Rail Industry News
Trump nominates rail consultant Kloster to STB, re-nominates Schults
The nominations now go to the Senate for confirmation, although a timeline for confirmation is unknown.
Trump fires STB Board member Robert Primus
Primus, a Democrat, was appointed by Trump in 2020.
Citing lives at risk, BLET urges UP to allow trail to stunning waterfall in Northern California
(Source: Los Angeles Times, August 5, 2025) About 10 times each day, giant freight trains pass along a narrow section of track along the Sacramento River in far Northern California where engineers on the locomotives regularly tense up with stress. “Every single time,...
BNSF reports Q2 2025 results
(Source: Progressive Railroading, August 5, 2025) BNSF Railway Co. recently reported second-quarter revenue of $5.7 billion, which was flat compared with second-quarter 2024’s mark. The Class I’s operating income and net income in the quarter climbed 19%...
OSHA orders UP to reinstate engineer, provide $300K in back pay
(Source: U.S. Department of Labor press release, August 6, 2025) DALLAS – A federal whistleblower investigation found that Union Pacific Railroad Co. violated the Federal Railroad Safety Act by terminating a railroad engineer after the employee reported and sought...
Wheeling & Lake Erie sold for $1.05 billion
(Railfan & Railroad Magazine, August 7, 2025) The Wheeling & Lake Erie, the over 800-mile regional railroad that runs through Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, is being sold to FTAI Infrastructure, Inc., for $1.05 billion. Once approved by...
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announce plans to create America’s first transcontinental railroad
(Source: Union Pacific press release, July 29, 2025) Union Pacific Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation today announced an agreement to create America’s first transcontinental railroad. These legendary companies will seamlessly connect over 50,000 route miles...
CPKC reports Q2 2025 results
(Source: Canadian Pacific Kansas City press release, July 30, 2025) Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) today announced its second-quarter results, including revenues of $3.7 billion, diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.33 and core adjusted diluted EPS1 of $1.12....
CSX reports Q2 2025 results
(Source: CSX press release, July 23, 2025) CSX Corp. announced second quarter 2025 operating income of $1.28 billion compared to $1.45 billion in the prior year period. Net income was $829 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to $963 million, or $0.49 per...
Norfolk Southern reports Q2 2025 results
(Source: Norfolk Southern press release, July 29, 2025) Norfolk Southern Corporation announced its second quarter 2025 financial results. For the quarter, revenue was $3.1 billion, income from railway operations was $1.2 billion, operating ratio was 62.2%, and diluted...
Union Pacific reports Q2 2025 results
(Source: Union Pacific press release, July 24, 2025) Union Pacific Corporation reported 2025 second quarter net income of $1.9 billion, or $3.15 per diluted share. Results compare to 2024 second quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.74 per diluted share. Second...
Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern discuss merger to create transcontinental railroad, AP source says
To be approved, any major rail merger must show it will enhance competition and serve the public interest.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency issues warning about end-of-train device vulnerability
The federal government cybersecurity agency has issued a warning that the EOT could be vulnerable to computer hackers, especially those seeking to take control of the train’s air brake system.
Trump administration pulls $4 billion in federal funding for California’s bullet train project
Overall, a little less than a quarter of the project’s funding has come from the federal government. The rest has come from the state.
SEPTA board approves budget with 45% service cuts
“This budget will effectively dismantle SEPTA — leaving the City and region without the frequent, reliable transit service that has been an engine of economic growth, mobility, and opportunity,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer.
BLET Auxiliary: Now available: “Taking Charge,” a survival guide for railroad families
Members of the BLET Auxiliary were busy selling raffle tickets at the Daytona Beach Regional. From left: Jodi Wallace, Chris Baldwin, Kat Bisbikis, Rachel Pharris, and Natalie Miller. ____________________ Kat Bisbikis, National President of the BLET Auxiliary,...
General President Sean O’Brien highlights list of Teamster speakers during Eastern Regional Meeting
IBT General President Sean O'Brien: “Our members are changing the game. Setting the standard. Improving the lives of their fellow Teamsters all across the country.” ____________________ Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien addressed BLET members during a rousing...
Rail unions warn DOT rollbacks could jeopardize train safety
Labor concerned about potential new power to fire FRA inspectors
June 2025 RRB Q&A: Unemployment and sickness benefits for railroad employees
A new unemployment and sickness benefit year – the twelve-month period during which the RRB makes benefit payments for days of unemployment and sickness to eligible railroad employees – generally begins each July 1 and ends on June 30 of the next year.
CPKC system cutover triggers service woes in some former KCS locations
Localized congestion, delays, and shipper frustrations follow tech switchover in Louisiana, east Texas, and Mississippi
BLET News
Stop the Rail Merger Coalition Commends STB’s Scrutiny of Bad UP-NS Rail Merger Deal
The Surface Transportation Board today accepted the Union Pacific (UP)–Norfolk Southern (NS) merger application but delayed the review process to collect vital information that is still missing from the railroads’ revised application. The STB has put a hold on the...
BLET state legislative board chairmen conclude 2026 annual meeting at BLET National Division headquarters
Members of the BLET’s National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen (NASLBC), meeting at National Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio, concluded their 51st annual meeting on May 20. The chairmen representing 40 states heard a comprehensive report...
BLET Advisory Board meeting held at National Division headquarters
The BLET Advisory Board met on Thursday, May 21 at National Division Headquarters in Independence, OH. The Advisory Board is composed of the 14 highest-ranking elected officers in the union, and is the chief policy making body of the BLET between conventions. During...
Health & welfare plan benefits: Check in during Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which focuses on raising awareness, sharing resources, and strengthening support for those facing challenges. As part of the National Health & Welfare Plan, BLET members and their families have access to mental health benefits...
Deepest condolences: Alabama State Legislative Board Chairman J.T. (Todd) Sizemore, 1975-2026
The BLET National Division extends deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brother J.T. (Todd) Sizemore, Chairman of the BLET Alabama State Legislative Board, who passed away on May 22. He was 51 years old. “Todd was certainly one of the finest individuals...
Breakthrough on Railway Safety Act of 2026 as Trump announces support and Congress includes the legislation in the Surface Transportation bill
A major step happened this week in the movement to pass once in a generation railroad safety reforms. The House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee on Thursday added the BLET and Teamsters Rail Conference-championed Railway Safety Act of 2026 to...
Registration deadline approaching for BLET’s Western Regional Meeting
The BLET’s Western Regional Meeting will take place in New Orleans, La., from July 13-17. Have you made reservations yet? Guests will stay at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, set along the Mississippi River and near the French Quarter. This year, the BLET is...
Railway Safety Act of 2026 Advances in Congress
The bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2026 passed in the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee today on Capitol Hill. The Railway Safety Act was added to the Committee’s Surface Transportation Reauthorization legislation via a bipartisan amendment...
Railway Labor Act signed into law 100 years ago
The Railway Labor Act, the law governing collective bargaining in the railroad industry, turns 100 years old this month. It was signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge on May 20, 1926, after approval in the House and Senate by a combined vote of 531-26. The...
BLET members overwhelmingly reject tentative contract with CPKC Railway
The proposed agreement was rejected by the membership with 71% turnout and over 65% voting against ratification. The strong participation and vote results reflected the concerns many members voiced regarding the proposed hourly wage structure and demonstrated the...
