The Recovery Process Began to Accelerate in June

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ended June 27, 2020, as well as volumes for June 2020. And it appears the light at the end of the tunnel is perhaps getting close.

Rail Security Alliance Releases Short Video on Dangers of CRRC

Over the past five years, the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) has infiltrated the United States. The Rail Security Alliance (RSA), members of Congress, leaders in several State Houses and the Administration have made the case for the past few years that CRRC presents a clear and present danger to the economic and national security to the United States. And, just last week the Department of Defense officially designated CRRC as being directed by the Communist China People’s Liberation Army.

Freight Railroads Welcome New Era of North American Trade

With the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entering into force today, AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies issued the following statement on the importance of these renewed ties with our nation’s closest trading partners.

Goodbye NAFTA, Hello USMCA

The USMCA takes effect today amid renewed tensions with Canada over aluminum and as battles lie ahead with Mexico and Canada over labor, dairy and biotech, to name a few. The good news is President Donald Trump’s threat to withdraw from NAFTA is officially over.

Frac Sand Co. Hi-Crush Plans to Seek Bankruptcy Protection After Major Job Cuts

Hi-Crush Inc., which provides frac sand and other proppant and logistics services for hydraulic fracturing operations, is working toward a bankruptcy filing after cutting more than half of its workforce earlier this year.

KCS De Mexico's Top Exec Zozaya to Retire Aug. 1, Del Cueto Named Successor

Kansas City Southern announced today that Jose Guillermo Zozaya Delano will retire Aug. 1 as president, general manager and executive representative of KCS de Mexico S.A. de C.V. He will be succeeded by KCSM Vice President and General Director Oscar Augusto Del Cueto Cuevas.

KCS Releases Sustainability Report

Kansas City Southern (KCS) (NYSE: KSU) has released a 2019 sustainability data update to its sustainability report, “For the Long Haul: Delivering Prosperity, Valuing People, Protecting the Planet.”

International News

Ghana Orders New Standard Gauge Rail Equipment

Ghana’s Ministry of Railways has ordered 35 standard gauge locomotives, plus coaches and freight wagons, for operation on new lines.

VTG Begins Freight Wagon Sensor Testing

WAGON leasing company VTG, Germany, has begun testing of seven prototype sensors designed to improve freight train diagnostics, as part of its “status-oriented and predictive maintenance” project. The sensors include a new empty-load sensor, and a vibration sensor for bogies designed to detect axle wear. The prototypes will initially be tested on box wagons and later adapted for other rolling stock.