Freight Tracks Issue 44

FREIGHT tracks ISSUE #44

OCT 30 2023

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR RAIL FREIGHT

FROM HISTORIC TO FUTURISTIC

20th century 'Miss Railway' traction into drives cargo the 21st century off the road

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CONTENTS OCTOBER 30 2023 ISSUE 44

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY Talking Point Top News News On This Day

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COVER STORY

Powering 20th century traction into the 21st century 4

COVER STORY

Photos by Shan Liu

Converting an old 08 Shunter from diesel to battery power

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and decided to re-engineer it, converting it into a battery-powered locomotive.

Before transporting it to Positive Traction HQ in Chesterfield, several obsolete parts, including the diesel engine, were removed from the locomotive. To keep the project confidential until significant progress had been made, the locomotive's number was covered, which caused a stir on social media.

hunter 08308 has a history dating back to the 1950s. Seven decades after it was created, it had fallen into a state of disrepair and ended up rusting and abandoned on an English railway siding. It required new pistons and a crankshaft or could face an appointment with the breaker’s torch. Despite its sorry appearance, UK-based Positive Traction engineers recognised its potential

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY Upon arrival at Positive Traction's engineering workshops in Chesterfield in Derbyshire, 08308 underwent further disassembly, which included draining and removing the fuel tank, taking out the air receivers for inspection and overhaul, removing window glass and eliminating redundant electrical wiring.

Extensive preparation work was necessary before new equipment could be installed on the 08e. The remaining body was meticulously cleaned of corrosion and a fresh coat of primer was applied to prepare it for the transformation.

With 08308 reduced to its core elements, Positive Traction began the process of rebuilding it into an innovative version known as the 08e. A key consideration was the addition of interlocking metal plates to compensate for the weight lost during the removal of outdated components. This design allowed for flexibility in adjusting layers and overall mass, depending on the intended application.

To enable the locomotive to operate on battery power, numerous new components were integrated. This included a new dryer compressor and a set of BMAC lights, bringing 08308 firmly into the 21st century.

Certain parts of the vehicle underwent necessary overhauls, such as replacing the old rod bearings with self-lubricating composite versions, eliminating the issue of oil leakage associated with old diesel 08s. The air receivers were tested and updated as needed, and the rear axle bearing was rejuvenated.

At the core of the new battery-based prime mover are the PT Powerpod and PT Powertrain. The PT Powerpod houses bat-

tery cells, a battery management system, and a battery charger. The 08e can incorporate up to six PT Powerpods, each delivering 88kWh of power.

The PT Powertrain serves as the control centre, managing traction control, battery status, monitoring, driver interface, diagnostics, and data control, serving as the crucial "brains" of the system.

One of the major changes to the 08 Shunter is the new bonnet that contains the battery pods, the control system, auxiliary converter, air dryer and air compressor. It is considerably lower than the original and this new design (along with updated cab windows) significantly enhances visibility from the locomotive’s cab and improves safety for the driver and anyone else nearby. The redesign of the structure was a great opportunity to consider all aspects of improving interaction quality.

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY Once the equipment was installed and the revised body design put into position, the 08e underwent a fresh coat of paint and was adorned with its exclusive livery, featuring a new logo and Vehicle ID. The transformation was finalised with the installation of new windows Dressed in its striking prototype livery, the 08e embarked on its trials and testing phase at Barrow Hill Roundhouse where it was subsequently introduced to the industry, stakeholders and the media at an event earlier this month.

Following these tests, the 08e is scheduled for an industry professional debut before being handed over to its inaugural customer for their own testing, trials, and, ultimately, acceptance.

Positive Traction is brimming with excitement for the future of the 08e and the myriad possibilities that battery-powered trains bring to the table, says the company.

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COVER STORY

HOW A GRONK BECAME TH ELECTRIC FUTURE T

he British Rail Class 08, manufactured by British Railways (BR), represents a class of diesel-electric shunting locomotive. Known as a ‘Gronk’ to thousands of UK railway enthusiasts and trainspotters, these locomotives served as the standard BR general-purpose diesel shunter and were a common sight at major stations and freight yards.

However, since their introduction in 1952, the landscape of rail traffic in Britain has undergone significant changes. Today, freight trains consist mainly of fixed wagon sets, while passenger trains are predominantly composed of multiple units or include Driving Van Trailers, making the use of shunting locomotives largely unnecessary. Consequently, a significant portion of the Class 08 locomotives has been retired from mainline service and can be found in storage, have been dismantled, exported or sold to industrial or heritage railways.

It is precisely this locomotive class that forms the foundation of the 08e. As recently as three years ago, approximately 100 locomotives from this class continued to operate on industrial sidings and the primary British railway network. Notably, they had become a common sight on heritage railways, featuring on many of the preserved standard-gauge lines throughout Britain. Over 80 of these locomotives have been preserved, including the very first one ever constructed.

The Class 08 design was originally derived from the LMS (London Midland and Scottish) 12033 series, later known as the TOPS Class 11. In addition to these, there were 26 nearly identical but higher-geared Class 09 locomotives, as well as 171 similar locomotives equipped with different engines and transmissions.

Some of the latter were later reclassified as Class 10.

Collectively, these locomotives amounted to a total of 1193 outwardly-similar machines.

The pioneer locomotive, numbered 13000, was constructed in 1952, although it didn't enter service until 1953. Production of the Class 08 locomotives continued until 1962, resulting in a total of 996 locomotives being manufactured. This made the Class 08 the most numerous among British shunting locomotive classes and, indeed, the most numerous among any British locomotive class in general.

These locomotives were produced at various BR works, including Crewe, Darlington, Derby, Doncaster,and Horwich.

In 1985, three locomotives were modified, with reduced height, for use on the Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway in southwest Wales, and these became Class 08/9. The remaining locomotives in the class were reclassified as sub-class 08/0. Two more were converted to 08/9s in 1987.

The initial locomotive to be withdrawn from service was D3193 in 1967. Four other Class 08s were withdrawn before the TOPS reclassification in 1973.

Withdrawals continued in the following decades, and by the early 1990s, the majority of the class had been retired from service. As part of the privatisation of British Rail in the mid-1990s, most of the surviving locomotives came under the ownership of EWS, with some being acquired by passenger operators for use as depot shunters. Simultaneously, many were purchased by heritage railways.

Export traffic Sixteen locomotives, with a 350 hp capacity, were

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COVER STORY

HE FOUNDATION FOR AN

Under the bonnet

originally built by English Electric as 0-6-0DE models.

These locomotives were based on the Class 11/Class 08 design but were modified to operate on a 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) gauge. They were newly constructed and exported to Australia between 1951 and 1953, where they entered service on the Victorian Railways under the designation of the F class.

Additionally, five Class 08 locomotives were exported to Liberia, bearing the numbers 3047, 3092, 3094, 3098 and 3100. All five of these locomotives are still present in Liberia; however, over the years, they have suffered significant parts theft.

The locomotive is equipped with an English Electric (EE) 6-cylinder, 4-stroke, 6KT engine. Its traction is provided by two EE 506 motors with a double reduction gear drive. The primary generator used is an EE 801.

In 2007, locomotives 08 738 and 08 939 underwent modifications for multiple-operation capabilities at Toton TMD. They were subsequently repainted in Euro Cargo Rail livery before being dispatched to France in April 2009. And now there is the 08e.

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TALKING POINT

ISO CONTAINER- Is it time t C

onventionally, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) containers, commonly known as shipping containers or boxes, are typically made of steel rather than aluminum due to steel's strength and durability. Steel provides better structural integrity and can withstand the harsh conditions of maritime transport, including exposure to saltwater and rough handling during loading and unloading.

Additionally, steel is more cost-effective than aluminum, making it a practical choice for largescale container production. While aluminum is lighter, it is generally not as strong as steel, and the cost-to-strength ratio makes steel a more suitable material for the construction of ISO containers.

I feel with the use of aluminium extending to railway trains, the time is right for switching over construction of ISO containers as well to aluminium for resultant environmental gains accompanied with lower running cost on account of less energy requirements to haul lesser weight.

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TALKING POINT

o switch to aluminium?

Lalit Chandra Trivedi

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Enhancing efficiency

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he ANITA (Autonomous Innovation in Terminal Operations) began in July 2020. Four organisations joined forces in July 2020 in a collaborative effort between four prominent organisations: DB Cargo, MAN Truck & Bus, the Hochschule Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, and Götting KG. This pioneering endeavour aimed to explore ways of enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of transhipment processes within the rapidly expanding combined transport sector.

Having reached its culmination following an interim assessment conducted in May of the previous year, this extensive undertaking was characterized by its

ment engineers. These evaluations yielded invaluable insights, primarily focused on two critical domains.

First, they facilitated the continual enhancement of the HGV's autonomous driving capabilities and its harmonious interaction with mission planning. Second, they addressed the requisite adaptations to the terminal infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits of autonomy could be fully harnessed within day-to-day operational activities.

The extensive trial runs were executed at the DB Intermodal Services container depot and the DUSS container terminal in Ulm. The significance of these findings lies in their derivation from authentic operational contexts, transcending the confines of laboratory-based experimentation. Dr Martina NieThe focal point of this collaborative effort mann, a Member of the Management Board at DB Cargo overrevolved around the creation of a seeing Finance, Controlling, and self-driving heavy goods vehicle.

Bid Management, expressed her contentment with the outcomes of the protracted testing phase.

She underscored: "The autonosubstantial scope and meticulous preparation. mous HGV demonstrates its effectiveness in actual Spanning a formidable three-year timeframe, the container terminal operations, establishing itself as ANITA project necessitated extensive groundwork, a pivotal tool in securing the sustainability of comincluding the development of an advanced digital bined transport." communication system. The project timeline enSubstantiating this assertion, the test results compassed six months of hands-on implementation. revealed the potential for the autonomous HGV to The focal point of this collaborative effort revolved enhance operational efficiency by as much as 40%, around the creation of a self-driving heavy goods concurrently elevating process stability. vehicle (HGV) specifically designed for autonomously handling container shipments, guided by a digital mission planning system. However, the project's objectives extended beyond the mere deployment of an independent HGV within the container terminal setting.

To harness the full spectrum of advantages associated with autonomous driving technology, the vehicle was intricately integrated into the existing logistics processes. Rigorous testing procedures were executed, involving safety drivers and develop-

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y of transhipment

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TALKING POINT

'Miss Railway' drive

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aking 16,000 trucks off the road every year, Susanne Dirksen, who works as a sales manager at Schavemaker Logistics and Transport, accomplished this task by putting her 'own' train on the rails.

The project earned her the title of Rail Person of the Year 2023 from the Rail Freight, The Future is Ours initiative. “I think it's an honour,” she says.

The annual Rail Cargo Awards spotlight those who have committed themselves to the promotion of rail freight. There are three categories: Person, Talent and Shipper of the Year.

Dirksen, winner of the first category, does not delay and immediately shows her modesty. She is proud, and also surprised, but says she owes the award to her employer, the North Holland family business Schavemaker Logistics and Transport, headquarter in Beverwijk, and in particular to

owner Rico Schavemaker .

Trucks off the road Dirksen explains that anyone from the sector, “even from your own organisation”, can nominate someone. A professional jury, consisting of former winners, then divides the points, resulting in a shortlist of three candidates. That trio will hear the nomination, after which plugging into its own network can begin, followed by a public vote that counts for a quarter.

Big question, why Dirksen?

“We have had our own train within Schavemaker since 2019,” she explains. “Together with Rico, I have done a lot of work to realise that. We really spent a lot of time on that.”

She adds that cargoes from the Netherlands

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TALKING POINT

es cargo off the road is that parties see each other as competitors. It's not necessary. Every modality must invest in sustainable transport. We all have to generate a lot of data and share it with each other. One cannot exist without the other, we must understand that and I am trying to advocate for this, in The Hague, with local authorities and also in Europe. We must put freight transport, regardless of mode, on the map and continue to emphasize its importance.'

go to its own terminal in Katy Wroclawskie in southwestern Poland every day.

While those loads used to go by road, they now go by rail. “Our train does the same as forty trucks with trailers. In a tour we take approximately 320 trucks off the road per week. On an annual basis you are talking about 16,000 trucks.

What do the charges consist of? Very diverse, from raw materials to fast-moving consumer goods. Actually from everything. On both the Dutch and Polish sides, there is a whole team of fantastic colleagues working daily to supervise these trains and the customers.”

Change Dirksen agrees that the transport sector is conservative. 'You can see that changing, and that is desperately needed.You can bring about that change by exercising influence. In the sector everyone has an opinion and everything is just a problem. But by continuing to talk to each other, you make a difference. Ultimately we have to reach a modal optimum.”

She just wants to say that the every-man-forhimself mentality no longer fits in these times: “We are in a major transition in all areas. We can only get through this together.” In the meantime, Dirksen is looking further afield. Because four electric trucks are now operating in the IJmond region and part of the fleet runs on HVO100, a fuel that significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

She concludes: “Of course we are investigating with clients how we can also put the IJmond and Amsterdam region on track towards our new terminal to be built in Mietkow in Poland. I'll say it again: rail is the most sustainable and safest modality, so it is of the utmost importance that more shippers get on board.”

CO2 emissions Dirksen says that the plan to set up a rail connection was inspired by market needs: “A shortage of drivers and themes such as sustainability and safety are becoming increasingly important.

The solution is partly on the rails. For example, you only need one driver where you have to employ forty drivers on the road. We also reduce our CO2 emissions by sixty percent. In addition, it turned out that we can connect Poland to Great Britain, Ireland, Spain and Portugal via shortsea via the terminal in Moerdijk.

Miss Railway Anyone who talks to Dirksen will understand why she was crowned 'Miss Railway'. She demonstrates excellent knowledge of the four modes of transport. She confesses: “I have three board positions; two at Transport and Logistiek Nederland and one at Rail Cargo, the information platform for rail freight transport.” Then laughing: “That seems suspicious, but I didn't know anything about that award!

“I am fully committed to connecting the modalities of road, air, water and rail. The problem

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TALKING POINT

Transform the way capacity is allocate

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he proposal by the European Commission for a Regulation on the use of #RailwayInfrastructureCapacity is a key text for the EU to reach rail freight volumes up by 50% in 2030 and doubled in 2050, as set in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. That is the opinion of ERFA-European Rail Freight Association.

The text aims to transform the way international rail #capacity are allocated and managed, from an insecure, rigid and national centric system to a European, digital, flexible and secure approach. As more than 50% of freight trains cross at least one EU internal border during their

journey, making #crossborder traffic smoother is of particular importance to strengthen rail freight as a whole.

The nation-centric approach can be observed on many networks, including the recent closure of a German section of the #NorthSeaBalticCorridor near the border with #Poland. Many Polish rail freight operators have been unaware of this closure until a final decision was made. Polish rail freight operators not being informed of the closure of this section, connecting the two biggest rail #freight markets in the EU, is problematic and highlights the need for cross border consultation.

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TALKING POINT

y international rail ed in EU

Infrastructure managers are already required to coordinate on TRCs (#AnnexVII to Directive 2012/34/EU) but further work is needed on structured consultation at a European level and, crucially, focusing on co-ordination of capacity as well as works.

#MultiNetworkCapacityRights in a single place and in a single operation and introduce clearly defined rights for capacity holders. The Regulation must include a formal #consultation process with advisory groups that have real power so as to ensure users have the ability to provide input on closures and alternative capacity during the planning process.

A unique opportunity The future Regulation on Infrastructure Capacity offers a unique opportunity to deliver a stronger, European approach to capacity with the possibility for railway undertakings to book

Photo: Michał Litwin, MBA

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TOP NEWS

Girteka, CargoBeamer reach 20,000th intermodal transport G

irteka, the largest asset-based road freight company in Europe, and CargoBeamer, a leading operator of rail connections and terminals for non-craneable semi-trailers in Europe, have reached a significant milestone in their partnership. In October 2023, both companies realized the 20,000th Girteka semi-trailer transport on a CargoBeamer train since the startof their collaboration. Girteka is the first road freight company to achieve this milestone with CargoBeamer.

The partnership between both companies was initiated back in October 2017, when Girteka booked its first units on CargoBeamer’s trains. The main artery for their intermodal operations has since been the route from Kaldenkirchen (Germany) to Domodossola (Italy). In the summer and fall of 2020, the companies successfully tested several trains between Germany and Lithuania, specifically connecting Kaldenkirchen to Šeštokai and Kaldenkirchen to Kaunas. Further solidifying their commitment to sustainable logistics, the companies announced an extension of their partnership to two new intermodal routes in January 2022. By October this year, the latest significant benchmark was reached: the successful transportation of more than 20,000 semi-trailers in an environmentally friendly way by rail.

ronmental concern, Europe has outlined a strategy known as "Fit for 55" aiming for a 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.

One of the ways of achieving this target, recognized by the European Commission (EC), is intermodal transport solutions. Girteka and CargoBeamer have taken on the mission to make freight transportation more environmentally friendly together.

"The flexibility and capacity that large logistics companies like Girteka bring to the table are indispensable in keeping Europe's goods flowing, especially in uncertain times. By integrating road and rail through intermodal solutions, we are creating a logistics network that is not only more sustainable but also more adaptable to the challenges ahead. We are very happy to have Girteka on board as a cornerstone customer for many years now and were excited to celebrate the 20,000th Girteka trailer transported on our trains recently," says Boris Timm, Chief Operating Officer at CargoBeamer.

Emissions saved Since the start of the collaboration between CargoBeamer and Girteka, the two companies have saved a total of 16,617 tons of CO2 emissions compared to what would have been emitted using road transport only. To break down these figures: 15,044 tons of CO2 represent the direct CO2 emissions reduction achieved by using rail instead of road; an additional 1,572 tons of CO2 were offset through CargoBeamer’s carbon neutrality initiative, which was enacted at the start of 2022. Total emissions reduction amounts to almost 3% of Malta’s quarterly emissions.

Decarbonising logistics The transport sector is undergoing a transformative moment in Europe, underscored by the urgency to decarbonize. Currently, road transport is a major contributor to CO2 emissions, accounting for 25% of Europe's total emissions. In response to this envi-

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“We are not just moving goods from point A to B. We are committed to doing it in a way that is kinder to the Earth. CargoBeamer helps us do that by making it easier and faster to switch from road to rail, which significantly cuts down on carbon emissions,” says Mindaugas Pasilauskas, CEO of Girteka Europe West.

In partnership with CargoBeamer, Girteka already covered more than 17.2 million kilometers of its cargo deliveries. CargoBeamer’s innovative horizontal and parallel loading and unloading technology allows for the quick handling of full intermodal trains in record time of about 20 minutes, allowing cargo to be delivered in approximately 22 hours

while covering a distance of 825 km. The company’s first proprietary terminal, containing the horizontal transshipment technology, was opened in Calais, France, in 2021. Two more CargoBeamer-Terminals equipped with the unique handling technology are to be opened in Kaldenkirchen and Domodossola in the near future.

The collaborative venture between Girteka and CargoBeamer stands as a concrete example of how intermodal transport — integrating road and rail logistics — can be both feasible and environmentally responsible. The partnership demonstrates the effectiveness of intermodal transport in reducing carbon and offering resilient supply chain solutions.

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TOP NEWS

GB RAILFREIGHT SUCCESSFU BRAKE MONITORING SYSTEM G

B Railfreight (GBRf) has completed a successful four-week test of an innovative new solution for monitoring wheel and brake issues. Developed in collaboration with Icomera, DG8 and SENSEi, this world-first system enables battery-powered sensors to remotely share status and out-of-tolerance alerts with drivers and operational control centres, whilst they perform vehicle prechecks.

This IoT (Internet of Things) technology can help to create a safer and more efficient rail network by reducing the number of incidents relating to wheel and brake faults. No known method has previously existed for delivering freight wagon brake sensor data to the driver in the locomotive wirelessly, via a closed system. When using the system, train drivers receive sensor data directly to an application on a tablet in their cabin. This allows them to take immediate action to mitigate against potential wheel or brake-related risk factors as well as respond to real-time feedback on the results of their actions.

Following this successful test, the next set of solutions are currently being developed with further trials being scheduled.

David Golding, Asset Director, GB Railfreight, said: “Working with our trusted industry partners, we have proven the concept of a first-of-its-kind application in the rail sector. GBRf is really proud to be leading the freight industry by developing

these innovative solutions to reduce incidents relating to wheel and brake issues.”

Peter Kingsland, SVP, Icomera UK, said: "Rail freight operators are rightly paving the way for digitally driven solutions to mitigate risks as the freight industry grows. Connecting drivers and the engineering teams that support them to real-time trainborne sensor data is a natural step towards a safer and more efficient rail network for all users.”

Damon Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, SENSEi Networks Limited, said: “The utilisation of low-power sensors, long range, wireless networking and edge intelligence is enabling long sought ambitions for autonomous monitoring and real-time alerting to be realised in the freight rail sector, fulfilling the potential for significant improvements to operational efficiency, cost and safety.”

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LLY TRIALS INNOVATIVE M

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Large Modula order from Railpool V

ossloh Rolling Stock and RAILPOOL have signed several supply contracts for 45 Modula locomotives in two design variants, with the option for 142 more. RAILPOOL is expanding its state-of-the-art fleet for the German market and offering customers future-proof traction solutions for both heavy shunting and freight transport with the Modula, which stands for intelligent and sustainable mobility. The fixed-order Modula locomotives will be delivered from mid-2026 and will run until the end of 2027. The optional locomotive orders will be delivered until mid-2029, with both locomotive variants also being offered with German-Dutch approval.

As one of the leading European leasing companies for rail vehicles, RAILPOOL owns one of the most extensive and modern fleets for European cross-border rail transport with around 500 electric mainline locomotives. For its entry into the shunting locomotive market segment and its targeted growth

in the German market, the Munich-based company has opted for the Modula platform in the 1,000 kW hybrid class (dual engine plus battery - BDD) as well as the EDD-Modula (contact wire plus 1,000 kW diesel) equipped with 2.5 MW. Torsten Lehnert, CEO of RAILPOOL, says: "Around 60% of locomotives in Europe are older than 30 years and at the end of their product life cycle; shunting locomotives are even over 40 years old on average.

"With the procurement of the Modula locomotives, we would like to make our customers the attractive offer of switching to sustainable and energy-efficient new vehicles quickly, unbureaucratically and with the usual RAILPOOL service quality within the framework of a rental model, and to offer the operating personnel a modern workplace. Both Modula variants can be fuelled with synthetic fuels and thus comply with the highest environmental standards. On the one hand, their innovative vehi-

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cle design enables optimal utilisation of the line infra-structure and, on the other hand, is perfectly designed for both heavy shunting services and freight transport."

Dr Bernd Hoppe, CEO of Vossloh Rolling Stock, is pleased about the new partnership with RAILPOOL: "We share common values. The demand for maximum availability paired with the responsibility to contribute significantly to modal shift and to transfer freight transport to climate neutrality in the long term forms the trusting basis of our sustainable cooperation."

With the most flexible platform concept on the European market, the Modula offers a high level of common parts as well as largely flexible, usage-based maintenance depending on the individual mileage and operating time of the locomotive. RAILPOOL will offer the new locomotives for rent in the German market with the proven full-service model, benefiting from its own workshop network, which

is a prerequisite for predictive maintenance and safe deployment planning of the vehicles.

Sensors for the essential locomotive components, which evaluate the condition of the systems with the help of limit values and monitoring logics, ensure low maintenance costs in combination with optimum utilisation of the "lifetime stock". In the event of faults, the interactive service team can connect to the locomotive and, in combination with the virtual back office from fleet management, engineering or the supplier, ensure that the causes are quickly investigated and solutions found.

At the same time, the permanent data evaluation of the most important locomotive parameters in operation enables a constant analysis in order to preventively identify problems and to develop corresponding technical solutions for product improvement at an early stage.In order to reduce downtimes, maintenance can be better predicted and thus better planned by analysing sensor data.

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Alpha Trains,Alstom sign A

lphaTrains, Europe's leading leasing company for locomotives and trains, has formalised a Framework Maintenance Service Agreement with Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, in Italy. The contract provides for the maintenance of up to 20 TRAXX locomotives manufactured

by Alstom at its depots in Italy over a period of eight years. This extensive, long-term commitment will permit Alpha Trains to enhance its full-service offering of Traxx locomotives throughout Italy.

Through this agreement, Alpha Trains continues to bolster its Europe-wide network of professional and reliable workshops to provide its customers with the best service for maintaining a fleet of highly dependable Traxx locomotives in Italy.

Gianmaria Castori, Commercial Manager for the Italian Market, about this partnership: "The product knowledge, the wide service network as well as the quality of maintenance delivered by Alstom have prompted us to reach this agreement, thereby enabling Alpha Trains to offer an exceptionally reliable fleet of Traxx locomotives throughout Western and Central Europe."

This strategic collaboration between Alpha Trains and Alstom underscores their commitment to sustainable and efficient transportation solutions throughout Europe.

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n service agreement

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Kansas City Current and CPKC i T

he first stadium for a women’s professional sports team built in the world will officially now be known as CPKC Stadium, folowing sponsorship from Kansas City Current and CPKC. The historic 10-year naming rights agreement is a continuation of CPKC's long-established legacy of investing in women’s professional sports and a groundbreaking commitment to the Kansas City community.

CPKC, which has its US corporate headquarters in Kansas City, was created with the combination of two historic railways – Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS). The two companies combined on April 14 2023 to form the first truly North American rail network connecting Canada, the US and Mexico.

owners Angie and Chris Long. “Our organisations share a commitment to strive for excellence, invest heavily in our communities and raise the bar with global influence. We are extremely excited to work with CPKC on this historic agreement and know our partnership will create long-standing positive impact!”

"We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Kansas City Current and support this history-making project here in the city that is at the heart of our North American rail network," said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. "CPKC has been a longtime champion of women's sports and of investing in our communities. This stadium and this partnership with the Current will build on that legacy as together we write a new chapter here in Kansas City."

A new chapter here in Kansas City

Naming rights

“As we embarked on finding the perfect naming rights partner, it was always about finding an organisation where our values and vision align. CPKC is that partner,” said KC Current co-founders and

In addition to naming rights for CPKC Stadium, the outdoor gathering space at the entrance to the stadium will be called CPKC Plaza. The plaza will provide space to gather before stadium events

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in historic stadium naming which include KC Current matches, other sporting events, concerts, etc. CPKC Plaza will also house the permanent location of the Kansas City Current team store.

CPKC Stadium will have a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, providing an entertaining and modern atmosphere for fans that develops a passion and loyalty for KC Current and the stadium.

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TOP NEWS

MARITIME TRANSPORT SUPPO VOYAGE WITH HVO-POWERED M

aritime Transport facilitateD the historic arrival of Laura Maersk at DP World London Gateway recently – the world’s first methanol-enabled container vessel – delivering one of Maersk’s iconic rainbow containers to its Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway (EMG) via a HVO-powered freight train capable of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90%.

The 2100 TEU feeder vessel made her maiden call to London Gateway on Wednesday September 27 on the Baltic shipping route between Northern Europe and the Bay of Bothnia, followed by a second UK maiden call at the Port of Felixstowe on Friday September 29. Two of Svitzer’s first biofueled tugs, Svitzer Thames and Svitzer Monach, were on hand to support its arrival.

Laura Maersk is an important step towards a long-term objective of gradually renewing the entire Maersk fleet to operate solely on green fuels.

Maersk has 24 additional methanol vessels on order (capacity between 9000 and 17,000 TEU) for delivery between 2024 and 2027 and a policy to only order new, owned vessels that come with a green fuel option.

Upon arrival, one of two rainbow containers on board were discharged at London Gateway and loaded onto Maritime Intermodal Six hauled by DB Cargo UK, arriving at EMG at 10:22 on Thursday September 28. The final mile to Maersk’s newly-built, 685,000 sq ft warehousing facility was then carried out using an electric HGV, the first of its kind operated in the UK by Maersk.

Works commenced in 2022 to double the terminal’s capacity for rail freight services by creating a further seven acres on the M1 side of the property, adding two more tracks to take the count to five.

John Bailey, Managing Director, Intermodal, Maritime Transport, said: “Our successful collaboration with Maersk, culminating in the historic arrival of Laura Maersk at London Gateway, marks a defining moment in our shared journey towards a more sustainable supply chain, and demonstrates

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our commitment to offering more ra cluding diesel alternatives like HVO w bility to run on.

TOP NEWS

ORTS LAURA MAERSK D TRAIN

ail freight solutions to the market inwhich all our services have the capa-

"Rail freight is inherently eco-friendly and through continuous innovation, Maritime is leading the way in making it even greener for customers to decarbonise their operations.”

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Electric loco tour sparks interest

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rogress Rail, a Caterpillar company, with California Short Line Railroad Association, this toured the EMD Joule, the first 100% battery electric locomotive in North American switching service, operated by Pacific Harbor Line (PHL), in the Port of Long Beach & Port of Los Angeles.

PHL serves a critical role in the North American supply chain, linking the largest ports on the west coast to the rest of the country.

"We were proud to provide the railroads with

a tour of the locomotive and discuss its capabilities in short line operations. Thank you to CSLRA (California Short Line Railroad Association) for this informative event; we appreciate the opportunity to share knowledge as we embark on the energy transition!" said PHL.

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TOP NEWS

CSX and BRS reach accord on paid sick leave C

members and to ensure that the benefits are tailored to the needs of signalmen and their particular working conditions.”

The ratification of this agreement reinforces CSX's position as an employer of choice in the rail industry, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee welfare.

CSX continues to work toward additional agreements in collaboration with its union partners.

SX Corporation has ratified a paid sick leave agreement with the SCL property for the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen covering nearly 400 employees.

The agreement underscores CSX's commitment to the welfare and well-being of its workforce. It provides a sick leave package that ensures employees can take necessary time off from work to recover from illness without worrying about their financial stability.

The new agreement builds on CSX's recent series of successful negotiations with various railroad unions. This includes agreements reached earlier this year with the BMWED, BRC, SMART-TD, IAM, NCFO and IBEW unions, providing paid sick leave for thousands of railroad workers across the country.

CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs said: “We value the hard work and dedication of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and all our employees who keep our operations running smoothly. This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the employee experience, ensuring our team members have the support they need.”

SCL General Chairman Gus Demott said: “Our union worked long and hard within the collective bargaining process to secure paid sick leave for our

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TOP NEWS

Coal train crash kills o Two weeks after the incident, inverstigations

O

N Sunday October 16, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freight train derailed just north of Pueblo, Colorado, resulting in a tragic fatality and the subsequent closure of Interstate 25, a crucial north-south transportation route.

Following the incident, federal investigators from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) promptly arrived in Pueblo on the afternoon of the following day. Their primary objective is to ascertain the root cause of the derailment, with a specific focus on evaluating the adequacy of track inspections, oversight of track maintenance, the condition of the overpass railroad bridge that partially collapsed during the derailment, and any issues concerning rail equipment. Preliminary findings indicate that the derailment was triggered by a broken rail located just east of the I-25 bridge, as reported by the NTSB. The NTSB's investigation is ongoing, and they are also looking into why warning systems failed to alert the train crews to the track's condition before the derailment occurred. An initial report summarizing factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation is expected to be available within 30 days. The final report, providing a detailed account of the probable cause of the accident and any contributing factors, is anticipated to be released within the next 12-24 months.

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Communication Director, Matt Inzeo, has confirmed that cleanup operations continued through the day on Tuesday. He noted that many of the derailed train cars near the accident site have been removed, although the exact number of remaining derailed cars is still uncertain.

The train in question was composed of five locomo-

tives and 124 cars carrying coal.

One fatality The tragic fatality in this incident was Mr. Lafollette Henderson, a 60-year-old semitruck driver from Compton, California. He lost his life due to injuries sustained when the coal train derailed from the bridge that crossed over I-25 near Pueblo, causing a partial bridge collapse on top of his commercial semitruck. No other injuries have been reported.

As for the ownership of the railway bridge, both Lena Kent, General Director of Public Affairs for BNSF, and Shailen Bhatt, Director of the Federal Highway Administration, have clarified that the bridge is owned by CDOT. Initially, state officials mistakenly claimed that the railway owned the bridge but have since corrected their position. The bridge was originally constructed in 1958 as part of an I-25 construction project, primarily to accommodate the Santa Fe Railroad. The underpass also served to facilitate I-25 traffic, eliminating the need for a railroad crossing. It is worth noting that Burlington Northern merged with the Santa Fe Railroad in 1995.

BNSF's rail traffic continued to operate normally, thanks to a cooperative agreement the company holds with Union Pacific. This agreement enabled BNSF freight trains to utilize a parallel rail line, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of their rail traffic.

The stretch of I-25 affected by the derailment serves as a vital connection between Pueblo and Colorado Springs, with approximately 40,000 vehicles traversing it daily, including about 10% commercial trucks.

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TOP NEWS

one, closes Interstate continue into its cause

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Raising the standard for the train in Spain A TENDER for the works of the new connection infrastructure between the Sant Lluís-Almussafes freight by-pass and the València-Alicante high speed rail, within the framework of the Mediterranean Corridor has been issued.

Spanish infrastructure provider Adif will build an exclusive crossing branch for goods in international (standard) gauge, which will connect the Sant Lluis - Almussafes by-pass with the València-Alicante High Speed L​​ ine (HIV), within the framework of the development of the Mediterranean Corridor.

The project consists of the construction of an electrified siding with a minimum useful length of 750m, which will run almost parallel to the València-Alicante high-speed line in the Picassent-Alcásser subsection as it passes through Almussafes,

connecting it with the Sant Lluís-Almussafes merchandise pass .

Likewise, it includes a connection with the highspeed tracks that will allow access to the new crossing branch and a safety track at the southern end, which will protect against possible drifts and slides towards the high-speed track.

The contract, tendered for more than €2.8 million, includes the execution of the new railway platform, both for the 750m branch and for the safety handle track, as well as supplies, logistics, track assembly and the electrification of the branch. x

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EIB lends €992m to Czechia for future rail

This will be the largest EIB loan ever signed in the Czech Republic and the funds will greatly benefit rail transport usage in the country.” commented EIB Vice-President Kris Peeters. “We expect the increased quality of rail services to promote a modal shift from road to rail, which will reduce the negative impacts of the transport sector on the local environment. Decreasing emissions means the project contributes to sustainable transport in line with EU objectives. In addition, better and more rail connections will facilitate access to EU Cohesion Priority Regions, thus supporting regional development.”

As part of the broad programme that the EIB funding will finance, Správa železnic will improve the safety of level crossings on the network, retrofit maintenance vehicles with ERTMS equipment, and strengthen the company’s cyber-security.

The financing is expected to accelerate an increased use of rail transport, with clear environmental benefits over traditional road transport.

THE European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed its largest-ever loan agreement in the Czech Republic, with a CZK 24 billion (€992 million) contract with the Ministry of Finance to support the upgrade of the country’s rail network.

Through Správa železnic, the national railway infrastructure administrator, which falls under the authority of the Transport Ministry, the loan will support the modernisation and retrofit of trans-European networks (TEN-T) railway lines in the country and enable the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).

Aimed at modernising and improving the safety of Czech railways, the financing is the biggest EIB loan ever signed in the Czech Republic. Support for the upgrade of TEN-T railway lines and installation of ERTMS is expected to encourage a shift to clean transport.

“It is a pleasure to know that our meeting in October last year has had this important outcome.

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Another Class 66 joins Freightliner PL

IN response to the growing number of orders and to satisfy the needs of customers in Poland, Freightliner is constantly expanding its fleet in the country.

The rail operator is taking advantage of the synergy in the Genesee & Wyoming Group and bringing to Poland a locomotive that has been running in Great Britain. It will transport, among others, aggregates, cereals, coal and steel.

Locomotive Class 66 No. 66526 departed from Leeds in the North of England, the ferry going to Cuxhaven in Germany and from there to Poland within a week. Due to differences in safety systems and in the requirements of regulations in individual countries, such a locomotive cannot drive on the railway from Great Britain to Poland on its own. It travels on a 10-axle car trailer pulled by a four-axle tractor unit from rail transport company Allelys.

In Poland, in a specialised workshop, it will undergo the process of so-called "polonization", adaptation to the requirements of national railway safety regulations.

The Class66 series locomotive manufactured

by EMD (Electro-Motive Diesel) weighs about 120 tonnes and is over 21 metres long. It weighs as much as three Boeing 737 aircraft.

An additional locomotive means even more drivers for Freightliner PL. “Our almost continuous and already famous recruitment campaign under the slogan Najsilniejsi (The strongest) is underway. In recent months, we have been joined by three electric Vectron, and more Class 66s will be added soon.

Each additional locomotive generates a need for approximately five to six additional drivers. We're growing!” says the company.

“There is no shortage of people willing to work for us [because of] the stability of employment, attractive remuneration packages, a very high level of safety of employees and equipment, modern technologies, attention to detail of equipment, our brand and respect on the market. And of course, because of the people with the strongest character and strongest machine, such as Class 66 No. 66526.”

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OMNITRAX: A PERFECT 0.00 IN RAIL SAFETY IN 2018, the US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded a grant to support the enhancement of OmniTRAX's Panhandle Northern Railway (PNR) in North Texas, a vital artery serving the largest inland chemical refinery complex in the United States.

Fast forward to September 27 of this year when the FRA's track geometry inspection car embarked on its journey along the railway. The outcomes were truly remarkable! Over a 25-mile stretch, the inspection car identified no defects.To provide context, exceptions are typically reported on a "per 100 mile" basis, with a national average of 5.80 exceptions per 100 miles. PNR's performance? A perfect 0.00.

This accomplishment not only underscores OmniTRAX, Inc.'s unwavering commitment to safety and excellence but also stands as a testament to the enduring value of initiatives like the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. CRISI invests in projects aimed at enhancing the safety, efficiency and reliability of rail transportation, and PNR's exceptional results serve as a shining example of its success.

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GB Railfreight opens sidings for new Peterborough Maintenance Hub

GB Railfreight (GBRf) opened new sidings on the north side of its Peterborough yard which will connect its newly opened £5.75 million Maintenance Hub to the national railway network.

The opening has been a culmination of three years of work between GBRf, Network Rail and railway contractors KGJ Price. Several new points have been installed, slewing the existing track to create five intermodal length sidings accessible from both north and south, as well as additional capacity for spare wagons.

The new sidings will be vital in unlocking the full potential of the Maintenance Hub, which will double the capacity of the yard. This investment forms part of GBRf’s ambitious growth plans to run around 80 intermodal services a day by 2025.

John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight said: “The new sidings at the north end of our yard is a huge step forward in bringing our Maintenance Hub in to operation.

"This will enable us to run even more intermodal services, allowing our current and future customers to move an even wider range of goods by rail.”

Mark Bridel, Regional Freight Manager at Network Rail said: “Network Rail is proud to have been a part of this project, from initial concept through to property agreements and delivery of signalling solutions.

"The project supports the shift to rail and green ambitions by enabling maintenance and stabling of longer intermodal trains on the East Coast Main Line.”

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VTG Rail UK, Knorr-Bremse lead way with trial of UK’s first digital iWagon THE VTG iWagon is set to revolutionise freight performance on rail by introducing new and significant safety capabilities, creating operational efficiencies and increasing availability. The iWagon is capable of powering future technologies using VTG Connect as the gateway, incorporating 12 digital innovations on initial launch.

The first phase of the nine-wagon trial will be focussing on ground-breaking technology developed in collaboration between VTG and KnorrBremse. The first three wagons to be fitted are VTG Rail JPA tank wagons which have been modified at Tarmac’s Maintenance Depot at Dunbar in Scotland. The further wagons for trial fitment will be deployed on the Hanson and Mendip Rail fleets.

The features on the trial include axle lock detection and Wheel Flat Prevention (WFP) technology – a patented system which monitors wheelset slide and brake condition. Each of the wagons has also been fitted with new wheelsets containing four axle end generators which provide power to the WFP system – these will power further digital innovations on future iWagon trials such as digital real-time maintenance, temperature monitoring, harmonics frequency monitoring and many more.

The trial wagons went into traffic on 02 October to begin four months of testing on Tarmac’s daily return service from their cement plant at Dunbar to their depot at Seaham in County Durham. Initial data from the nine-wagon trial will be available in January 2024 ahead of the first 50 production ready wagons planned for Q2, 2024.

Launching the iWagon at the Rail Freight Group (RFG) annual conference in London today (October 5),VTG Rail UK Managing Director,

Colin Denman, said: “The iWagon has been over a decade in development and we are delighted to be at the stage where we can commence country wide trials of the UK’s first digitalised freight wagon which will enable real-time data to ensure safer railways and better wagon utilisation.

“The launch of the iWagon is very exciting for VTG Rail UK, Knorr-Bremse and the wid-

Private freight wagon lessor, VTG Rail UK, and Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK), the market leader of braking systems for rail vehicles, have announced the network trial of the UK’s first digital freight wagon. er industry. For the first time, we can see how axles perform on the network in real time and see where adhesion issues are occurring. Locked axles, leading to wheel flats and derailment of freight wagons have caused high profile incidents in recent years in the UK. “Digitisation allows us to prevent wheelset damage and axle locks, in real time ensuring multiple parties are given information quickly allowing appropriate corrective action.”

Sanjay Albert, Director of Engineering and Innovation at Knorr-Bremse, also spoke at today’s launch. He said: “Working in collaboration with

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VTG Rail UK is very exciting for us at Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK, especially as part of our mission to combine mechatronic expertise with our digital monitoring capability.

“Our patented Wheel Flat Prevention technology increases wheel life and reduces potential deep wheel flats which may result in track damage, or in worst cases, derailment. Our digital monitoring capability will enable valuable insight generation to support our customers achieve efficient operations and maintenance as well as extent to wider industry benefits.”

The iWagon technology provides further benefits such as brake condition monitoring which will allow VTG to analyse the performance of a wagon’s brake system from their office in Bromsgrove, with the final goal of removing annual brake tests. It will also ensure that a brake system defect is highlighted on the day it occurs and potentially assist Network Rail in identifying low adhesion hot spots on the network.

The new systems have significant advantages but are further enhanced when combined with VTG’s current innovation data platform i-Maintenance (wheelset damage prediction software), VTG Connect and wagon / bogie imbalance which will also feature on the iWagon.

VTG Rail UK has been working with key industry partners towards the introduction of various major innovations within the rail freight sector for many years.

VTG Rail UK’s Business Improvement Director, Nigel Day, said: “Stopping wheelsets sliding has significant benefits to both VTG UK and the wider performance of UK rail. Adding brake condition and harmonics frequency monitoring will strengthen the case for change and revolutionise the way in which wagons are maintained.

“For instance, one benefit would be the removal of the annual brake test which will allow us to be more flexible around our maintenance regimes and moving towards i-Maintenance. These new regimes bring further benefits in cost reduction and customer service.

“Low level disruption is predominantly caused by small micro slides, which can grow to create a major train performance issue. This can lead to a significant impact on the customer to remove the wagon from service and into a location for wheelset exchange.

“Better wagon reliability and availability, as well as not having to fund the removal and placement of a wagon from the train when a wheelset exchange is required, will be a significant cost saving to our customers and also reduces disruption on the network.”

Chris Swan, Head of Rail at Tarmac, said: “We’re really proud to be part of the network trial of the first digital freight wagon in the UK. Tarmac is one of the biggest users of rail freight in the country and we are committed to using our extensive rail network to deliver essential materials to our customers in a sustainable way.

“The digitisation of the rail fleet sector will bring important performance and safety benefits, and so trials like this one with our partners in VTG and Knorr-Bremse are vital for the continued growth of rail freight.”

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P&L awarded a $29m federal grant OFFICIALS from Paducah and Louisville Railway, (P&L) are recipients of a substantial grant totaling up to $29.563 million from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). This grant will be used to undertake a series of critical projects, including the rehabilitation of 23 bridges along PAL's rail line, various track enhancements at PAL's Paducah Yard, and the refurbishment of 19 locomotives.

PAL is also mandated to contribute $33.337 million towards the overall project costs.

Tom Greene, the President and CEO of PAL, expressed his enthusiasm about the significance of this award, saying, "Paducah & Louisville Railway is delighted to receive this substantial federal investment.

Thanks to this funding, P&L is in a strong position to revamp and upgrade our rail infrastructure, thus laying the groundwork for future economic development across Kentucky."

This grant from the USDOT is part of the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) competitive grant programme.

PAL will allocate these funds to significantly enhance the safety of its rail operations along the PAL Line, which spans 280 miles from Paducah, KY to Louisville, KY, ultimately bringing the entire rail line into a state of good repair.

Greene emphasised that this wide-ranging and influential support played a pivotal role in securing the federal investment, stating: "We are grateful for the bipartisan support from both federal and state levels, which played a crucial role in securing today's federal grant, and for the opportunity to further the growth and prosperity of Kentucky."

P&L's Project also garnered substantial support from numerous shippers and commu-

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nities served by PAL, which rely heavily on the PAL Line and its connections to the national network through interchange with four Class I carriers.

The FRA recognised PAL's Project among seven of the 70 federally funded projects aimed at enhancing rail safety, fortifying supply chains, and expanding passenger rail service. It was noted that the FY 2022 CRISI programme marked a historic investment in rail infrastructure made possible by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enacted in 2021.

P&L has diligently prepared for a sustainable overhaul of the PAL Line with this Project, as well as a related initiative focused on modernising PAL's Rockport Bridge, which received federal funding in 2022 through the USDOT's Infrastructure and Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. The successful completion of these two interconnected projects is imperative and will ensure that P&L's aging infrastructure remains in a state of good repair for years to come.

BNSF named among Top 50 Best Companies for Latinas to work BNSF Railway was recently selected as one of the top 50 best companies for Latinas to work for in the United States by LATINA Style.

The magazine’s annual review recognizes exemplary practices in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the implementation of initiatives to attract, retain and advance Latina talent.

“Being recognised as one of the Top 50 Best Companies for Latinas is not just an award, it’s a profound honor that reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion and the invaluable contributions of Latinas in the workforce,” said Kalisha Holland, BNSF’s chief diversity and inclusion officer and general director of Talent Acquisition. “This ac-

colade is a testament to our dedication to creating a workplace where every voice is heard and celebrated.”

BNSF is committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

“Working for a company that embraces my Hispanic heritage not only empowers me to bring my whole self to work, but reminds me that diversity is a strength,” said Adriana Sanchez, president/executive director of BNSF’s Hispanic Leadership Council (HLC).

“Together, we can create a future that truly reflects the richness of our cultural tapestry.”

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SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Intermodal sh and from Me A

recent trend among US and Canadian manufacturers is “nearshoring” — relocating overseas production facilities to countries closer to their markets. In the 1990s, many US companies hopped on the offshoring trend to reduce costs; now, they are bringing some operations back to North America (specifically Mexico) to minimise the effects of supply chain disruptions while keeping costs in check.

Part and parcel to the nearshoring trend is a greater demand for intermodal shipping across the US/Mexico border. If your cross-border shipping strategy could improve or your company wants to create a more efficient supply chain to support your nearshoring strategy, follow these best practices.

The transportation landscape includes several intermodal providers to choose from. When assessing your options, follow these best practices.

Find the shortest distance: Different intermodal providers offer different routes in and out of Mexico. Finding a provider whose network offers the shortest distance between the origin and destination of your shipment will help your shipments arrive faster and could translate to lower transportation costs.

Look for the fastest: Different routes offer different transit times. Distance is one factor that affects transit time, but you’ll also want a provider that helps minimise the time it takes to clear Customs and has relationships with other railroads for seamless border crossing.

Seek reliable service: You’ll want to ask how often the railroad provides service as well as how many gateways they serve. Railroads that pick up and deliver six or seven days a week offer greater reliability. Likewise, the more gateways a railroad serves the more flexibility they have to reroute if an access point is congested or temporarily blocked.

Best practices for intermodal shipping As manufacturers establish new supply chains for products funneling into and out of new facilities in Mexico, intermodal shipping offers a cost-effective, reliable and sustainable alternative to long-distance trucking.

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SOUTH OF THE BORDER

hipping to exico Consider ease of use: Making changes to your shipping mix can be a difficult process at times. Will the railroad offer a team to assist with your shipments and make the process easier for you?

Ensure security: Your cargo is precious and often expensive. You’ll want to make sure your intermodal provider has a security team dedicated to keeping containers safe from theft as well as monitored storage for high-value freight. Tip: Learn more about how railroads keep cross-border shipments safe.

The right intermodal provider will depend on the nature of your shipments. However, a few examples of best-in-class intermodal services across the border by rail include Union Pacific’s Eagle Premium and Falcon Premium services.

(GMXT), Eagle Premium service includes sevice between Monterrey and Chicago Yard Centre, and Detroit; Monterrey to Lathrop, California, Los Angeles, and Seattle; Silao, Mexico, to Chicago and Memphis; interline service to Canada and the eastern United States through Chicago.

Eagle Premium features seamless Intermodal service six days per week between Chicago and Monterrey, Mexico, with expanded service from Monterrey to Los Angeles, Lathrop and Seattle.

On top of providing the fastest, most reliable service into and out of Mexico, Union Pacific has a dedicated security staff to protect intermodal shipments and regularly inspects trains carrying high-value freight.

Likewise, Union Pacific customers have access to a team solely dedicated to helping domestic and international shippers and intermediaries use Union Pacific Intermodal as quickly and easily as possible.

All-rail service Union Pacific’s Eagle Premium service is an all-rail, seamless service that bypasses congested border crossings, which helps shipments arrive on time. Working with Grupo México Transportes

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RJ Corman Switchi Service Operation

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ing leases New in west virginia its presence in the country by operating automotive and industrial switching sites in 12 states.

“We are excited to extend our footprint in West Virginia and revitalise the Central Appalachia Inland Port at Prichard. We see great potential for growth in this site, and we look forward to providing best-in-class service to our customers and becoming a key supply chain partner for businesses in the area,” said RJ Corman Railroad Group President and CEO Ed Quinn.

"Through the co-operation of the Wayne County Commission, the Marshall University College of Business and Economic Research, and the Huntington Area Development Council, a plan was established to determine the best use of the facility and identify the most qualified operator to ensure its future success. After an exhaustive search, we are beyond pleased to partner with RJ Corman Railroad Group for the future growth of the CAIPP. We could not have found a better, more qualified partner based on their reputation, industry standing, and established record of success. Special thanks to Governor Jim Justice, Senator Bob Plymale, and Delegate Matt Rohrbach for helping us realise this vision. We are optimistic about the future of the CAIPP facility and excited to see its potential finally realized," said Wayne County Commission President Jeff Maddox.

RJ Corman Switching Company, a subsidiary of RJ Corman Railroad Group, has been awarded a contract to lease the Central Appalachia Inland Port at Prichard (CAIPP) in Wayne County, West Virginia, starting on October 16 2023.

The Central Appalachia Inland Port is a 65acre facility at the southern end of Prichard, WV, owned by the Wayne County Commission and designed to transfer shipping containers between railcars and trucks. The CAIPP is served by Norfolk Southern Railway’s (NS) Kenova District.

In this multi-phase project, RJ Corman Switching Company will utilise a portion of the site as a car repair hub. The company has established a partnership with railroads, car owners, and clients to operate mechanical car repair services at 12 other sites nationwide. In this first phase of operations at the CAIPP, RJ Corman Switching Company will have diverse equipment and assets and a workforce of 14 employees covering various roles, including mechanical specialists, quality control, administration, and management.

In additional phases, RJ Corman Switching Company will seek to expand operations to various new capabilities to grow services and increase economic impact for the region.

Since its foundation in 2001, RJ Corman Railroad Switching Company has consistently grown

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Union Pacific launches eastbound intermodal service

The new service comes amid a growth in key markets in Mexico fueled by a nearshoring trend underway in that country, as more North American-based companies relocate their manufacturing and production facilities to Mexico.

The new service is in partnership with Mexico-based Ferromex, Norfolk Southern Railway, CSX and Florida East Coast Railway.

Ferromex will handle the transport to Eagle Pass, Texas, where it will get picked up by Union Pacific and transported to Memphis. From there, it will be transported to key markets in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina by connecting railroads: CSX, Norfolk Southern and Florida East Coast Railway.

“This is a great example of railroads collaborating together to meet our customers’ needs and reduce truck traffic,” said Linden.

IN response to customer demand, Union Pacific Railroad launched a new domestic intermodal service connecting Mexico’s growing industrial market to Florida, North Carolina and other key southeast US markets.

The service, which started October 2, significantly expands intermodal capacity out of Mexico to the high-demand region along the United States’ Southeast Seaboard.

“We heard from our customers in Mexico the need for more intermodal capacity to the Southeast Coast, and we responded quickly, underscoring Union Pacific’s commitment to meet the needs of our shippers in today’s fast-paced business environment,” said Pat Linden, assistant vice president – Premium Marketing for Union Pacific.

It also reinforces Union Pacific’s commitment to take trucks off the road, while also offering shippers a reliable, sustainable alternative that reduces their carbon footprint.

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ON THIS DAY: RAILFREIGHT HISTORY NOVEMBER 1

1980 CSX Corporation is formed as the Chessie System and SCL Industries, parent of Seaboard Coast Line, merge.

NOVEMBER 10

1920 A mail train arrives at 20:32 at London Victoria station’s Platform 8. One of the carriages has its roof painted white to mark it out from the others. It is carrying the remains of the Unknown Warrior.

The coffin carrying the remains had been ceremonially escorted from France across the Channel to Dover earlier that day. The coffin is then placed in a carriage which was already significant for having carried the body of Edith Cavell and put on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway to London.

The top of the carriage is painted white so observers would know which specific carriage to salute or otherwise pay their respects to as the train passes. The carriage remains overnight with an honour guard until the following morning, when the coffin was taken down the road to Westminster Abbey.

The train carriage that carried the coffin has been restored and is now preserved as a memorial and there is a plaque at London Victoria station.

1979 CP Rail #54 suffers a hot axle box and derails 24 cars containing dangerous commodities, in Mississauga, ON. Almost a quarter of a million people were evacuated for periods of up to five days.

The Grange Commission report on the accident is published in December, 1980. Several tank cars filled with propane exploded, while other tankers spilled styrene, toluene, caustic soda, and chlorine onto the tracks and into

the air. Fearful that the explosions and fire could trigger a deadly chlorine gas cloud, authorities ordered a massive evacuation. Amazingly, no injuries were reported. The derailment left the city deserted for several days. The scale of the evacuation was only surpassed in 2005 when hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana.

NOVEMBER 11

1830 The first transit of mail via railways occurs between Liverpool and Manchester.

1890 Two GWR trains, one standard gauge and one broad gauge collide in the early hours at Norton Fitzwarren, just west of Taunton on the GWR main line.

The standard gauge goods train with 0-6-0 No. 1100, a broad-gauge pilot engine and is being shunted at Norton Fitzwarren. The signalman, forgetting it is there, allows a broad-gauge special, with 4-4-0ST No. 2051 to approach. It is bringing passengers from an ocean liner from Plymouth to London Paddington and ploughs into the goods train at over 50 mph (80.5 km/h).

Ten passengers are killed and a number seriously injured. The signalman, aged sixty-four, was arrested and tried for manslaughter but acquitted. The coroner's jury had brought in a verdict that the accident was entirely due to his negligence. Though a merciful view was taken of the old man's lapse of memory, it was held that no man of his ago ought to have been left alone in a signal box at night. Attention should be called to the great danger involved in allowing trains to stand on main lines.

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