Domestic News

AAR: “Railroads Beginning to Feel an Impact”

It has killed almost 5,000 people. It has harmed the economy. It has canceled Presidential debates. It has threatened live sporting events. Now the coronavirus has come for the rail industry.

How Autonomous Freight Trains Powered by Artificial Intelligence Could Come to a Railroad Near You

Last summer, a 30-car freight train led by three diesel locomotives rumbled down the tracks for 48 miles through the Colorado desert — with nobody at the controls.

Rail Blockades Created Huge Tab for Canadian Grain Producers, Industry Says

Canadian grain producers anticipate industrywide costs of the recent rail blockades will total roughly C$300 million overall by the time network capacity returns to normal later this year.

UDSA: US Pellet Exports Reach 500,904 Tons in January

The U.S. exported 500,904 metric tons of wood pellets in January, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on March 6. 

International News

European Train Operators Respond to Coronavirus Epidemic

Several European train operators have announced measures in response to the worsening coronavirus epidemic including more stringent train cleaning, steps to protect staff, ticket refunds without penalty, and cancellation of services.

Freight Trains to Iran Restart

The freight trains will soon restart with limited number of wagons between Iran and Turkey. Last month, Turkey/Iran border was closed and any train/truck crossing was restricted due to covid-19.

Saudi Arabia Expands Travel Ban to and From EU, 12 More Countries as Coronavirus Cases in Kingdom Jump to 45

Saudi Arabia on Thursday temporarily stopped all travel to and from almost all of Europe and 12 more countries in Asia and Africa as the number of coronavirus cases in the Kingdom jumped to 45.

Upcoming Industry Events with GBX Attendance
NEARS Spring Meeting	ASLRRA Annual Meeting	NARS Annual Meeting
Newport, RI April 22-24th	Grapevine, TX May 2-5th	Kansas City, MO May 12-14th