Rail companies cut capacity as volume slides 20%

Rail volume is expected to increase in the coming weeks as auto plants reopen across the country.

By Matt Leonard • May 27, 2020

Union Pacific cites pandemic, trucking market for end of cold chain service

Executives called refrigerated transportation "a long term growth opportunity" earlier this year, but say the COVID-19 pandemic meant the business could no longer sustain itself.

By Matt Leonard • May 12, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside the trends affecting logistics management

The demise of the de minimis exception, trade tensions and tariffs are among the new challenges logistics managers are facing.  

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Rail carriers cut capacity as intermodal volume drops 17% in April, the largest fall since 2009

CSX, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific all mentioned reducing train starts as a result of falling demand during April earnings calls. 

By Matt Leonard • May 7, 2020

As volumes drop, Norfolk Southern expects Q2 to be the roughest yet

The cost cuts needed to weather the financial hit from coronavirus will come from accelerating PSR efforts and selling, storing or scrapping equipment. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 30, 2020

Union Pacific expects 25% volume dip in Q2

CEO Lance Fritz said he expects the economic impact of the coronavirus to be "sharp and deep," without a steep recovery.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 23, 2020

CSX: Near-term cost cutting may last beyond COVID-19

Foote said CSX is working to maintain what it sees as a high level of service despite down volumes. Still, some rail shippers are going to notice the latest cuts.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 23, 2020

6 charts show how PSR changed rail

Early adopters of precision-scheduled railroading saw increased speed and lower dwell times in 2019. Do the changes benefit shippers?

By Matt Leonard • April 22, 2020

Kansas City Southern doubles down on PSR to deal with coronavirus 'curveball'

An even more aggressive focus on efficiency will get Kansas City Southern through the COVID-19 crisis, which hit the automotive industry — a particularly important customer segment — hard and early, executives said.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 20, 2020

Low April shipment volumes could rival early 2009, Cass says

Shipper spending on transport fell 8% in March, and Cass said it expects transport pricing to remain low through May. 

By S.L. Fuller • April 15, 2020

Blank sailings, idle automotive manufacturing hit March rail volume

Recent SEC filings from Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific and CSX suggest the pandemic's effect on rail operations and financial performance "could be material." 

By Matt Leonard • April 7, 2020

CSX says leaner operations, more tech will help reduce emissions 37% by 2030

The railroad seeks to meet this target by employing technology and operational strategies to increase fuel efficiency. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 26, 2020

67 trade organizations urge FMC to adopt rule on detention, demurrage fees

Trade associations across industries say clarity is needed to keep fees consistent and fair, especially in the current coronavirus-impacted global economy.  

By S.L. Fuller • March 17, 2020

Struggling intermodal meets further headwinds with coronavirus

Intermodal had to compete with low spot rates in the trucking sector for all of 2019 and now must deal with a slump in demand caused by a pandemic.

By Matt Leonard • March 16, 2020

Union Pacific to tackle emissions reduction with science-based targets

Railroads are one of the lowest-emissions freight modes available, but a longstanding close relationship with the coal industry complicates their record on climate issues. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 11, 2020

Canadian National calls back furloughed staff, normal operations will take weeks

The railroad is still monitoring the network for further disruptions, said CEO JJ Ruest in a statement.

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated March 3, 2020

Are US railroads ready for post-coronavirus volume spikes?

Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz said shippers need to take some responsibility for the flow of freight if they want speedy service after effects of the COVID-19 outbreak fade and China imports regain full strength. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 21, 2020

Coronavirus: A lesson in supply chain risk management

Companies are finding workarounds as COVID-19 cases and heightened e-commerce demand continue to disrupt supply chains.

By Matt Leonard • Updated June 21, 2022

Canadian National shuts down eastern network as pipeline protests persist

The railroad told customers Thursday it had begun to shut down its eastern network, threatening freight movement in Canada and the U.S. Midwest. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated Feb. 14, 2020

Hyundai, Airbus stop production as coronavirus leaves manufacturers scrambling

Two Hyundai suppliers, Kyungshin and Yura Corporation, have announced plans to increase production outside of China to make up for supply shortages and plan to resume production Sunday at their Chinese locations.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 5, 2020

Union Pacific releases new APIs to increase visibility for shippers

The railroad says the connections can also be used for intermodal planning, shipping actions, managing a rail network, validating pre-gate reservations and other functions.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 30, 2020

Norfolk Southern: PSR made our service better

CMO Alan Shaw said he expects growth in intermodal revenue and volume this year while forecasting flat total revenue for 2020.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 30, 2020

Union Pacific to reopen almost 60 lanes, reversing course of last year

The railroad's move to reopen closed lanes indicates it sees a possible benefit in offering more service options.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 29, 2020

AI is reshaping transportation. Railroads can get on board or miss out

Can freight rail deploy technologies that boost safety performance and productivity while growing market share? Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads, grapples with the question.

By Ian Jefferies • Jan. 28, 2020

Union Pacific predicts more headcount cuts and yard consolidation in 2020

Hump yards, train lengths and personnel are still in the crosshairs as the railroad chases its long-term goal of a 55% operating ratio, executives said.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 24, 2020

Railroad M&A less likely in age of PSR: Canadian National CEO

Operational improvements have changed the motivations for mergers in the industry and diminished the immediate benefits, the CEO said. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 21, 2020