Matthew Rose is to step down as Executive Chairman of BNSF Railway in April 2019, having held the role for six years. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer from 2000-13.
ČD Cargo has cancelled a tender for the supply of five high-power main line diesel locomotives for cross-border operation which had been announced in January. Only one manufacturer submitted a bid, which was above the budget. A new tender has been called for up to 10 locomotives with a lower rating of at least 890 kW.
Canada's government has brought forward the deadline for ending the use of the least crash-resistant tank wagons to carry crude oil and other dangerous goods. Under Protective Direction 39 the deadline for ending the use of unjacketed CPC 1232 tank cars to carry crude oil has been brought forward from April 1 2020 to November 1 2018, and the end date for using DOT 111 tank cars and unjacketed CPC 1232 tank cars to carry condensates has been brought forward from April 30 2025 to January 1 2019. An industry-led crude oil and condensate tank car working group will make recommendations to Transport Canada on advancing the timelines for the phasing out of jacketed CPC 1232 tank cars.
ČD Cargo has signed contracts for Wagony Świdnica to supply 500 Eanos high-sided wagons for carrying of coal, iron ore and timber, and for Tatravagónka Poprad to supply 80 Type Zacns 88 m3 tank wagons with an option for 20 more.
BNSF Railway and CSX are to offer container service between Los Angeles and North Baltimore, Ohio, with departures on five days a week in each direction from October 29. ‘Our new Ohio intermodal service will create an efficient, direct service from the West Coast into the Ohio Valley region’, said Tom Williams, BNSF Group Vice-President, Consumer Products. ‘It’s another way BNSF is working to streamline the existing supply chain and makes moving products easier.’
On October 4 European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Crețu visited the Thriasio Pedio Freight Complex in Greece, which has benefitted from €200m of EU funds. The complex is designed to be a key hub on the Athens – Thessaloniki main line, with access to the port of Piraeus and freight trains able to reach the border with FYRO Macedonia at Eidomeni in 6½h.