Intermodal Up, Carloads Down in January
WASHINGTON – U.S. intermodal rail traffic rose 11..2 percent (87,164 units) while U.S. rail carload traffic fell 0.1 percent (2,020 carloads) in January 2003 compared to January 2002, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported today.
Intermodal – the movement of trailers or containers on rail cars – accounts for approximately 20 percent of U.S. Class I rail revenue. Over the past 10 years, it has been the fastest growing major segment of the U.S. freight rail industry and now plays a critical role in making supply chains far more efficient for retailers and other firms and industries. Intermodal is expected to soon surpass coal as the top rail revenue source.
UP and NS Expand Expedited Mexico Intermodal Service
OMAHA, Neb – Based on the success of a new, expedited southbound intermodal service to Mexico launched last summer, Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway Co. today announced northbound service with the same transportation options.
The truck-competitive service offers expedited service schedules from Mexico and Laredo, Texas, to eastern/southeastern U.S. cities. Origins include Mexico City as well as other markets in Mexico and Laredo to UP’s Marion, Ark., intermodal facility and NS destinations Atlanta, Ga.; Charlotte, N.C.; Jacksonville and Miami, Fla.; Harrisburg, Pa. and E-Rail, N.J., near Elizabeth.
CSX Hails New York Tax Reform
SELKIRK, N.Y. – CSX today praised New York Governor George Pataki and the State Legislature, especially sponsors Assembly Majority Leader Paul Tokasz and former State Senator Ron Stafford, for their efforts to encourage further development of the state’s transportation infrastructure by overhauling a tax structure that penalized railroads for investing in New York State.
CSX Corporation Chairman, CEO and President Michael J. Ward commended Governor Pataki for his leadership in crafting the Rail Infrastructure Investment Act of 2002, and his decision to sign it into law: “With his leadership and perseverance in the past and his signature yesterday, Governor Pataki has completed the effort he began to open the door welcoming railroad investment and activity back into New York. We are proud to be here,” Ward said. “This action signals a renewed and vital partnership between the state and CSX that will result in increased opportunities for economic development and growth throughout the Empire State.”
