Class I railroad in the United States
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Episode 532 / KoakKoak is an artist born in Lansing, MI who earned her BFA and MFA from California College of the Arts. In 2025, Koak was the subject of a solo exhibition at Charleston, Lewes, UK. She has participated in many institutional group shows, including at the Frye Art Museum, Seattle, WA; Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, MO; de Young Museum, San Francisco, CA; Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, CA; Musées d'Angers, France; Xiao Museum of Contemporary Art, Rizhao; and Rudolph Tegners Museum and Statue Park, Dronningmølle, Denmark, among others. In 2020, Koak received a Eureka Fellowship from the Fleishhacker Foundation and completed residencies at the Tamarind Institute in Albuquerque, NM, and at Minnesota Street Project in San Francisco, through the Liquitex Residency program. Koak's work is part of the permanent collections of the de Young Museum, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and Musées d'Angers. She lives and works in San Francisco and is represented by Perrotin, Union Pacific, and Jessica Silverman.
First up this week, a Pasadena cop was jerking around and shot another cop in the shoulder, proving once again that every police force in America should implement an IQ test. Also: Dead Pool Update: Gene Shalit died, and team Brian takes a 2-1 lead. Brian speculates on the sex lives of Kermit and Miss Piggy. A Dick Cavett correction. An HOA voted to exterminate hundreds of geese, and the boys are torn, because they hate both HOAs and geese. You could burn geese for fuel, right? The Auschwitz parking lot was always full. A drunk and / or high woman spit on a cop twice, and got popped in the mouth for her effort. There's nothing better than a Three Stooges pie fight. “The old Union Pacific doesn't come by here much anymore.” Jimmy Cagney's open palm grapefruit technique b/w The Golden Age of Broad Smacking. The boys don't care about the World Cup, but the videos of Euros loving free refills and Buc-ee's are the best. Brian found out he's incompatible with regular, human working hours.
Weekly AAR rail traffic numbers are in, showing a continued strong week for rail freight in North America. We dive into the data, examining intermodal and carload volumes, and what these trends signal for the second half of the year. Plus, editor Bill Stephens shares his exclusive experience riding Union Pacific's Big Boy, the world's largest operational steam locomotive, on its historic East Coast tour. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Weekly AAR rail traffic numbers are in, showing a continued strong week for rail freight in North America. We dive into the data, examining intermodal and carload volumes, and what these trends signal for the second half of the year. Plus, editor Bill Stephens shares his exclusive experience riding Union Pacific's Big Boy, the world's largest operational steam locomotive, on its historic East Coast tour. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Megan Stevens of Steamtown National Historic Site explores the historic arrival of Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 in Scranton. We discuss the significance of one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, its cross-country tour, and the rare reunion with Steamtown's own Big Boy No. 4012. From massive scale to modern-day maintenance and logistics, We capture what makes this once-in-a-lifetime rail event so extraordinary.Dr. Kimeka Campbell, Yanni Williams, and Dujuan Dixon previews JuneteenthHBG 2026. We explore the week-long celebration (June 14–20), highlighting major events like the parade, Taste of Black Harrisburg, riverfront jubilee, and closing concert drawing over 10,000 attendees. This milestone year honors 250 years of American history, 10 years of YPOC Harrisburg, and the continued growth of one of the region's most impactful cultural celebrations.
Can a mega merger of peers increase competition in their market? Case in point: the proposed rail merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Both are Class I railroads, among the largest by revenue in North America as defined by the Surface Transportation Board. According to a 2001 Surface Transportation Board rule, their merger must enhance competition - but that's not usually how mergers are designed to work, especially among giants. And this is the first rail merger that has to meet that requirement. After some back-and-forth, the Surface Transportation Board "conditionally" accepted the merger application on May 28th, but they are still looking for more information. No review activities will be conducted until that information is provided. In other words: the Surface Transportation Board has accepted the Union Pacific - Norfolk Southern filing, but they have not accepted the information provided in that filing. We'll have to wait to find out if the application is approved based on its merits. In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner covers the proposed merger from multiple angles: - The expectations for increased rail competition and public benefit - How the railways propose to give their non-transcontinental competitors a fighting chance - Whether the Surface Transportation Board and a coalition of opponents think competition is likely Links: One Railroad to Rule Them All? Inside the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger: https://artofprocurement.com/blog/supply-one-railroad-to-rule-them-all-inside-the-union-pacific-norfolk-southern-merger Kelly Barner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-barner-6884443/ Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/art-of-supply-6895142546301960193 Art of Supply on AOP: http://www.artofsupply.com Subscribe to the Art of Procurement Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe
No, the “screw method” is not really happening, but keep your head on a swivel. Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is headed this way! People on TikTok are trying to figure out duplicate items showing up in their homes. Head Coach Gerry McNamara & Vinny Lobdell join us to talk hoops season. Mrs. Paine is checking your plants, plus so much more on a Tuesdee!
Union Pacific's Ed Dickens on Big Boy full 382 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:11:58 +0000 n5J3INunqdCDPyJuwSTaYErFVFUfzLud news WBEN Extras news Union Pacific's Ed Dickens on Big Boy Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=https%3A
Ed Dickens tells us about the history of Big Boy and details its journey across the US for America 250.
In this episode of the Crack House Chronicles True Crime Podcast Donnie and Dale jump the tracks and discuss the case of Don Henry and Kevin Ives, also known as The Boys on the Tracks. Around 4:30 a.m. on August 23, 1987, 16-year-old Don Henry and 17-year-old Kevin Ives were hit by a Union Pacific freight train in the town of Alexander, Arkansas, United States, as they were lying on the tracks. The locomotive engineer engaged the brakes while blowing the horn, but the train could not stop in time and rolled over the boys. https://www.crackhousechronicles.com/ https://linktr.ee/crackhousechronicles https://www.tiktok.com/@crackhousechronicles https://www.facebook.com/crackhousechronicles Check out our MERCH! https://www.teepublic.com/user/crackhousechronicles SOURCES: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Don_Henry_and_Kevin_Ives https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/1czvl5z/who_is_responsible_for_the_deaths_of_don_henry/ https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/the-boys-on-the-tracks-book-12011/ https://medium.com/@mromysteries/two-boys-a-train-and-a-murder-conspiracy-true-crime-fb996c8e433c
Episode 301WTB WoodworkingCheck out WTBwoodworking.com for all your woodworking needs! In store specials, Giveaways, custom wood milling, and more!Huntingdon Valley PA Store now open!Enter the giveaway by going to:https://www.wtbwoodworking.com/giveaway Gorilla GlueA trusted brand with decades of experience! From glue, to woodfiller, to workshop floor kits, they have everything you need for your next project. Check out their new products along with great deals on all your trusted favorites at: www.gorillatough.com/AWP Sign up for Patreon for Early access, and special Patreon-only content:https://www.patreon.com/anotherwoodshoppodcastPATREON GIVEAWAY!Donate to Maker's For St. JudeEvery $5 earns you an extra entry in the Patreon Giveaway (Paid Patrons Only)https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8679481&fr_id=134326&pg=personal Whats on our bench:
In "Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain" Joe Lynch and Joey Evans, Senior Director, Government Affairs & Business Development, TNW Corporation, discuss how Class III short line railroads leverage technology, sustainability, and first-and-last-mile service to keep American commerce moving. About Joey Evans Joey Evans is the Senior Director, Government Affairs & Business Development, TNW Corporation. He is a seasoned rail industry professional with over 20 years of experience, leading TNW's development and execution of government affairs and strategic growth initiatives. His role oversees legislative strategy, public funding efforts, real estate and industrial development projects, and supports acquisition and expansion activities aligned with the company's long-term objectives. Joey serves as President of the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (TSLRRA) and is a member of the TxDOT Freight Advisory Committee. His career spans various leadership roles across the short line railroad industry. Prior to his current position, he led Customer Success for TNW, encompassing customer service, revenue protection, and infrastructure technology. His journey began as a conductor and engineer, where hands-on experience laid the foundation for his transition into management. About TNW Corporation TNW Corporation owns and operates three short line railroads — TXNW Railway, TXGN Railway, and TXR Railway — along with multiple rail logistics facilities across Texas, serving as a strategic supply chain partner to industries, shippers, fleet managers, and Class I railroads. With more than 40 years of transportation logistics experience, TNW delivers the efficiency, reliability, and customer service that keep North American commerce moving. TXNW Railway, operating in the Texas Panhandle since 1982, is a One-Stop Supercenter and boasts the largest privately owned railcar storage capacity in the United States. TXGN Railway, also a One-Stop Supercenter, has served central Texas since 1992, operating approximately 67 miles of storage and loop track with Union Pacific interchange. TXR Railway, based in Brownwood, serves the Camp Bowie Industrial Area and interchanges with BNSF Railroad. TNW's full suite of services includes rapid interchange, transloading, railcar storage, repair, cleaning, scrapping, warehousing, and rail-served industrial development. Key Takeaways: Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain In "Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain" Joe Lynch and Joey Evans, Senior Director, Government Affairs & Business Development, TNW Corporation, discuss how Class III short line railroads leverage technology, sustainability, and first-and-last-mile service to keep American commerce moving. Revenue, Not Track Length, Defines Railroad Classes: Railroad classification is strictly determined by annual revenue, not physical distance. Class I railroads (the "interstates" like BNSF and UP) exceed $1 billion in annual revenue, Class II regional railroads fall between $1 billion and $47 million, and Class III short lines—where TNW Corporation operates—fall below $47 million. Short Lines Serve as the "First and Last Mile" for Rural America: While Class I railroads excel at long-distance freight movement, North America's 615 short line railroads provide essential first- and last-mile service to industrial parks and rural communities. Operating in smaller towns (often under 15,000 people), short lines keep vital agricultural, manufacturing, and petrochemical hubs connected to the national rail network. Lowering the Barrier to Entry with Truck-to-Rail Conversions: Because one railcar holds the equivalent capacity of four trucks (4:1 ratio), TNW launched a dedicated logistics and transloading business. This allows smaller regional shippers within a 50-to-100-mile radius to enjoy the economic benefits of rail by breaking bulk rail loads down into local trucks, without requiring a massive capital investment in dedicated track infrastructure. High-Volume Commodities and Major Public-Private Infrastructure Investments: Short lines primarily handle heavy, bulk commodities like petrochemicals, plastics, lumber, agricultural yields, and construction aggregates (rock). To support these loads, short lines reinvest a massive 33% to 50% of their annual revenue into infrastructure, a timeline accelerated by federal CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvement) grants to expand track fluidity. Transitioning from Rail's Historic "Black Hole" to High-Tech Visibility: Spurred by rising post-COVID consumer expectations (the "Amazon experience"), TNW developed a proprietary digital portal called My TNW. This tool eliminates the historic visibility "black hole" of rail shipping by providing customers with complete data transparency, allowing them to track cars across both TNW property and intersecting Class I networks. Embracing AI and Autonomous Infrastructure Safety: The rail industry is heavily adopting AI, autonomous railcars, and automated track inspection tools. These automated systems travel the lines to instantly pinpoint structural micro-cracks, gauge misalignments, or railcar defects. Removing the human error factor from these tedious inspections helped the rail sector chart its safest operational year in its 200-year history in 2025. Meeting Corporate ESG Targets Through "Clean and Green" Operations: Rail remains one of the most inherently sustainable modes of land transportation, moving a ton of freight roughly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Beyond fuel efficiency, TNW helps shippers meet strict corporate environmental goals by certifying all properties under Operation Clean Sweep, which enforces strict handling frameworks to prevent plastic pellets and commodities from spilling into local ecosystems. Learn More About Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain Joey Evans | Linkedin TNW Corporation | Linkedin TNW Corporation | Instagram TNW Corporation | Facebook TNW Corporation | YouTube TNW Corporation The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
The newly constructed tracks of the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railways were first linked at Promontory Point, Utah, on May 10, 1869. In celebration, Leland Stanford, the president of Central Pacific, drove a golden spike symbolically completing the job. On his first swing, he missed the spike, drawing gales of laughter from the experienced railroad workers looking on. This misfire was embarrassing, but ultimately harmless. But when it comes to moral issues, a swing and a miss can be deadly. Sin is “missing the mark” that God has set for us, and it is no laughing matter! [Job... Article Link
The newly constructed tracks of the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railways were first linked at Promontory Point, Utah, on May 10, 1869. In celebration, Leland Stanford, the president of Central Pacific, drove a golden spike symbolically completing the job. On his first swing, he missed the spike, drawing gales of laughter from the experienced railroad workers looking on. This misfire was embarrassing, but ultimately harmless. But when it comes to moral issues, a swing and a miss can be deadly. Sin is “missing the mark” that God has set for us, and it is no laughing matter! [Job... Article Link
In this episode of FTR's Rail Market Update, host Joseph Towers covers: STB accepts revised UPNS merger application as “Complete”.Procedural merger timeline delayed until certain deficiencies are remedied by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.Update on weekly rail traffic The Rail Market Update is hosted by FTR's Senior Analyst, Rail, Joseph Towers. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcastSupport the show
The market briefly spikes on a new Axios report that the U.S. and Iran have reached a deal but still need President Trump's final approval. Then the CEO of chip designer and Nvidia partner Synopsis, on earnings and AI demand. Plus, the Surface Transportation Board pauses the review for the deal between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific. Could the rail merger be in jeopardy? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The train-related traffic delays in Portland — especially in the city’s inner east side — have gotten worse and more frequent in recent years. As rail transportation consultant Bill Burgel told Willamette Week, that’s in large part because the average length of a freight train has doubled. Trains used to be 7,500 feet, and now they’re commonly 15,000 feet or more. As a former employee of Union Pacific with 50 years of experience in the rail industry, and as a member of the city’s Freight Committee, Burgel pays close attention to these delays. And he has some structural ideas to solve or alleviate the delays that regularly last an hour or more. We sit down with Burgel to understand all the factors behind these mind-blowing delays and more about possible solutions.
An investigation into fertilizer price spikes is underway according to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin tells Agri-Pulse researchers will "follow the science" in its review of the safety of glyphosate without bias. The STB has unanimously accepted a revised merger application between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.
Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, May 27, include: Nebraska education leaders continue statewide push to improve literacy skills, French researcher traveled to Nebraska to share World War II records with family of fallen Nebraska soldier, Lincoln's new minimum wage ordinance became law earlier this month, Nebraska's Pancreatic Cancer Center for Excellence director is suing University of Nebraska Board of Regents over alleged discrimination and retaliation, Union Pacific's Big Boy steam locomotive is making stops across Nebraska this week, retired state trooper is helping former Nebraska troopers stay connected, Cindy Burbank announced her endorsement of independent congressional candidate Austin Ahlman.
how is this even legal also sorry we recorded this the day right before the updated proposal was released. whoops! donate to help buy liam's coworker's grandson a mobility van: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/24216/ check out Public Rail Now: https://publicrailnow.org/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtyppod/ Send us stuff! our address: Well There's Your Podcasting Company PO Box 26929 Philadelphia, PA 19134 DO NOT SEND US LETTER BOMBS thanks in advance in the commercial: Local Forecast - Elevator Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
In this episode, we kick things off in Washington, where the U.S. House of Representatives has just unveiled the BUILD America 250 Act, a sprawling federal surface transportation reauthorization package. This massive legislation allocates $240 billion in authorized and direct funding for trucking, rail, aviation, and ports, including a historic $102 billion investment in passenger and freight rail—the largest federal rail commitment since Amtrak's creation—along with $110 billion for roads and bridges, $17 billion for port upgrades, and $25 billion for airport modernization. Debate on the bill begins Thursday, just months before the current authorization expires in September. Shifting gears to the rails, we examine a brutal rate war erupting between two Class I giants as they battle for freight customers in front of federal regulators. Union Pacific has filed a 129-page complaint with the Surface Transportation Board alleging that BNSF Railway hiked reciprocal switching charges by as much as 472 percent at locations where UP recently won or grew business from BNSF customers. UP claims BNSF canceled longstanding unit grain train switching rates and forced customers to pay nearly triple the cost under merchandise train rates, while BNSF has rejected entire unit train shipments this month, allegedly to make UP service noncompetitive and drive shippers back to BNSF. Finally, we unpack the evolving threat landscape in supply chain security as traditional cargo theft tactics give way to far more sophisticated criminal operations. While overall theft incidents declined to 574 in the first quarter of 2026, deceptive pickup fraud schemes using fake identities and forged credentials jumped 31 percent year over year, with nearly half of those fraud incidents occurring in California. Electronics remained the most frequently targeted cargo at 17 percent of all incidents, while auto and parts thefts surged 142 percent from Q4 2025, prompting warnings from security experts that organized criminal networks are heavily investing in fraud infrastructure that traditional security measures like padlocks simply cannot stop. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Scoop, Margy Eckelkamp sits down with Hunter Carpenter from the Agricultural Retailers Association to break down the critical policy shifts currently moving through Washington, D.C. The conversation centers on the House-passed Farm Bill, highlighting key wins like the TSP Access Act and the new plant biostimulant definition. However, Hunter also addresses the "hiccups" in the House version, specifically the removal of language regarding uniform labeling and NPDES permit reforms—issues the ARA hopes to revive in the Senate. The episode further explores the House's recent passage of year-round E15 sales. Beyond legislation, Hunter discusses the ARA’s cautious stance on the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger, emphasizing that maintaining competition is vital for keeping freight rates manageable for retailers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, May 19, include: Nebraska's new social media age verification law is set to take effect July 1 but not without legal challenge, Union Pacific has filed federal complaint accusing BNSF Railway of sharply increasing train switching rates, Nebraska is launching new effort to improve awareness and response to cases involving missing Black women and children, some communities are trying to tap new sources for water as much of Nebraska grapples with drought.
In this episode, we kick things off in Washington, where the U.S. House of Representatives has just unveiled the BUILD America 250 Act, a sprawling federal surface transportation reauthorization package. This massive legislation allocates $240 billion in authorized and direct funding for trucking, rail, aviation, and ports, including a historic $102 billion investment in passenger and freight rail—the largest federal rail commitment since Amtrak's creation—along with $110 billion for roads and bridges, $17 billion for port upgrades, and $25 billion for airport modernization. Debate on the bill begins Thursday, just months before the current authorization expires in September. Shifting gears to the rails, we examine a brutal rate war erupting between two Class I giants as they battle for freight customers in front of federal regulators. Union Pacific has filed a 129-page complaint with the Surface Transportation Board alleging that BNSF Railway hiked reciprocal switching charges by as much as 472 percent at locations where UP recently won or grew business from BNSF customers. UP claims BNSF canceled longstanding unit grain train switching rates and forced customers to pay nearly triple the cost under merchandise train rates, while BNSF has rejected entire unit train shipments this month, allegedly to make UP service noncompetitive and drive shippers back to BNSF. Finally, we unpack the evolving threat landscape in supply chain security as traditional cargo theft tactics give way to far more sophisticated criminal operations. While overall theft incidents declined to 574 in the first quarter of 2026, deceptive pickup fraud schemes using fake identities and forged credentials jumped 31 percent year over year, with nearly half of those fraud incidents occurring in California. Electronics remained the most frequently targeted cargo at 17 percent of all incidents, while auto and parts thefts surged 142 percent from Q4 2025, prompting warnings from security experts that organized criminal networks are heavily investing in fraud infrastructure that traditional security measures like padlocks simply cannot stop. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Georgia's judicial watchdog says two left-leaning candidates running for state Supreme Court have violated the rules of conduct; After regulators rejected their first attempt, Atlanta-based rail company Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific have filed a second application to merge; Organizers from Georgia and beyond are calling for a new generation of voting rights activists to mobilize against the redrawing of state congressional lines which they say will dilute Black voting power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tragedy near the U.S. Mexico border as authorities discover six people dead in a cargo rail car. AP correspondent Jennifer King reports.
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are again seeking approval from the Surface Transportation Board to merge, forming the nation's first coast to coast railroad company. President Trump is expect to host Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva for talks about shared economic and security issues. Gasoline prices are up 31-cents a gallon over the last week, that's over 50% higher than a year ago.
In this episode, we kick things off by examining Union Pacific's massive eighty-five billion dollar acquisition of Norfolk Southern and the railroad's newly disclosed conditions for walking away from the deal. UP has made clear it will abandon the merger if the Surface Transportation Board orders widespread trackage rights or line sales as approval conditions, though it would accept a requirement to spin off one duplicative main line between Kansas City and St. Louis. If burdensome conditions trigger Union Pacific's exit, it will owe Norfolk Southern a staggering two point five billion dollar breakup fee. Meanwhile, out on the water, a critical geopolitical milestone unfolded in one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints. A Maersk ro-ro carrier became the first U.S.-flag vessel to safely exit the Strait of Hormuz under American naval protection after months in the Persian Gulf. The Alliance Fairfax, operated by Farrell Lines and part of the Maritime Security Program, completed the high-stakes transit at a fraught time as the U.S. and Iran exchanged threats amid a fragile ceasefire. Finally, we explore Amazon's aggressive expansion into third-party logistics as the e-commerce giant officially rebranded its freight and fulfillment services under the unified Amazon Supply Chain Services umbrella and opened them to all businesses. Backed by over eighty thousand trailers and one hundred freighter aircraft, the move transforms Amazon into a direct competitor to traditional carriers, with early clients including Procter & Gamble and American Eagle Outfitters. Wall Street reacted sharply, sending UPS stock down nine point five percent on fears of massive disruption to the freight transportation industry. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we kick things off by examining Union Pacific's massive eighty-five billion dollar acquisition of Norfolk Southern and the railroad's newly disclosed conditions for walking away from the deal. UP has made clear it will abandon the merger if the Surface Transportation Board orders widespread trackage rights or line sales as approval conditions, though it would accept a requirement to spin off one duplicative main line between Kansas City and St. Louis. If burdensome conditions trigger Union Pacific's exit, it will owe Norfolk Southern a staggering two point five billion dollar breakup fee. Meanwhile, out on the water, a critical geopolitical milestone unfolded in one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints. A Maersk ro-ro carrier became the first U.S.-flag vessel to safely exit the Strait of Hormuz under American naval protection after months in the Persian Gulf. The Alliance Fairfax, operated by Farrell Lines and part of the Maritime Security Program, completed the high-stakes transit at a fraught time as the U.S. and Iran exchanged threats amid a fragile ceasefire. Finally, we explore Amazon's aggressive expansion into third-party logistics as the e-commerce giant officially rebranded its freight and fulfillment services under the unified Amazon Supply Chain Services umbrella and opened them to all businesses. Backed by over eighty thousand trailers and one hundred freighter aircraft, the move transforms Amazon into a direct competitor to traditional carriers, with early clients including Procter & Gamble and American Eagle Outfitters. Wall Street reacted sharply, sending UPS stock down nine point five percent on fears of massive disruption to the freight transportation industry. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's going on in Global Trade this Week? Today Pete Mento and Doug Draper cover: 4:04 -Singapore & New Zealand on Critical Goods 7:28 -Robotics in the Supply Chain 14:10-Halftime 23:16-Spirit Airlines is Out of Business 26:12 -Union Pacific & Northern Southern Refile for Merger https://www.capwwide.com/international-insights/5/1/26/gttw-podcast-episode-241 https://youtu.be/RMwXRC6qCjY
In this episode, we kick things off with a historic technological breakthrough as Houston-based Bot Auto has officially completed the first fully humanless, over-the-road commercial truckload in American history. The autonomous tractor hauled commercial freight 231 miles across Texas without a safety driver, remote operator, or in-cab observer, achieving a remarkably low cost per mile of just $1.89 compared to the industry average of $2.26. Bot Auto operates as a trucking carrier using its Transportation as a Service model with a fleet of 12 tractors and owned and leased trailers. Next, we explore the less-than-truckload sector where XPO is absolutely crushing Wall Street expectations and aggressively winning profitable market share with first-quarter earnings that beat consensus by 13 cents. The Greenwich, Connecticut-based logistics giant reported consolidated revenue of $2.1 billion, up 7% year over year and significantly ahead of analyst forecasts. XPO's LTL unit posted an impressive 83.9% adjusted operating ratio, defying normal seasonal deterioration patterns and improving 200 basis points year over year. Finally, we cover the regulatory battle over the proposed transcontinental rail mega-merger as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted an amended merger application to the Surface Transportation Board after their initial filing was rejected as incomplete in January. The revised application now projects the combined railroad will shift 2.1 million truckloads annually from highway to rail, saving shippers an estimated $3.5 billion per year, and will require 1,200 net new union jobs by the third year of the merger. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we kick things off with a historic technological breakthrough as Houston-based Bot Auto has officially completed the first fully humanless, over-the-road commercial truckload in American history. The autonomous tractor hauled commercial freight 231 miles across Texas without a safety driver, remote operator, or in-cab observer, achieving a remarkably low cost per mile of just $1.89 compared to the industry average of $2.26. Bot Auto operates as a trucking carrier using its Transportation as a Service model with a fleet of 12 tractors and owned and leased trailers. Next, we explore the less-than-truckload sector where XPO is absolutely crushing Wall Street expectations and aggressively winning profitable market share with first-quarter earnings that beat consensus by 13 cents. The Greenwich, Connecticut-based logistics giant reported consolidated revenue of $2.1 billion, up 7% year over year and significantly ahead of analyst forecasts. XPO's LTL unit posted an impressive 83.9% adjusted operating ratio, defying normal seasonal deterioration patterns and improving 200 basis points year over year. Finally, we cover the regulatory battle over the proposed transcontinental rail mega-merger as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted an amended merger application to the Surface Transportation Board after their initial filing was rejected as incomplete in January. The revised application now projects the combined railroad will shift 2.1 million truckloads annually from highway to rail, saving shippers an estimated $3.5 billion per year, and will require 1,200 net new union jobs by the third year of the merger. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drop us a line! Let us know your out there!All aboard the crazy train! Beyond the Humidor is back, and this time we're firing on all cylinders. Anthony returns from his top-secret scouting mission, just in time to dive headfirst into the delicious Dead Drift cigar from Wildfire Cigars. We'll break down the blend, the burn, and whether it earns a place in your humidor.But that's not all! We caught a glimpse of a true American icon, Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014 locomotive, and we're here to share the awe (and maybe some trainspotting jokes). Plus, we'll dissect the latest cigar news, because you know we can't resist a good industry rumble.Buckle up for the usual Beyond the Humidor chaos: sarcasm, questionable opinions, and enough cigar smoke to fill a small stadium. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just enjoy a good laugh, this episode is guaranteed to light your fire. Tune in and let the good times roll!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LoomisCigarCartelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/loomiscigarcartel/OREmail Us at info@loomiscigarcartel.com
En Capital Intereconomía, la jornada arranca con tono mixto en los mercados globales, en un contexto marcado por la incertidumbre geopolítica y la temporada de resultados. Asia cotiza sin una dirección clara tras las caídas en Wall Street, mientras los inversores siguen atentos a la evolución del conflicto en Oriente Medio. En Europa, se espera una apertura igualmente mixta. En el primer análisis de la mañana, Ignacio Vacchiano, country manager en Iberia de Leverage Shares, subraya que el mercado estadounidense está muy condicionado tanto por la guerra como por los resultados empresariales. El pulso entre EE.UU. e Irán mantiene la presión sobre el petróleo, mientras que la posible llegada de Kevin Warsh a la Reserva Federal centra la atención en el frente monetario. En el plano corporativo, destacan los resultados de compañías como Intel, American Express o Union Pacific, así como el anuncio de Meta de recortar cerca del 10% de su plantilla global, en línea con los ajustes del sector tecnológico. Tras el repaso a la prensa económica, la entrevista con María Canal, portavoz de la Comisión Europea en España, se centra en los avances recientes en Bruselas, con el desbloqueo de cuestiones pendientes desde hace tiempo y con la energía nuevamente en el centro del debate europeo.
Ignacio Vacchiano, country manager en Iberia de Leverage Shares, analiza el momento de las Bolsas y de los mercados, los resultados que conocimos ayer de Intel, American Express o Union Pacific y el recorte de empleo anunciado por Meta. “Los semiconductores están en el mejor periodo, son 17 días de subidas, algo no visto desde el 94”, afirma el invitado. También destaca que “el mercado está mirando fuera del conflicto y está positivo”. El experto también nos ha comentado el último dato de inflación de Japón, del cual destaca que “tienen mucho subsidio a nivel de energía y petróleo para que no suponga en su economía subidas de precio exageradas”. Está madrugada ha habido un protagonista claro: Intel. La tecnológica ha subido un 20% en after hours gracias sobre todo a sus ingresos, que superan los 13.000 millones de dólares, lo que supone un 7% más interanual y su beneficio por acción, de 29 centavos, 28 más de lo que preveía el mercado. Clave para entender esta subida ha sido también su negocio de CPU, una división que crece en este periodo un 22%. “Lo están haciendo muy bien y el CEO ha dado la vuelta a la compañía”, nos comenta el country manager en Iberia de Leverage Shares. Clave para él ha sido “el gobierno americano, ya que Elon Musk y Nvidia están apoyando a Intel con su nueva fábrica que van a hacer en Texas”. También ha sido noticia Meta, que ha anunciado un recorte de empleo del 10%, que afecta a 8.000 empleados de su plantilla global y Microsoft, que ha ofrecido al 7% de sus trabajadores planes de jubilación anticipada, un plan que afectaría a más de 8.000 trabajadores. “Yo creo que la lectura del mercado está siendo que están gastando tanto en el CapEx en IA”, nos comenta Ignacio Vacchiano.
Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights The Railroad Roots: Joey's transition from a Union Pacific engineer to a "vigilante botanist." He discusses the influence of Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World and using science as a "candle in the dark" in a consumerist society. Botany for the "Jaded Working Class": Why academic botany often fails to connect with the public and why Joey targets the "cynical, maladjusted stiff" who needs the living world the most. Horticultural Atrocities: A critique of "horticultural fluff"—boxwoods, crepe myrtles, and cloned cultivars that offer no ecological value. Joey explains why he'd rather see a lawn than a line of "garbage" cultivars. The Concrete Cage & Mental Health: How our disconnection from the land and our "unwalkable sprawling excerpts" contribute to a massive mental health crisis. The Field Record: Joey's process in the wild—using iNaturalist, herbarium vouchers, and photography to document the "living machine." Geology & Evolution: An exploration of edaphic endemics (plants that grow only on specific soils like serpentine or gypsum) and how stressful geology creates new species. Disturbance Ecology: Why "weeds" are actually pioneer species and how disturbance—when understood correctly—is the engine that enables diversity. Beyond "Is it Edible?": Why the question "Can I eat it?" is the most common and least interesting way to interact with a plant. Concrete Botany: A preview of Joey's new book and his fascination with "unintentional ecology" in neglected urban spaces like railroad tracks and abandoned warehouses. Resources Mentioned Book: Concrete Botany: The Ecology of Plants in the Age of Human Disturbance (Released April 2026) YouTube/Podcast: Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't App: iNaturalist (Joey's primary tool for citizen science) Literature: The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan Project: Thornscrub Sanctuary (South Texas conservation) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, we dive into the latest freight market shifts, starting with major shipper groups demanding transparency in the proposed mega-merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. We discuss why these organizations are petitioning the Surface Transportation Board to unseal critical documents to better understand the true impact on freight rail competition. Next, we explore the truckload sector where the industry's largest player, Knight-Swift Transportation, has dialed back its first-quarter financial expectations. Despite severe winter weather and depressed spot rates dragging down margins, executive leadership remains highly optimistic about the long-term fundamentals of the market. Finally, we look at how the gig economy is tackling the multi-billion dollar headache of reverse logistics with Uber Eats' brand new retail returns feature. This innovative service allows consumers to easily return unwanted packages directly from their doorsteps, marking Uber's aggressive expansion into a comprehensive everyday logistics platform. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Autonomy Signals, Grayson Brulte and Rob Grant discuss Ukraine's emerging role in the autonomy economy, the macroeconomic environment for Physical AI, train automation, and accelerating warehouse automation.Ukraine has achieved the largest real-world stress testing of autonomous systems in recorded history, deploying ground and aerial systems for over 22,000 missions in the first three months of the year. AUTNMY AI‘s proprietary OMEGA algorithm assesses that Ukraine's combat data-sharing initiative, which offers allied governments and tech startups access to real battlefield data, is the most underpriced event in the global autonomy economy.Then there is the macroeconomic environment for Physical AI, that is fundamentally more supportive and durable than the hype of the 2017/2018 Industry 4.0 cycle. Today it's all about economics and the return on investment. Unlike previously, companies can now deploy a $250,000 autonomous construction system to replace $180,000-a-year skilled labor cost and achieve an 18-month payback period that is practically immune to interest rate cycles.While that is the Physical AI macroeconomic environment, the rail environment for autonomy is still in flux, despite a recently struck deal between Union Pacific and the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA). The deal between Union Pacific and ATDA will see the railroad guarantee lifetime employment for 1,300 current active dispatchers in exchange for supporting a proposed merger with Norfolk Southern and not opposing automation.While the ATDA will not oppose automation as long as the merger closes, the 125,000-member SMART-TD union explicitly excluded automation concessions from their national agreement. With a new agreement coming in 2030, this is the one to watch.While we wait for negotiations in that deal to open in 2029, warehouse automation is currently leading to a 10% increase in rents for automation-ready facilities. Premium, power-dense industrial properties are emerging as a foundational layer in the global autonomy economy.Episode Chapters00:00 AUTNMY AI01:18 Signal 1: Ukraine's Emerging Role in the Autonomy Economy30:57 Signal 2: The Macro Environment for Physical AI55:25 Signal 3: Train Automation Gains Steam in the U.S. (Or So it Appears)1:18:41 Signal 4: Warehouse Automation Accelerates--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy is the leading applied intelligence platform covering the convergence of automation, autonomy, and the Autonomy Economy.™.Through our podcasts, newsletter, and proprietary market intelligence, we set the narrative for institutional investors, industry executives, and policymakers navigating the convergence of automation, autonomy, and economic growth.Join institutional investors and industry leaders who read This Week in The Autonomy Economy every Sunday. Each edition delivers exclusive insight and commentary on the autonomy economy, helping you stay ahead of what's next.Subscribe today for free: https://www.roadtoautonomy.com/ae/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, we dive into the latest freight market shifts, starting with major shipper groups demanding transparency in the proposed mega-merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. We discuss why these organizations are petitioning the Surface Transportation Board to unseal critical documents to better understand the true impact on freight rail competition. Next, we explore the truckload sector where the industry's largest player, Knight-Swift Transportation, has dialed back its first-quarter financial expectations. Despite severe winter weather and depressed spot rates dragging down margins, executive leadership remains highly optimistic about the long-term fundamentals of the market. Finally, we look at how the gig economy is tackling the multi-billion dollar headache of reverse logistics with Uber Eats' brand new retail returns feature. This innovative service allows consumers to easily return unwanted packages directly from their doorsteps, marking Uber's aggressive expansion into a comprehensive everyday logistics platform. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The famous Big Boy steam engine is about to roll into Ogden for a multi-day stop over. The engine usually tours around the western U.S. nearly every summer. But in honor of the country's 250th birthday, Union Pacific is sending the engine from coast-to-coast. It chugged through Utah earlier this month on its way to California, but that was just a quick stop. This weekend, it'll be in Ogden for a few days to give train fans young and old the opportunity to get up close and personal with the massive historic steam engine. For more on this event, Maria Shilaos speaks with Ed Dickens, chief locomotive engineer on Big Boy. For more information on the famous steam engine and its trip across the country for the United States' 250th birthday, visit https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule. Joining me to talk more about the event is Ed Dickens... the chief locomotive engineer on Big Boy.
Clearing the FOG with co-hosts Margaret Flowers and Kevin Zeese
In recent decades, the railroad industry has consolidated from more than 40 Class One Rail carriers to only six with disastrous results for the rail workers and the public. Despite a 1990's moratorium on mergers, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are applying for a new merger, the first one to be transcontinental. Workers, passengers, farmers, and other industries are joining forces to stop this merger. Clearing the FOG speaks with Ron Kamikow, a co-founder of Railroad Workers United, about the state of our rail system, the impact of the potential merger and the campaign against it. Kamikow says the UP-NS merger would definitely lead to further consolidation and would disrupt the supply chain at a time when it is already fragile. For more information, visit PopularResistance.org.
Save big on Vegas with Las Vegas Advisor — get 10% off a membership with code MTM (new members, affiliate): lasvegasadvisor.com In this episode, Shawn and Mark bounce from classic Vegas weirdness to some bigger warning signs for the city. They dig into Rio's executive shakeup, Brightline West looking shakier by the day, Bruno Mars somehow getting a Strip parade, and why Vegas feels less welcoming to normal visitors than it used to. What we cover: Rio's executive shakeup and what it says about Dreamscape's progress Yacht rock on the Strip, Las Vegas Fur Con, and a wild Union Pacific executive train visit Brightline West doubts as costs surge and work appears stalled Omnia Dayclub, Four Seasons residences, and T-Mobile Arena turning 10 Bruno Mars' Las Vegas parade and new reporting on Vegas losing middle-class visitors Episode Guide: 0:00 Excalibur robot vacuum escape 0:30 Rio shakeup and Patrick Miller questions 1:59 Yacht rock residency extended on the Strip 3:22 Las Vegas Fur Con takes over town 5:10 Union Pacific's executive train and Brightline doubts 8:39 Omnia Dayclub and Four Seasons residences update 11:29 T-Mobile Arena turns 10 13:57 Bruno Mars gets a parade 15:40 Vegas is losing normal visitors 16:55 The middle-class warning for Las Vegas Want more MTM Vegas? Get our exclusive weekly aftershow and join the community. Links: Las Vegas Advisor membership Nevada Independent on Vegas and the shrinking middle class Brightline West construction concerns Rio executive shakeup coverage Bruno Mars parade announcement
We kick off this episode by heading north, where DP World is expanding its Canadian supply chain presence with a brand-new freight forwarding office in Quebec. This strategic expansion arrives just as the Montreal Port Authority prepares to build a massive terminal that will more than double the region's container capacity. Next, we dive into the maritime defense sector as a South Korean-owned shipyard in Philadelphia secures its very first U.S. Navy contract since being acquired in 2024. Hanwha Defense USA will partner with a naval design firm to develop agile supply vessels that can refuel and rearm combat ships directly at sea. Finally, the battle over a massive railway merger is heating up as a Union Pacific executive fires back at Canadian National over disputed traffic data. UP accuses its rival of making inaccurate claims about the merger's projected impact, pointing out that both companies actually used the exact same expert for their respective traffic studies. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, March 31, include: Union Pacific plans new locomotive to honor President Trump for America's 250th anniversary, local airports step up support for TSA workers during shutdown, University of Nebraska to lease Sidney Cabela's campus space, Huskers volleyball headed to Wrigley Field, new technology explores cattle stress and behavior.
The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads is causing concern. Chad Smith tells us analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows the merger could mean higher prices and fewer options for America's farmers.
The $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads would create the first coast-to-coast railroad across 43 states. Danny Munch, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the big concern is the loss of competitive pressure across the rail system. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The proposed merger of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railways would leave farmers with fewer transportation options and vulnerable to shipping cost increases at a time when balance sheets are squeezed to the breaking point. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we dive into Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena's defense of the proposed $85 billion merger with Norfolk Southern, which he claims will vastly improve rail efficiency and convert two million truckloads to rail annually. Despite an initial rejection from the Surface Transportation Board, the rail companies are gearing up to file an updated application this April. Next, we cover the growing legal battle where a coalition of 24 states and major corporations are suing the Trump administration over sweeping 10% import tariffs. Importers like Nintendo and Costco are seeking billions in refunds, arguing that the administration unlawfully bypassed Congress to levy these emergency duties. Finally, we examine how the war in Iran has severely disrupted ocean freight, prompting the world's largest shipping line to terminate all Arabian Gulf voyages. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, MSC is diverting shipments to safe ports and hitting shippers with a mandatory $800 surcharge per container to cover deviation costs. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Trump’s economic vision has centered on a simple but powerful idea, make life more affordable for American families by restoring competition, strengthening supply chains, and putting domestic production first. That vision depends on markets that are dynamic and competitive, not dominated by a handful of massive players with the power to dictate terms. That is why the proposed merger between two of the nation’s largest railroad companies, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, deserves serious scrutiny and ultimately should be denied.