March 2003 – Railfanning.org

Crossroads of America

March 31, 2003 Todd DeFeo

I found myself standing at the intersection of two railroads.

UP Offers Quick Web Pricing Solutions For Expanding “MexDirect” Service

March 31, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Union Pacific has announced that customers can now access rail through-rates and easy-to-use instructions on the UP Web site for their MexDirect product, offered in conjunction with the Transportacion Ferroviaria Mexicana and other participating rail connections.

What is it about railfanning?

March 25, 2003 Todd DeFeo

It starts with the ringing of at a grade crossing. Then, there’s sound of a whistle blowing in the distance. It’s coming closer. Long, long, short, long – indicating the train is approaching a grade crossing.

CSXT Modifies Fuel Cost Recovery Program

March 25, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

In an effort to more quickly respond to changing market conditions and the continued volatility in fuel prices, CSX Transportation (CSXT) announced today modifications to its fuel cost recovery program.

CPR Uses Vin Numbers To Boost Auto Shipment Efficiency

March 25, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Canadian Pacific Railway is nearing completion of a $4.5-million, multi-year program to harmonize railway shipments of motor vehicles with manufacturers’ and dealers’ computerized inventory systems through the use of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that appears beneath the windshield of every new car and light truck.

CPR Joins Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

March 23, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Canadian Pacific Railway on March 21 announced it has further strengthened its cross-border security by joining the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).

Union Pacific Railroad Testing Experimental Locomotive in Chicago

March 12, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Union Pacific Railroad is testing a hybrid, battery-powered locomotive called the “Green Goat” in its Chicago railyards to determine if it is a feasible alternative to conventional diesel-electric locomotives.

Amtrak Gets Most of Requested Funding

March 10, 2003 The Cross-Tie

Congress on Feb. 13 passed legislation granting Amtrak a $1.05 billion operating and capital grant for the 2003 fiscal year. Additionally, repayment of a June 28, 2002, $100 million from the U.S. DOT loan from has been deferred.

Norfolk Southern Forms Subsidiary To Market Transportation Services in Mexico

March 10, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Norfolk Southern Corporation has formed a Mexican subsidiary, NorfolkSouthernMexicana, S. de R.L. de C.V. (NSM), to market the railroad’s transportation and logistics services in Mexico.

Union Pacific to Carry Unique Trainloads of Wind Turbine Parts

March 6, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Union Pacific Railroad today will launch the first of seven special trains carrying giant wind turbine blades along with electrical equipment from Houston, Texas, to Sacramento, Calif.