movement of goods and services,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “Wisconsin’s freight rail network is a critical part of our transportation infrastructure and these grants make strategic investments for our future.”

Last year, Evers signed the 2021-23 biennial budget which provided $20 million for the Wisconsin Freight Railroad Preservation programme (FRPP).

Through this investment, the FRPP provided $12.7 million in grants, and the Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP) provided $2.1 million in loans. The remaining funding is from matching funds from participants.

For fiscal year 2022, Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) has been awarded funding for the following four projects: Janesville Bridges and Track Restoration – WSOR has been awarded a grant of up to $2,256,140 and a FRIIP loan of $1,128,070 to rehabilitate five bridges and one mile of track in Janesville. The project, which will increase capacity of the bridges to 286,000-pound carloads, is estimated to cost $11,280,700. The Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission, Pecatonica Rail Transit Commission and East Wisconsin Counties Railroad Consortium have all pledged financial support to the project.

Reedsburg Subdivi-

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sion Track Rehabilitation Phase 2 – WSOR has been awarded a grant of up to $3,782,400 and a FRIIP loan of $472,800 to rehabilitate 22 miles of track from Waunakee in Dane County to Devil’s Lake in Sauk County.

The project will consist of replacing 27,550 ties and reconstructing nine public road crossings.

Prairie Subdivision Bridge Replacement – WSOR has been awarded a grant of up to $2,995,404 and a FRIIP loan of $374,426 to replace four timber bridges on the Prairie Subdivision in Crawford, Grant, Iowa and Sauk Counties.

The project bridges will be replaced with new steel trestles at a total cost of $3,744,255.

Reedsburg Subdivision Bridge Rehabilitation – WSOR has been awarded a grant of up to $621,376 comprising 80% of the $773,565 total project cost to rehabilitate two bridges located near Lodi in Columbia County.

The City of Madison has been awarded funding for the following project: Bridge 259 Replacement – The City of Madison has been awarded a grant of up to $3,068,800 comprising 80% of the $3,836,000 cost to replace bridge 259 over Troy Drive in Madison with a longer structure that will accommodate a wider roadway and sidewalks and enable greater vertical clearance to allow passage of emergency vehicles. These improvements will enhance access to the Troy Drive neighbourhood.

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DRS on cloud nine after Golden Whistle awards

(credit – Tony Miles/Modern Railways). L - R – Simon Richmond, Traincrew Leader; Neil Dodd, Performance Manager; Sam Dixon, Senior Operations Planning Manager; Martin Henderson, Production Manager; Sue Bell, Performance Controller; Alex Vickers, Train Planner; Andy Lewis, Control Manager; Tim Starkey, Train Driver; and Seth Kybird, NTS CEO.

UNITED KINGDOM Direct Rail Services (DRS) has been named the ‘Best Performing Rail Freight Operator’ for the ninth year running at the Golden Whistle awards.

The prestigious Golden Whistles are awarded on operational performance and DRS has been, once again, recognised as the UK’s most reliable freight operator.

This is the first time in two years the awards could take place in person and members of the team were thrilled to be able to accept the award on behalf of DRS and as Nuclear Transport Solutions’

(NTS) rail division.

The awards are in their thirteenth year and DRS has won a total of 10 of the ‘Best Performing Rail Freight Operator’ awards, an outstanding achievement.

Chris Connelly, NTS Deputy CEO and Rail Director, said: “It has been another tough year for the industry and so I’m delighted our commitment to delivering safe, secure and reliable rail freight services has been recognised with our ninth Golden Whistle award. It wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and professionalism of our entire team – the drivers, planners, controllers, engineers

and everyone who works behind the scenes.

“We’re always looking to improve, innovate and deliver, and next year will be no exception.

“We’re pushing more environmentally friendly rail freight solutions and giving our customers a huge boost to meeting their carbon reduction targets.

“The last 12 months have seen us become part of NTS and this award demonstrates we’re well on track with our ambition to be the leading global provider of sustainable transport solutions.”

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Record earnings for BNSF in 2021 UNITED STATES Fort Worth-based BNSF Railway, described as one of the four “giants” in the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio of companies, finished 2021 with big numbers that grew both revenue and traffic. BNSF closed out the year with record earnings of $6 billion.

In Berkshire’s annual report to stockholders, Chairman Warren Buffett stated: “BNSF continues to be the number one artery of American commerce, which makes it an indispensable asset for America as well as for Berkshire.

If the many essential products BNSF carries were instead hauled by truck, America’s carbon emissions would soar.

BNSF trains travelled 143 million miles last year and carried 535 million tonnes (225 million kmk) of cargo. Both accomplishments far exceed those of any other American carrier. You can be proud of your railroad,” according to Buffett.

BNSF’s operating income rose 13.7% with revenues up 11.6% in 2021. That relates to $8.8 billion in operating income and $22.5 billion in revenue. One of the key indicators is the railway’s operating ratio, which improved to a record high 60.9%.

The Berkshire Hathaway annual report also focused on competition to BNSF. “The business environment in which BNSF operates is highly competitive. Depending on the specific market,

deregulated motor carriers and other railroads, as well as river barges, ships and pipelines, may exert pressure on price and service levels. The presence of advanced, high service truck lines with expedited delivery, subsidised infrastructure and minimal empty mileage continues to affect the market for nonbulk, time-sensitive freight.”

Operating efficiencies

“The potential expansion of longer combination vehicles could further encroach upon markets traditionally served by railroads. In order to remain competitive, BNSF Railway and other railroads seek to develop and implement operating efficiencies to improve productivity. As railroads streamline, rationalise and otherwise enhance their franchises, competition among rail carriers intensifies,” as the report noted.

“BNSF Railway’s primary rail competitor in the Western region of the United States is the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Other Class I railroads and numerous regional railroads and motor carriers also operate in parts of the same territories served by BNSF Railway.”

Looking to be greener in the future, the annual report noted that “consumption of diesel fuel by locomotives accounted for approximately 80% of

BNSF’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its baseline year of 2018. BNSF management has committed to a broad sustainability model, applying science based approaches, that will provide a 30% reduction in BNSF’s GHG-emissions by 2030 from its baseline year of 2018.

BNSF intends to continue improvements in fuel efficiency and increased utilization of renewable diesel fuel. Long-term solutions, such as battery-electric and hydrogen locomotives, are also being evaluated and field-tested,” according to the report.

BNSF volume was up 6.9% for 2021: Coal shipments up 8.9% Consumer products up 7.7% Industrial products up 5.4% Ag products up 2.9%

Revenue increases ranged from: 21.5% up in coal, linked to export demand, increased electric generation and higher natural gas prices 13.7% up in consumer products with a spike in intermodal traffic 5.8% up in agricultural products 5% up in industrial products

VDV: MORE ELECTRIC RAIL TRAFFIC GERMANY According VDV (Der Verkehrsunternehmen - The Association of German Transport Companies) President Ingo Wortmann: “We have to further electrify the German rail network in the coming years. The overhead line is still the most efficient and cost-effective form of electrification. In practice, however, the construction of overhead lines fails due to lengthy and complicated planning and approval processes. We have therefore drawn up concrete proposals for a simplified and therefore faster electrification of railway lines.

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“This means that the industry’s goal of increasing the degree of electrification in the German rail network from the current 60% to at least 75% can be achieved in the coming years.”

In the new VDV position paper “Electrification of railway lines as part of the energy transition”, industry experts underline why electrification is still the best form of railway operation to transport large numbers of people and goods as reliably and quickly as possible. Electric traction enables heavy freight trains to be used with fewer locomotives and at higher speeds.

Overhead line advantage In addition to the constru on routes that have not now, vehicles that are o fuel cells can also be use er source.

In addition, higher s aged with a uniformly e “But these types of driv depending on the route.

The federal German agreement contains far-r

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US Border Patrol Agents See A Rise in Train Rescues UNITED STATES US Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector encountered more than 30 migrants, trapped in rail cars, in 48 hours.

On February 28, at approximately 07:45, Border Patrol agents assigned to Uvalde Station discovered a group of migrants locked in car haulers near Uvalde, Texas. Agents discovered 25 migrants attempting to conceal themselves in the vehicles throughout the rail car. The group included individuals from Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico. At the time of the encounter, the temperature was 31 degrees F. On February 27, at approximately 04:00, Uvalde agents were conducting train operations near Uvalde when their canine partner alerted to a locked car hauler. Agents discovered seven migrants in vehicles throughout the rail car, with no

means of escape. The group included individuals from Honduras and Mexico. At the time of the encounter, the temperature was 40 degrees F. On February 26, at approximately 06:45, Uvalde Agents, with the assistance of their canine partner, discovered another group of migrants again locked in car haulers near Uvalde. Agents encountered five migrants attempting to conceal themselves in the vehicles throughout the rail car.

The group included individuals from Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico. At the time of the encounter, the temperature was 40 degrees F. All individuals encountered were identified as undocumented migrants and will be processed in accordance with US Customs and Border Protection policies and guidelines.

C FOR MORE CLIMATE PROTECTION

es uction of overhead lines t been electrified up to operated by batteries or ed as an alternative pow-

synergies can be leverelectrified rail network. ve can also make sense,

government’s coalition reaching goals for accel-

erating and simplifying planning and approval for construction projects. Proposals submitted by the VDV for the simplified construction of overhead lines fit exactly with these federal political considerations.

The association also sees further potential for improvement in the basic design of contact lines: In future, the design of overhead lines must be better adapted to the respective requirements of the operational management of routes.

The VDV is developing a set of rules for economical overhead contact line systems on re-

gional railway lines, for example with maximum speeds of up to 120 km/h.

“Our experts have dealt very intensively with specific suggestions for improvement to speed up planning for the electrification of the rail network.

“We are happy to offer the present recommendations to the political decision-makers at federal and state level as a contribution to the solution of the industry to quickly achieve more climate-friendly and efficient electric rail transport in Germany,” says Wortmann.

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Missouri Eastern Railroad commences operations UNITED STATES The Missouri Eastern Railroad (MER), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jaguar Transport Holdings (Jaguar), began rail operations on March 1 2022. In January 2022, MER acquired approximately 42 miles (68 km) of track located in the western portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. In February 2022, it acquired leasehold rights to approximately nine miles (14 km) of adjacent track owned by Union Pacific. MER’s operations from just west of Union, Missouri to Overland, Missouri where it interchanges with the Terminal Railroad of St. Louis.

“We are excited for the opportunity to begin serving customers in the St. Louis area,” said Stu Towner, CEO of Jaguar.

“The railroad’s location in the center of the country with access to six class I railroads, multiple interstate highways, and the Mississippi River offers current and future customers tremendous reach across the United States.”

Missouri Eastern is the seventh shortline railroad for Jaguar, who has partnered with OPTrust, one of Canada’s largest pension plans. Other Jaguar railroads include Cimarron Valley Railroad, Southwestern Railroad, Washington Eastern Railroad, Oregon Eastern Railroad, Texas Eastern Railroad, and West Memphis Base Railroad.

Jaguar is a transportation and logistics company headquartered in Joplin, MO.

CN aims to create new Kansas City Speedway

CANADA CN has filed an application with the US Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting specific conditions related to the approval of the pending Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) merger. CN’s application asks the STB to condition any approval of a CP-KCS merger on the divestiture of the KCS line from Kansas City, Missouri to Springfield and East St. Louis, Illinois (the Kansas City Speedway) to CN, pursuant to the STB’s statutory authority to order “the divestiture of parallel tracks” as a merger condition. Granting CN control of the line will provide customers with a new competitive option to move goods across a key North American economic corridor.

“Under the right ownership, we believe there is a clear opportunity to bring widespread economic benefits for customers and communities across the American Midwest and Canada. CN has a comprehensive plan for the Kansas City Speedway that will increase competition, create jobs, reduce roadway congestion, and positively impact the environment,” said Rob Reilly, CN Executive Vice President & COO.

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3Squared welcome Andrew Stephenson MP to HQ UNITED KINGDOM On Thursday February 24, rail technology consultancy 3Squared were honoured to be visited by Andrew Stephenson MP, at their office in the heart of Sheffield. He was finding out more about how the business is giving back to the local community by generating new opportunities and creating industry changing innovations.

The Minister was welcomed and given a walking tour by Tim Jones, Co-Founder and Managing Director, around the office to meet and greet members of the 3Squared team and find out more about how the business supports the local community; in particular, its academic partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and apprenticeship scheme, which seeks to create new roles across the region and nurture talent within the rail technology space.

The delegates were also given a deep dive into the pioneering technological solutions that 3Squared provide the rail industry with. Highlights included an overview of how 3Squared are enabling the rail industry to solve its complex challenges, its involvement in HS2 and project highlights, including the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) and a BulkSmart application demo (developed for HS2), led by Martin Gleadow, Head of IT and Technical Innovation.

Of the visit to the rail consultancy, Andrew Stephenson MP commented: “It is positive to have HS2 suppliers in the North, in turn generating new opportunities and growth across the region.”

James Fox, Commercial Director and Co-Founder, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to take Andrew around the office and give him an insight into 3Squared and how we aim to support the wider rail industry. “We are extremely proud of our roots in Sheffield and look forward to playing a key role creating new opportunities across the region, for many more years to come.”

L-R: Andrew Stephenson MP, Tim Jones (Co-Founder and Managing Director, 3Squared) and Martin Gleadow (Head of IT and Technical Innovation, 3Squared)

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Industrial Nanotech expands into railroad tank car insulation UNITED STATES Industrial Nanotech announced that the Company has reached an agreement with a railroad tank car owner to provide thermal insulation for the tank cars they own and operate. They will also be the exclusive distributor to the railroad tank car industry globally. Additional details on the new partner will be disclosed in an upcoming joint press release.

The initial focus will be on 9,300 cars. There are approximately 500,000 tank cars in the US. The revenue to the Company per tank car is approximately $35,000.

“This is a market we are uniquely qualified to benefit,” states Stuart Burchill, CEO/CTO of Industrial Nanotech Inc.

“Railroad tank cars are limited by the Department of Transportation with regard to weight, length, width and height.

By replacing the existing insulation with a thinner and lighter insulation, we increase the volume and weight available for product carried per tank car, with no increase in cost per mile of transport distance. For this industry, our product will pay for itself in weeks.”

To handle the anticipated large inquiry of demand, Industrial Nanotech is looking to hire three additional sales representatives by the end of Q2. Interested applicants can send CVs to answers@syneffex.com.

A win-win: Texas siding projects get boost from diverse suppliers UNITED STATES Two separate but key Union Pacific initiatives – supplier diversity and train length – are merging in Texas, leading to a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Four siding extensions are under construction or have recently been completed with diverse suppliers in the west Texas, San Antonio and Houston areas.

Longer sidings, which act as passing lanes, are critical pieces to Union Pacific’s train length strategy. They allow the railroad to decrease or eliminate train meets, which reduces main line congestion and delays. The more fluid the network, the more efficient it becomes. These capital investments are vital to meeting the transportation needs of our customers and improve our operational efficiency.

“As these projects reach the finish line, we’re able to unlock our longer train strategy on various routes,” said Mark Allen, director-Track Construction, Engineering, Spring Texas.

“Working with diverse suppliers opens up new perspectives on how we do things. It takes lock-step co-ordination between

Track Construction and the Supplier Diversity team to ensure effective projects, and we’re looking forward to more opportunities in the future.”

Diverse suppliers on the four Texas siding extension projects include Latino-owned Macro Z Technologies and Native American-owned Choctaw Construction Services, said Randall Lasenburg, manager-Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain.

“Leveraging diverse suppliers ensures our supply needs are met while allowing us to work with companies who are reflective of the communities Union Pacific serves,” Lasenburg said.

“These are large, complex wins. We do not sacrifice quality or safety for diversity efforts. We are always looking for safe, qualified and price-competitive suppliers. Mark Allen and his team have been very supportive and open to taking calculated risks that create opportunities for diverse suppliers.”

The Supplier Diversity team increased diverse spend by 23% ($522 million) in 2021 after a nearly 30% ($95 million) increase in 2020.

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How did the railcar fleet do in 2021?

By Dick Kloster - Integrity Rail Partners UNITED STATES All things considered, the rail equipment markets fared reasonably well in 2021. Even though the freight markets were schizophrenic and couldn’t figure out if they wanted to recover from the pandemic-induced recession or not, enough cars were brought back into service to bring the stored-car surplus down considerably.

In addition, steel prices were high which increased the scrap value of old and busted rail cars and induced many car owners to clean out significant portions of their surpluses. All told, the retirement rate easily exceeded 50,000 cars.

On the new car delivery side, 2021 started off slowly but picked up by the third and fourth quarters, finishing the year at 29,280 cars. However, this volume is well below the longterm fleet replacement level needed to keep the fleet current — which is 40-45,000 cars year-in and year-out.

The net effect on the overall fleet size was a 30,000-car reduction to about 1,636,000 cars today.

What’s in store for the railcar fleet in 2022?

Going into 2022, there was a lot more optimism about the rail

equipment market than there was going into 2021. New car deliveries are expected to total 43,656 cars, a 49% increase over and could very well be the beginning of a multi-year build cycle. The principal driver? Equipment availability.

Freight improvements lead to reduced equipment availability since car supply tightens and draws more cars out of storage. At some point, new car demand is needed to fill the availability gap, and new car orders increase. New cars carry a new car price, both in terms of original equipment cost and lease rates. New car lease rates tend to pull up the lease prices of existing cars — and have a direct linkage to car availability or lack thereof — which is what started the chain of events in the first place.

Freight volumes will finally decide to have a sustained recovery, not 2021’s two steps forward, one step back pace. The rail car surpluses will continue to shrink, but at a slower pace than in 2021. Retirements will remain well above the longterm replacement trend. New car orders will be healthy-tostrong, with the backlog rising some — deliveries should mostly offset the order rate. Finally, and at least what the lessors have been waiting for… higher lease rates.

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Loup Logistics acquires big foo UNITED STATES The recent acquisition of a premier reload facility in one of the fastest growing counties in America gives Loup Logistics (Loup) a big footprint in an expanding market Loup, a wholly-owned Union Pacific Railroad subsidiary, acquired Precision Components Inc.’s (PCI Reload) in late 2021.

The 100+ acre (40 ha) facility processes more than 8000 rail cars annually in Arizona’s Maricopa County, a county that consistently ranked as one of the top growth counties in the nation in the last decade.

“The long-term growth opportunity is incredible. We have room to grow our business and the facility, providing the efficiency and environmental benefits of rail service to customers seeking access to the greater Phoenix market,” said Kiley Freeman, General Director - Marketing & Sales, Loup.

Maricopa County’s population grew by 15.8% from 2010 to 2020, more than twice the national rate, according to 2020 US Census data.

Role to play

The growth is expected to continue and Loup Logistics has a role to play in that growth, said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

“Advanced manufacturing is growing in the region and is expected to increase faster in Greater Phoenix than any other competitor market over the next five years, adding 5,400 jobs,” said Camacho.

“Loup Logistics’ acquisition of the Phoenix Transload Facility will ensure that the region’s modern shipping infrastructure remains reliable with this growing demand. Efficiency of rail creates opportunity for all current businesses and its dependability is instrumental in attracting business and investment from the world’s biggest companies,” added Camacho.

The acquisition is also an opportunity for Loup to carry on a legacy of quality service at a transload facility that helped fuel Arizona’s growth, providing easy, efficient access to Union Pacific tracks in the heart of Phoenix.

Family business

PCI Reload is a 60-year-old family business with an exemplary reputation – known for being customer focused.

Hal Owens, President – PCI Reload, is an incredible advocate for rail and has been a great business partner with Union Pacific for more than 25 years, said Shelly Huckfeldt, manager in Marketing and Sales – Network Economic and Industrial Development.

“Hal is highly respected within the business community. He

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has a reputation of doing the right thing. He wants his customers to be happy and he strives for consistent, reliable service,” said Huckfeldt.

Owens acknowledged there is a lot of “mixed feelings” that come with selling a family-owned business that his father, Herb, started in 1962, with 10 acres (40 ha) in what was then mostly an agricultural area.

Today, PCI Reload is in the heart of an industrial area, sur-

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otprint in hot Arizona market

rounded by freeways in all directions making it a perfect location to feed the supply chain.

“Many industries and businesses relied upon us to reach the rail system and we were proud to go in that direction, especially since railroads are a green, efficient option,” said Owens.

PCI Reload includes 125,000 square feet (12,500 sq m) of covered storage and three miles (4.5 km) of rail capacity. It processes over 8,000 rail cars and 38,000 trucks annually, offering transloading, storage and trucking solutions to customers shipping in and out of the Phoenix market. It is the largest transload

facility in the Phoenix area, transporting lumber, metals, plastics, and food.

“PCI Reload and Loup had a great partnership long before this acquisition and we are so proud that we have been given this opportunity to carry on Hal and PCI’s legacy of growth with integrity,” said Freeman.

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Weeds meet their match UNITED STATES There is new vegetation management technology traversing Union Pacific tracks. Developed by the railroad’s own employees, the new spraying technology boosts its ability to manage vegetation while translating to more efficiency for Union Pacific’s entire 23-state network.

“Clearing vegetation is an important part of track management,” said Antonio Buelna, director-Rail Management, Engineering. “It eliminates potential tripping hazards and helps make signage more visible for employees and communities.” Union Pacific’s fleet of hyrail trucks previously sprayed vegetation from the rails, typically covering up to 30 miles (46 km) of track on a productive day. Although the trucks were a valuable tool, spraying from the tracks typically meant the path was off-limits for trains.

“They both can’t occupy the same track, so it can lead to network congestion,” Buelna said.

He and others on the Union Pacific team worked together to devise a solution: rather than using a hyrail truck, the new design features equipment pulling five water cars – and at the tail end, a sprayer car tackling vegetation.

Since Union Pacific started testing the equipment in May 2021, its standard 12-hour shift has covered around 160 track miles (257 km) a day. The system carries 100,000 gallons of water and consumes 25-60 gallons per mile.

The spray equipment works in tandem with freight operations.

“It reduces the network impact,” Buelna said. “It’s a win-win – there is less network congestion and we’re more effective with our resources and moving customers’ goods.”

Buelna said it is rewarding to see the equipment making a difference and it wouldn’t have happened without so many hands pitching in.

“I’ve seen it as my little baby,” he said. “It’s been great to watch it move from the design process to actual execution and implementation. It’s taken buy-in from many other departments, including supply chain, tech, engineering, Harriman Dispatching Centre and Mechanical. It’s a multi-team success.”

Crew quarters will be added this July, allowing the service to operate 24/7 and cover around 300 miles a day (482 km).

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A BOOM IN STEEL TRANSPORT FOR DB CARGO ITALIA ITALY For the first time ever, the steel sales unit at DB Cargo Italia Services, a subsidiary of DB Cargo, moved over one million tonnes of steel for its Italian customers in 2021. The total in 2020 was 645,000 tonnes, itself down some 20% on the preceding years.

However, the latest statistics show that steel transports have not only recovered from their pandemic-induced slump; they have also seen a sharp increase over pre-Covid levels. Two factors are driving this growth. For one thing, existing customers are transporting more freight by rail and DB Cargo has also won new customers. For another thing, customers have access to DB Cargo’s Europe-wide single wagon network.

DB Cargo and DB Cargo Italia Services work together to dispatch international train transports. While DB Cargo handles the business of moving wagons within the rail network, DB Cargo Italia Services concentrates mainly on the first mile, which entails door-to-door transports for customers without a private siding. This has a twofold impact.

Companies benefit from flexible transport capacity. Thanks to the single-wagon network, block trains can carry up to 2,000 tonnes of steel to their various destinations while also enjoying uncomplicated access to the rail system.

Reliable transport in pandemic

There is another factor for rail’s success:

It proved to be a reliable form of transport for the steel industry throughout the pandemic.

Massimiliano Caglio, Sales Manager at DB Cargo Italia Services, and his colleague Sarah Erian also believe there are other reasons. “We have grown because lorries are in short supply and because the cost of moving freight by ship has gone up,” Caglio says. “These changes presented DB Cargo Italia Services with an opportunity. We seized it immediately by making the most of our own transport capacities and our dependable connections.”

According to Erian: “Environmental issues have become important to Italian customers. Thanks to rail transport, they can reduce their CO2 emissions.”

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editor@freight-tracks.com ! t s i l n o i t u b i r t s i d s s e r p r u o Put us on y www.freight-tracks.com March 14 2022 n 31

NEWS REVIEW

A SINGLE LOGO FOR SINGLE WAGONLOAD GERMANY Single wagonload transport (SWT) is not just the backbone of the German economy. It is also crucial for the modal shift and the fight against climate change because trains cut CO₂ emissions by 80% per load unit and transport connection. This is one of the reasons why DB Cargo and its partners in Netzwerk Zukunft Einzelwagenverkehr, the network for the future of single wagonload services, want to generate greater awareness of SWT’s importance and versatility as a form of freight transport. The association’s members plan to step up their collective activities for this service and market it as its own brand.

Shared logo for a stronger brand

The network was founded in May 2021, and 29 of the 150 rail freight operators in the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) have so far joined. These partners want to strengthen their co-operation and promote the network’s continued growth. One of the network’s plans is to launch its own logo that will help create a brand for SWT and also bring the partners closer together. The idea is to demonstrate their commitment to a common product. Marvin Stupp, Head of Railway Sales at RheinCargo, describes the new development like this: “By coming up with the logo for SWT as a product, we

have finally created a recognisable identity for the sustainable and future-focused single wagonload services that we have been providing to our customers for decades, with the support of our partners at DB Cargo.”

Customers and the environment

The association aims to attract new partners by highlighting its joint marketing activities and the benefits of being part of a network, with sustainability serving as the primary motivation to come on board. Transporting freight exclusively by train for the entire length of the supply chain delivers maximum climate protection when compared to the use of conventional road haulage. Switching to rail is also worthwhile for anyone with a small consignment to move.

The joint logo for SWT symbolises the diversity and strength of a Europe-wide network that gives customers access to the modern and competitive logistics services of committed and inspiring partners. “Single wagonload transport is the backbone of successful and sustainable economic growth.

A high-performance network can take shape only when all rail operators, DB Cargo included, come together.

“The new logo represents this teamwork along with the network’s diversity,” says Remo Piesker, head of Regional Sales West at DB Cargo.

New rail shuttle between Port of Gothenburg and Rosersberg SWEDEN Green Cargo has introduced a new freight shuttle between the Port of Gothenburg and Rosersberg, north of Stockholm, which strengthens the conditions for further growth.

Departing six times a week, the shuttle transports paper products and other goods from Rosersberg to the Port of Gothenburg, for onward transit to France and the UK. “Rosersberg is an expanding region, particularly in the logistics sector. The establishment of a rapid, efficient, climate-smart link to the world using the full Port of Gothenburg service offering is extremely positive,” said Antti Laakso, Senior Logistics Development Manager, Gothenburg Port Authority.

The shuttle began operating in January and can carry 40 trailers or more than 80 TEUs. The aim is to double the volume with two trains per day.

The prime movers behind the shuttle are DFDS and Green Cargo. In Gothenburg, goods are handled at the Arken Intermodal Terminal, located directly beside the ro-ro and container terminals, where they are then loaded and discharged for onward shipment to and from transocean and European markets.

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”This is yet another example of the trend with climate-smart and transport-efficient approaches where each mode of transport is used where it is most useful. We are seeing a strong rise in demand for rail transport between ports and terminals,” said Richard Kirchner, Market Director at Green Cargo.

The bulk of the freight transported by the shuttle consists of paper products, destined mainly for the UK and France. On arrival in Gothenburg, the freight is loaded onto DFDS vessels and shipped to the two countries.

“We are happy to be able to offer a daily intermodal service in collaboration with Green Cargo that connects northern Stockholm and Gothenburg in a good way. The timetable is adapted to match our departures to and from Ghent, Zeebrugge and Immingham. It has also been shown that the solution is attractive for transit volumes between Finland, the Baltics and the UK,” said David Forsberg, Sales Director at DFDS Seaways.

The combi terminal in Rosersberg is owned by the logistics company Train Alliance and has two fixed terminal cranes serving four 750m parallel tracks. The 90,000 sq m has a further 60,000 sq m to facilitate future expansion.

NEWS REVIEW

CEF PSA UBS Action project: knowledge transfer workshops for braking experts from rail freight corridors Workshops will be held online on April 7 and 28 2022 from 09.00 to 12.30 GERMANY In 2017 the European Commission launched a Rail Technical Operational Issues Logbook, the main aim of which is to identify barriers to interoperability hampering international rail freight traffic, especially on rail freight corridors (RFCs).

One of the most important priorities is the technical operational issue of different national braking rules and requirements. To harmonise braking rules within the TEN-T rail freight area in the EU, a working group set up by Xrail and the International Union of Railways (UIC) looked into concrete solutions to overcome this braking rule barrier. Linked with that initiative, a project named CEF PSA UBS Action was launched to resolve the technical operational issue of different national braking rules and requirements and implementing the Unified Braking Scheme (UBS) as a pilot project along the Rhine-Alpine Corridor.

The main goal of the CEF PSA UBS Action project is to demonstrate that rail safety is not at all degraded by the UBS solution and therefore fulfils all the requirements set out in the Safety Directive CSM REA. One of the tasks to accomplish

that goal is to transfer the knowledge gained across the TEN-T rail network.

As the first activity, the pilot and test trains have run on the Rhine-Alpine Corridor and experience and feedback have been gained.

The second activity is to share knowledge and practices from the pilot experience through workshops. The workshops also aim to implement the new braking rules and related processes within TEN-T corridors. These workshops will bring together experts from railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, national ministries and representatives of the European Union Agency for Railways.

The knowledge transfer workshops will be held online on 7 and 28 April 2022 from 09.00 to 12.30, with the same agenda for both workshops.

Participants can thus choose to attend one of the workshops based on their availability.

Braking/operational experts from RUs, IMs, NSAs and MoTs in Rail Freight Corridors in Europe are welcome to attend.

AUSTRALIA To deliver its plan of an integrated network of independent terminals, the Australian Government has established the National Intermodal Corporation Limited (National Intermodal).

Previously known as Moorebank Intermodal Company, National Intermodal will support the planning, delivery and operation of the Government’s significant investment in new stateof-the-art intermodal terminals across Australia’s east coast.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce said the establishment of National Intermodal will service Inland Rail and facilitate an integrated approach to Australia’s interstate rail freight network.

“As an exporting nation, Australia relies on our commodities and manufactured goods reaching international markets to generate the wealth that underpins our standard of living and prosperity,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We are building Inland Rail to build additional resilience into Australia’s supply chains and better connect our exporting industries with their customers, so that our nation can con-

tinue to earn the money that pays for the services Australians need and deserve.

“National Intermodal will work with the Commonwealth, State Governments, the Australian Rail Track Corporation and industry to develop and operate the Melbourne and Brisbane intermodal freight terminals in time for the commencement of Inland Rail’s full operations in 2027.”

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher said the government owned company delivering Moorebank is well placed to deliver the Commonwealth’s future intermodal investments.

“Moorebank Intermodal Company has built up significant expertise over the last decade, facilitating the development of Australia’s largest open access intermodal terminals precinct - the Moorebank Logistics Park in Sydney,” Minister Fletcher said.

“We now want the company’s board and management to utilise that experience and expertise in the development of the national network of modern, state-of-the-art, open access interstate terminals.

New National Intermodal Corporation to facilitate an integrated approach to Australia’s freight network

www.freight-tracks.com March 14 2022 n 33

NEWS REVIEW

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NEWS REVIEW

Wabtec and UP partner to use higher biodiesel blends UNITED STATES Union Pacific Railroad will begin using a higher biodiesel blend in locomotives it acquired from Wabtec.

The new collaboration helps Union Pacific as it works to increase the percentage of low-carbon fuels consumed to 10% of its total diesel consumption by 2025 and 20% by 2030.

“Increasing the use of renewable diesels and biofuels currently represents the most promising avenue to help Union Pacific meets its environmental goals,” said Beth Whited, Union Pacific’s Executive Vice President – Sustainability and Strategy.

“We want to drive emissions down as quickly as possible, and we believe this new project with Wabtec will make a difference.”

Union Pacific will begin testing with B20 biodiesel and R55 renewable diesel on trains powered by Wabtec FDL engines operating in California in the second quarter. As testing progresses, it is anticipated that higher percentages of biofuels will be used. The project will help Union Pacific meet its science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% by 2030 and

reach its ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Union Pacific has a comprehensive ESG initiative, which includes the exploration of alternative fuels and emerging technologies,” said Bob Bremmer, Group Vice President for Wabtec’s Fleet Innovation and Transformation division.

“Biodiesel and renewable diesel are important sustainable solutions for the rail

industry both in the near-term and in the future.”

Wabtec locomotives were previously approved for B5 R30 (5% biodiesel and 30% renewable diesel) for locomotive engines. Biofuel is a domestically produced, clean-burning, renewable substitute for petroleum diesel. This renewable fuel increases energy security and improves air quality.

CP debuts interline service from Lázaro Cárdenas to Chicago

CANADA Canadian Pacific, working with Kansas City Southern (KCS) on an interline basis, has successfully launched the first dedicated international intermodal train between Lázaro Cárdenas and the US Midwest. This first Lázaro Cárdenas to Chicago train was born out of the need to avoid excessive delays due to the unprecedented and ongoing supply chain challenges affecting North America’s West Coast.

The first train carrying containers offloaded at Lázaro Cárdenas arrived Tuesday morning at CP’s Bensenville Yard in the Chicago area. CP is pleased to report that total transit time from vessel arrival at Lazaro to train arrival in Chicago was just seven days. CP and KCS cooperated as interline carriers to offer

a new intermodal service to meet market demand.

“This Mexico-to-Midwest train is a proof of concept and a sign of things to come if a combined Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) network is approved by the Surface Transportation Board (STB),” said Keith Creel, CP President and Chief Executive Officer.

“With STB approval, CPKC will work with our customers and invest in new infrastructure and train services to unlock the full potential of the combined network to offer unmatched supply chain alternatives and benefits compared to other rail options through congested ports and a real alternative to highway-clogging trucks.”

www.freight-tracks.com March 14 2022 n 35

WORKSHOPS

KEEPING THE WH 36 n

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WORKSHOPS

Akiem Technik

HEELS TURNING www.freight-tracks.com March 14 2022 n 37

WORKSHOPS

keeping the wheels turning A broken down,out of service freight railcar or locomotive is the ultimate drain on a railroad’s bottomline. Static rolling stock is obviously not in revenue service. Jonathan Webb puts on his overalls to investigate how rolling stock is put back together.

P

rior to privatisation of the railways in the United Kingdom in the 1990s, heavy locomotive repairs were mainly carried out at four major British Rail Engineering Ltd (BREL) works – Derby, Doncaster, Crewe and Swindon.

It was the infamous 1982 Serpell Report, a UK-government commissioned report looking at how the rail industry could slash costs, that first mentioned that they be sold off.

While the report was quietly binned, its conclusion that vast swathes of the network would have to be axed, proving too much of a political hot potato, a recommendation that workshops be privatised was acted upon.

BREL had long suffered from a poor perception by potential bidders, even though it had a turnover of £300 million. This perception resulted in a prolonged sale period and although there were twelve expressions of interest, only two of these actually put bids in – GEC (in association with Alstom) and a

Railco Repair of Illinois

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consortium led by MEBO. In January 1989, it was announced that MEBO was the preferred bidder and BREL was subsequently sold to the consortium for £13.6 million. The sale of the business, thought to be worth approximately £80 million, raised a few eyebrows, but ignored that fact that £75 million was needed to complete a restructuring programme. Both Swindon and Derby works had closed by this time and in the following years Doncaster and Crewe would be significantly reduced in size, the land being sold off for housing.

Crewe Works especially is a shadow of its former self, with it only repairing components and the majority of track within the works having been lifted.

Brave new world

Looking at the way rolling stock is repaired today, we can see

WORKSHOPS the vast change in methods used. No longer are locomotives and wagons towed to works every time a major repair is need, instead most jobs can be carried out at depots, such as Freightliner’s Crewe facility and DB Cargo’s Toton depot, with works visits reserved for things such as accident damage.

Freightliner is the largest freight operator of electric locomotives in the UK and has recently opened a brand new maintenance facility at Ipswich. Strategically, Ipswich is a very important location for the company. Many of its key container services operate between the Port of Felixstowe – the UK’s largest maritime port, and inland terminals, along with services from other UK ports such as London Gateway and Southampton.

This state-of-the-art locomotive and wagon repair facility has also created a boost to the local economy, with the creation of 20 skilled engineering jobs in the area. It also houses an inspection pit, two overhead cranes and an extended onsite car park for staff, along with a wheel lathe to re-profile and maintain locomotive and wagon wheels. It is the first to be installed in this part of the country with the capability of re-profiling wagon and locomotive wheels whilst fitted to the vehicle as well as loose wheels.

Obviously, the roundness of wheels is essential. An eccentric wheel will not only cause extreme loads to be exerted on the wheel, but also on the axle, bearings and suspension – ultimately leading to failures. It was an eccentric wheel that is thought to have contributed significantly to the 1998 rail crash at Eschede, in Germany – which saw many passengers killed.

The wheel is alleged to have had an eccentricity (difference between major and minor axes of the ellipse) of 1.1 mm, against a limit of 0.6 mm. It’s a long way from when rail operators used to paint a white line over the wheel tyre and hub – so as to measure if the tyre had moved – and a man tapping the wheel with a hammer, a ring confirming that there were no cracks in the wheel. Another consideration when choosing Ipswich as the location for the 54m maintenance building was that Freighliner’s existing Ipswich site was already rail connected and there was sufficient unused space to accommodate the new facility without construction work causing disruption to the wider network.

The Crewe Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) is comprised of a two-road diesel Loco fuel point built in 2015 and a five-road maintenance shed opened in 2016. The facility operates 24/7 providing maintenance services for both electric and diesel locomotives across four types, 08s 66s, 70s and 90s. Home to Freightliner’s electric fleet, the Crewe VMF team carry out all planned maintenance activities on these locos including wheelset changes, bogie overhauls and transformer changes up to C exams.

A team of mobile Field Service Engineers, managed from Crewe but strategically located throughout the country undertake planned maintenance and repairs in the field, minimising locomotive downtime.

By carrying out minor exams, it means all the major work can be done in ‘bits and bobs’ meaning that it avoids having

the locomotive out of service for months having a major exam – such as an F exam. Items such as oil levels will get checked on a regular basis by maintenance staff, with drivers also checking levels as part of their preparation duties.

Batteries are checked during every exam. Oil changes depend on the maintenance instructions, but it’s not uncommon for diesel locomotives to undergo a monthly oil sample check.

This is analysed by a laboratory, which checks for any exceptional readings. High sodium contamination could indicate an internal coolant leak, whereas high levels of tin could be an indication of pointing at big end or main bearing wear. It is routine for a visual inspection to be carried out by ground staff when Freightliner trains arrive at container terminals. This is called a ‘roll-by’ check and is a procedure whereby any obvious problems can be spotted and acted upon before the train forms a return service.

Sometimes a locomotive or wagon will develop a fault while in service or a fault may be too minor for it to return to a depot. In such situations a mobile field service engineer will attend (AKA man in a van).

Initially, the driver will attempt to overcome any problems, as a train ‘sitting down’ on the main line is not only operationally inconvenient, but also expensive in terms of delay minute compensation, payable to other operators affected by the failure. Some of the most common problems that mobile field service engineers are called out to include brake problems, although a fair few of these are caused by yard staff leaving handbrakes on wagons! Also trains which have struck cattle or trespassers cause issues. The latter incidents often cause damage to brake pipes, requiring a ‘make do repair’ to enable the train to clear the main line – such events are, by their very nature, messy and unpleasant for the unfortunate person called out to carry out the repair.

Fabien Rochefort, Akiem group CEO

Over the Channel

Across the Channel, Akiem is building a €10 million maintenance workshop at Ostricourt, north of Douai, in northern4

www.freight-tracks.com March 14 2022 n 39

WORKSHOPS

4

France. This development signals the extension of the group’s European maintenance network into France and also marks its support for the growth and development of rail freight. Not only do Akiem aim to provide freight operators with the enhanced flexibility that they demand, it is focussed on driving down maintenance costs in France, so that they align with the costs seen in other European countries, without having to cut corners regarding reliability and availability.

Fabien Rochefort, the Akiem group’s CEO, said: “Our Akiem Technik subsidiary provides maintenance operations in 17 countries across Europe on a daily basis. The new facility will consolidate its presence in France and western Europe. Our goal is to boost our financial performance and the quality of the services we offer our customers. The new site will be far more than just a workshop; it will serve as a launchpad for our strategy to develop industrial partnerships as well as innovation, training and upskilling across the entire western Europe region.“ The majority of the maintenance work will be carried out at the new site, with Akiem’s mobile teams collaborating with

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external maintenance partners, so as to carry out maintenance work at a location that is most convenient for its customers. As with Freightliner’s Ipswich maintenance facility, the Ostrikourt facility aims to create a virtuous local circle of job creation and skilling – with many indirect jobs being created in addition to the 60 jobs created by the new facility.

Going Dutch

In an exciting move, the Netherlands’ Intermodal Telematics (IMT) has collaborated with Hitachi Rail to enhance the latter’s offerings for the rail freight sector. The new partnership enables Hitachi’s current digital freight service to incorporate IMT’s monitoring sensors, allowing for real-time monitoring of rolling stock.

The sensors allow a wide range of conditions to be monitored including location of wagon, its loading status, whether doors and hatches are open or closed, temperature of goods being carried and the state of the bogies and wheelsets. This information is transmitted to the cloud via a solar powered

WORKSHOPS GPS device. The move follows last April’s purchase of UK-based rail technology company Perpetuum, by Hitachi. Perpetuum’s remote condition monitoring alerts operators to developing damage, so an intervention can be made before a failure occurs – enhancing the lifespan of the wheels and optimise maintenance cycles by averting failures.

This new alliance, gives IMT exclusive rights to deliver the Perpetuum sensor to the freight sector.

IMT managing director and founder Dethmer Drenth said: “This partnership adds a significant value to our railcar market offering as we expand our renowned assets and cargo related monitoring to specific predictive asset maintenance monitoring with the Hitachi/Perpetuum sensor.

“In that way we create a holistic view of the railcar above and below the axle, alerting the asset and cargo owner on a need-to-know and managing-by-exception basis.”

“Ostrikourt

facility aims to create a virtuous local circle of job creation and skilling.”

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WORLD FREIGHT TRAIN DAY

WORLD FREIGHT TRAIN DAY 2022 LAUNCHED Organisers aim to help rail freight raise its profile around the world and mark one of the most important dates in railway history

A

ccording to Wikipedia, a freight train, cargo train or goods train is a group of freight cars (US) or goods wagons (International Union of Railways) hauled by one or more locomotives on a railway, transporting cargo all or some of the way between the shipper and the intended destination as part of the logistics chain.

But for those who work within the industry and even those on the other side of the boundary fence who just love watching the trains go by, this dry description barely covers what they feel about rail freight, about freight trains.

If you are reading this magazine, you too must enjoy and appreciate the freight train.

You’ll know that almost all railroad operations started as freight carriers, designed to get coal to the cities, manufactured goods to the quayside, farm produce to the market.

Fast forward to the third decade of the 21st century and it is clear that millions of the public are unaware of the freight train legacy. In most advanced countries, freight as a function of the railroad ecosystem has all but disappeared from public view.

City centre rail yards have been history for decades. Back in the day, clanking manifest trains made up of mixed box cars, tank cars, piggyback cars and gondolas in North America or a slow goods train in the UK trundling milk wagons and goods vans, were visible up and down the country.

Now, the rise and rise of global supply chains founded on the ubiquitous and standardised ocean container means that when you do see a freight train it looks very much like almost every other freight train you see.

That might be a bit of an exaggeration but you get the drift.

So Freight Tracks, which has been established to champion and inform the sector, wants to correct this. That is why we have worked to launch the first World Freight Train Day on September 27 2022.

We intend this day to be a special one for all rail freight staff, operators, planners and even users.

With a range of downloaded publicity material and educational packs for schoolchildren, we will provide materials that can help spread the message about the importance of rail freight around the world.

sary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR). It was a railway company that operated in north-east England from 1825 to 1863.

The world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives, its original route connected collieries near Shildon with Darlington and Stocktonon-Tees in County Durham.

The movement of coal to ships rapidly became a lucrative business, and the line was soon extended to a new port at Middlesbrough.

While coal waggons were hauled by steam locomotives from the start, passengers were carried in coaches drawn by horses until carriages hauled by steam locomotives were introduced in 1833.

There had of course been tramways and plateways for many decades in a number of countries before the S&DR but this was the first recognisable operation that has the modern characteristics of a railroad. That is why the symbolic date has been chosen.

An appeal

For the next seven months, we will be working on plans to mark the day in an appropriate manner. We appreciate that many operators and industry bodies currently promote rail freight. However this is often to their own regions or countries. We aim this to be a global effort.

We will approach strategic partners for sponsorships and donations to cover the costs of developing promotional and educational material.

Any excess investments made towards the day’s events will be donated to suitable railway industry charities both in the UK and elsewhere.

I would very much like to bring together all those in the industry tasked with promoting the industry to outsiders to work on this project.

If you would like to get involved in any way, just get in touch - editor@freight-tracks.com.

September 27 1825

So why have we decided to mark this day on September 27?

World Freight Train Day will be staged on the 197th anniver-

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James Graham, Founder & Editor, Freight Tracks

SMALL SCALE RAIL FREIGHT

All’s well in a well car In each issue of Freight Tracks we look at scale model versions of modern and old school freight rolling stock HO scale Gunderson rebuilt All-Purpose 40’ Well Car - Ready-to-Run -- TTX DTTX 455845 Forward Thinking Logo

A must-have for modelling contemporary US intermodal operations, WalthersProto Gunderson Rebuilt All-Purpose 40’ Well Cars make it easy to add these distinctive cars to an HO layout. The prototypes were built from obsolete 48’ well cars by removing eight feet from the centre and the fifth-wheel hitch plates used for semi-trailers. The two halves were then welded back together, creating these distinctive 40’ well cars.

The model version

The model, RRP $39.98 from established manufacturer Walthers, is fully-assembled and ready for service on the layout.

Features of the model include: one time run of these road numbers, order now - limited quantity available; prototype conversions in service mid-2000s to present.

It carries containers from 20’ to 40’ in its well - 40’ to 53’ top-loaded. Etched metal see-through walkways are included. Heavy die-cast metal body for excellent operation empty or loaded.

There is an authentic body with “weld line” details. Factory-installed wire grab irons, brake gear and other details complement ultra-smooth rolling 33” RP-25 turned metal wheelsets

Proto MAX metal knuckle couplers are installed.

The real railway

Since 1955, TTX has been a unique and creative provider to the rail industry.

Throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, the signature yellow cars of TTX Company move along North America’s railroads carrying containers, trailers, automobiles, lumber, steel, paper and a long list of other goods and raw materials that consumers and compa-

nies rely on every day.

But, TTX is not a railroad. And, it is not a railcar leasing company.

TTX is a railcar pooling company.

Founded as Trailer Train in 1955 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, the subsidiary invested in a new technology – flatcars that would haul highway trailers. More rail carriers soon bought stock as well, and in 1974 they proposed to establish the distribution principles under a “pooling agreement” approved by the federal Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).

Pooling means that railroads share the railcars bringing several benefits.

First, railroads have the flexibility to respond to changing market conditions because the fleet is already established.

Second, they do not have to waste resources switching out and returning empty railcars, eliminating supply chain inefficiencies.

Third, the capital burden on railroads is reduced because TTX buys the cars, lowering operating costs and reducing the industry’s risk.

All of these help keep the railroads competitive to the benefit of the shipping public.

Its right-sized, low-cost, reliable fleet of 168,000 railcars serves North America’s railroads and the world’s freight needs. TTX helps railroads meet their customers’ needs by providing, tracking and maintaining railcars in an efficient, pooled environment, investing over $10 billion in additional railcars since 2000.

www.freight-tracks.com March 14 2022 n 43

A winner!

Rail freight off-duty

End of the Line.

Last month, Cris Dewhurst was the lucky winner of our competion to win a copy of this splended book, Logomotive.

In the next issue - March 28

Canada country report The hicube boxcar 44 n

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BECAUSE NOT ALL FREIGHT ON A TRAIN MOVES IN A BOX

visit: tankcontainermedia.com

KEEP THE DATE: September 27, 2022

Around the world, day and night, freight trains move the stuff we need, the stuff we enjoy and the stuff we make. Hour after hour, cargo is shifted from the quayside, the factory door to the warehouse.

WORLD FREIGHT TRAIN DAY 2022 will celebrate the drivers, yard staff, loaders, planners and workshop staff who get the freight through.

Freight Tracks will work with railroads and Freight Operating Companies to promote the importance of the modern freight train in the global supply chain. The date marks the day the world’s first public railway, the Stockton & Darlington Railway in England, opened.

Over the next eight months, we will plan a series of events and projects that salute the Freight Train in all its importance.