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Domestic News

Federal Railroad Administration Seeks to Revise Track, Brake Inspection Requirements

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Dec. 19 issued two Notices of Proposed Rulemakings (NPRMs), one updating current Track Safety Standards (TSS), the other updating existing Brake System Safety (BSS) requirements. FRA said the proposed rules changes are designed “to promote safety innovation and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.” Both “will increase rail safety as well as save time.”

Short-Line Tax Credit Extension Signed Into Law

Two major appropriations bills signed by President Trump late last week included measures of interest to the rail industry, including a five-year extension of the Section 45G short-line tax credit.

Rail Technology: CN Ups the Automation Ante

CN continues to explore and adopt technologies that promise to boost operational execution, efficiency and safety. Add one to the adoption list.

Cando Begins Construction on Large New Rail Car Storage Terminal Targeting Heartland Petchem

Cando Rail Services says it has started construction on a new terminal in Sturgeon County that will use a loop-track system to enable staging and storage of up to 1,900 rail cars.

Houston Oilfield Service Company Delisted From New York Stock Exchange

Houston oilfield service company Carbo Ceramics will now be traded as a penny stock after spending more than 30 days trading below $1 per share and being delisted from New York Stock Exchange.

International News

Deutsche Bahn Aims to Sell Locomotives, Rail Cars to Avoid Loss

Germany’s state-owned rail operator Deutsche Bahn wants to avoid one-off write-downs and a loss by selling 150 of its locomotives and 5,000 freight rail cars in a sale and leaseback deal, company documents seen by Reuters showed on Thursday.