China to Buy Record Amount of US Soybeans

Enticed by lower prices, China is set to buy a record amount of soybeans from the United States this year that would meet its pledge under the phase one trade deal reached by the two countries in January, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 26, citing sources familiar with the matter. The sources told Bloomberg that China would likely purchase nearly 40 million tonnes from the United States in 2020, about 25% more than when the trade war between the two countries began in July 2017 and 10% more than the record set in 2016.

Storm Cleanup to Cause Louisiana Rail Shippers Some Delay

The nation's Class I railroads expect to have service restored this weekend on tracks serving the ports and industrial facilities on the Gulf Coast between Houston and New Orleans. Union Pacific said Friday it is still clearing away storm-related debris from several of its track lines through southern Louisiana.

More Factories, Manufacturing Jobs Headed for Mexico

Five companies recently announced big plans in Mexico, including two new factories and several major expansion projects. The projects will generate more than $100 million in foreign investment in Mexico and could create up to 4,300 jobs at export factories across the country.

Flores Promoted to KCS VP Automotive and Intermodal Sales

Kansas City Southern has promoted Rodrigo Flores from Vice President Automotive to Vice President Automotive and Intermodal Sales, effective Sept. 1, 2020. In this expanded role, Flores will be responsible for the automotive and intermodal business units in the U.S. and Mexico.

Intermodal Volumes Prop Up US Rail Traffic

U.S. intermodal traffic on a weekly basis gained 5% in the week ending Aug. 22, which in turn helped lift overall rail volumes higher. U.S. freight railroads originated 285,086 intermodal containers and trailers last week, a 5% increase from the same period in 2019, according to the Association of American Railroads.

SCI Verkehr Forecasts 24% Drop in Diesel Locomotive Purchases

SCI Verkehr expects the global market for diesel locomotives to drop by 24% between now and 2024, due to uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. SCI says core markets like China and Western Europe had already significantly reduced the purchase of new diesel locomotives before the pandemic.

Articulated Light Oil Tank Wagon Certified

RUSSIA: United Wagon Co has obtained operating certification for its Type 15-629 six-axle articulated tank car for carrying light oil products. It runs on 25 tonne axleload bogies and is designed to make the most efficient use of capacity when transporting light oil products with a density of up to 0∙84 tonnes/m³, solving the problem of underloading of up to 15% which UWC says can occur when standard four-axle wagons are used.