Year: 2013

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CSX_logoCSX Corporation announced Oct. 15 that they had net earnings of $463 million or $.046 per share for the third quarter of 2013. Earnings for the same quarter last year were $455 million or $.44 per share. Earnings are up by $8 million over last year, but down $72 million from the second quarter of this year.

The railroad reported revenues of $3 billion for the third quarter that resulted from higher volumes and pricing gains in merchandise and intermodal. CSX reports an operating income of $854 million and an operating ratio of 71.5 percent.

“CSX now expects full-year 2013 earnings-per-share to be slightly up from 2012 levels. In addition, the company remains on target to achieve its goal of sustaining a high-60s operating ratio by 2015, while remaining focused on attaining a mid-60s operating ratio longer-term,” CSX said.

Operating ratio is a railroad’s operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue, and is considered by economists to be the basic measure of carrier profitability. The lower the operating ratio, the more efficient the railroad.

 

union_pacific_logoUnion Pacific reports best-ever quarterly results for the third quarter of 2013. The railroad reported a net income of $1.15 billion or $2.48 per diluted share for the third quarter. Last year’s figures for the same quarter were at $1 billion or $2.19 per diluted share.

Operating revenue for the railroad had a four percent increase to $5.6 billion over last year’s $5.3 billion. Union Pacific recorded an operating ratio of 64.8 percent, a best-ever quarterly record. Operating income totaled $1.96 billion, up 10 percent over last year for the same quarter.

“Union Pacific achieved all-time record financial results this quarter,” said Jack Koraleski, Union Pacific chief executive officer. “Despite the challenges of lower coal and grain volumes, in addition to disruptions caused by the Colorado flooding, we managed our network efficiently and continued to benefit from the strength of our diverse franchise. When combined with real core pricing and productivity gains, we more than offset flat volumes to generate a new, best-ever quarterly Operating Ratio of 64.8 percent.

“As we move through the fourth quarter, we continue to monitor the economic landscape. Supported by our diverse franchise, we remain agile and well positioned for economic recovery,” Koraleski added. “We’ll continue to focus on running a safe, efficient, and reliable network that generates greater value for both our customers and shareholders going forward.”

 

KCS_rail_logoKansas City Southern reports revenues of $622 million for the third quarter, an increase of eight percent over 2012’s third quarter and a three percent increase in carloads. With only $579 million in revenues for the second quarter of this year, KCS showed a large increase of $43 million from the second quarter to the third.

The railroad reports an operating income up 11 percent at $200 million and an operating ratio of 67.8 percent for the third quarter. Operating ratio improved over 2012 figures by 0.9 points.

Diluted earnings-per-share was up at $1.07 while KCS reported $0.82 for the same quarter last year. Adjusted diluted earnings-per-share showed an increase of 16 percent, coming in at $1.10 for the third quarter of 2013. Diluted earnings-per-share for the third quarter of 2012 were at $0.95.

“Looking ahead, we expect a strong end to the year benefited by growth in export grain shipments. We also look forward to long-term improvement in our operating ratio as we move forward with our plan to increase the percentage of equipment we own versus lease,” David L. Starling said, president and chief executive officer at KCS.

 

CN_red_logoCanadian National Railway announced a net income of C$724 million or C$1.67 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2013. The railway reported just C$664 million or C$1.52 per diluted share for the same quarter in 2012. CN is up just $7 million over last quarter.

The railroad reports a one-time expense of C$19 million (C$0.05 per diluted share) resulting from an income tax adjustment. Excluding this expense, earnings per share (EPS) saw an increase of 13 percent to C$1.72 from 2012’s EPS of C$1.52.

Revenues saw an eight percent increase to a quarterly record of C$2,698 million, which was driven by a four percent increase in revenue ton-miles, and a three percent increase in car loadings.

Operating income for the railroad also increased 10 percent to C$1,084 million and operating ratio also saw an improvement of 0.8 of a point to 59.8 percent.

“CN’s agenda of Operational and Service Excellence delivered outstanding financial results for the quarter. All our key operating metrics improved, service levels remained solid and we reached new levels of safety in our train operations,” President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau said. “With continued focus on supply chain collaboration and solid execution, the CN team is determined to grow its business safely and efficiently at a pace faster than the overall economy and to meet its full-year 2013 financial outlook.”

 

cp-logo-240Canadian Pacific Railway Limited revealed record quarterly earnings at C$324 million (a 45 percent increase) or C$1.84 per diluted share and its lowest operating ratio at 65.9 percent in the history of the company for the third quarter of 2013. Although a record for the third quarter, earnings for the second quarter of 2013 were higher by C$96 million. Adjusted net income, excluding a one-time tax item of C$7 million was C$331 million, an increase of 48 percent.

The company reports adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of C$1.88, a growth of 45 percent over the third quarter of 2012. Total revenues saw an increase of six percent to C$1.5 billion, while operating expenses saw a decrease of six percent down to C$1 billion.

Chief Executive Officer E. Hunter Harrison said, “By all standards, this was an outstanding quarter. The company’s focus on service execution while controlling costs is a testament to our team of dedicated, hardworking railroaders. We enter the fourth quarter with momentum and are well positioned for what I believe will be a record 2013.”

 

ns_LogoNorfolk Southern publicized its third quarter net income of $482 million, a 20 percent increase over the third quarter of 2012 today. The same quarter last year only saw a net income of $402 million. Net income was also up $17 million over the second quarter of this year.

Diluted earnings per share were at $1.53, up 23 percent over last year’s $1.24. Operating revenues for the railway were at $2.8 billion, five percent higher than the same quarter of 2012. Shipment volumes saw an increase of four percent.

Income garnered from railway operations was $849 million, up 16 percent. Operating ratio improved by three percentage points to 6
9.9 percent.

CEO Wick Moorman said, “Norfolk Southern delivered strong results, led by growth in our chemicals, metals/construction, intermodal, and automotive businesses, combined with ongoing productivity improvements. Even in the face of continuing weakness in the coal markets, our focus on service efficiency and velocity allowed us to provide superior performance for our customers and excellent results for our shareholders.”

 

MADISON, Wis. – A Madison judge on Monday found Wisconsin labor relations officials in contempt for enforcing parts of Gov. Scott Walker’s contentious bargaining restrictions despite a ruling that they’re unconstitutional, clearing the way for hundreds of school district and municipal worker unions to negotiate with their employers again.

Dane County Circuit Judge Juan Colas ruled last year the provisions were unconstitutional as they applied to two unions representing Madison teachers and Milwaukee public workers, creating confusion about whether the ruling applied to all school and municipal workers across the state.

Read the complete story at the Associated Press.

 

Two years probably wasn’t going to be enough time for railroads to install crash-avoidance technology on 23,000 locomotives and 60,000 miles of tracks, in the biggest rail-safety project in U.S. history.

Then they encountered the Choctaw Nation, Muscogee and Navajo.

In May, the railroads and their regulators learned 565 American Indian tribes had the right to review, one by one, whether 22,000 antennae required for the system to work might be built on sacred ground. That’s as many wireless tower applications as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission approves in two years.

Read the complete story at Bloomberg Businessweek.

Simon, Anthony.web
Simon

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Oct. 21 rejected a proffer of arbitration from the National Mediation Board to SMART Transportation Division’s General Committee of Adjustment GO 505, which represents a variety of crafts on the Long Island Rail Road in New York.

“After three years of difficult negotiations, the two sides are far apart on the major issues of wages, health and welfare and pension contributions,” said GO 505 General Chairperson Anthony Simon. “This release is a major step in getting us on the right path to obtaining a fair deal.”

Simon thanked Transportation Division President John Previsich for his continued assistance throughout the negotiations and SMART General President Joe Nigro for his ongoing support.

“Our organization has been working closely with SMART Sheet Metal Division General Chairperson John McCloskey and the leadership of the Transportation Communications Union and the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers in obtaining a positive outcome for LIRR workers,” Simon said. “Together in solidarity, our organization will continue to work at obtaining a fair contract for our members. I ask for the continued support of our membership as we go through these very challenging times.”

GO 505 represents conductors, car inspectors, car repairmen, car appearance maintainers, track workers, track supervisors and special service attendants employed by LIRR.

Railroad employees covered under National Railway Carriers/UTU Health and Welfare Plan or the Railroad Employees’ National Health and Welfare Plan will begin receiving notification of the online open enrollment period that began Oct. 1, 2013, and ends Nov. 2, 2013. The information should be specific to the current enrollment for you and your eligible dependents.

This new online enrollment capability provides the ability to view your personal information, add, delete and update dependent information, view enrollment materials, enroll in benefits for next year, and receive an immediate confirmation statement. There is no need to mail in a paper enrollment form. However, if you need assistance, have question or require a paper enrollment kit, call Railroad Enrollment Services at (800) 753-2692.

You are encouraged to visit the online enrollment site and review all the information available. Use the log-in instructions at end of this article to access and review your personal information and spend some time learning about the benefits resources available on the site.

You may have choices to make or information to provide.

  • It is required that covered dependent Social Security numbers (SSN) be provided to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Please supply the missing SSN on the Dependent Information screen.
  • If you currently have the Opt-Out Option 1 Plan and want to continue this plan for next year, you must select Opt-Out Option 1 on the Medical Screen.

If you are currently enrolled in the Health Flexible Spending Account, the election and yearly contribution will not rollover to the new plan year. If you want to continue with this program for the coming year, you must enter your annual contribution amount for these programs in the box provided on the Health Flexible Spending Account Screen.

To enroll in available benefit programs or make changes, access the Railroad Enrollment Services online enrollment for 2014 at www.yourtracktohealth.com (formerly known as the Railroad Information Depot).

  • Click “Login” located in the upper right corner of the screen.
  • If you have already registered, enter your username and password.
  • If you have not yet registered, select “New User?” at the bottom of the screen to complete your registration.

Once logged in, select the option to “Enroll Now for 2014,” located in the upper left corner of the screen.

Some people lie on the tracks in the path of an oncoming train. Some walk defiantly in the direction of a train as it hurtles toward them, or stand in place until they can look directly into the eyes of the terrified engineer.

Others walk along the tracks listening to music through earbuds, purposefully oblivious to the approaching train that will end their life.

However they do it, suicides by train are on the upswing in New Jersey, leading NJ Transit and the state Department of Human Services to work together with a sense of urgency on new programs aimed at stemming the tragic trend.

Click here to read more. 

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO joins the rest of the nation this week in thanking the men and women dedicated to transporting children to and from school during National School Bus Safety Week. In recognition of the challenges faced by school bus drivers, today TTD is announcing it will host a School Bus Summit on Dec. 2, 2013, in Washington, D.C., with its member unions.
“It is time to both thank school bus drivers for the indispensable role they play in making sure our kids are safe and secure, and also to address their everyday challenges,” said TTD President Edward Wytkind.
School buses remain the safest form of transportation for school children, carrying 25 million students to and from school every day on approximately 500,000 buses. TTD honors the drivers for their unyielding commitment to safety and dedication to their communities.
“The untold story is that school bus drivers are expected to fulfill their enormous responsibilities while too often driving overcrowded buses and without adequate support and training,” Wytkind said. “Meanwhile, unscrupulous private entities seek to outsource their jobs on the cheap and force them to work under often difficult conditions.”
To address many of these challenges, TTD will bring together union activists and drivers and federal regulators in the December summit. Participants will share ideas and strategies to address pressing concerns, including privatization of bus service, unmet training needs, overcrowded buses and burdensome employment requirements.
“The TTD School Bus Summit will focus on the men and women who work in this sector,” Wytkind added. “We cannot expect our nation’s school bus drivers to work in substandard conditions due to flawed policies and employers who cut all the wrong corners.”
More details on the summit will follow in November.

John Helak, Business Manager / FST of Local 71, Buffalo, New York, was appointed to SMART’s General Executive Council as a General Vice President, effective August 14, 2013.
Brother Helak began his career in the sheet metal industry as an apprentice in 1978.  He served as a benefits trustee from 1992-1994 and E-board member from March 1995 until his appointment as an Organizer in June1995. He was elected as Business Representative in 1997, serving in that position until his election as Business Manager /FST in 2003.
John served as a trustee of the Niagara County Building trades from 1998 to 2003 and a Trustee of the Buffalo  Building Trades from 2003 to present.  In 2011, he was appointed to the Best Practices Committee and in 2012 was elected President of the Metropolitan Association.
 

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO joins the rest of the nation this week in thanking the men and women dedicated to transporting children to and from school during National School Bus Safety Week. In recognition of the challenges faced by school bus drivers, today TTD is announcing it will host a School Bus Summit on Dec. 2, 2013, in Washington, D.C., with its member unions.

“It is time to both thank school bus drivers for the indispensable role they play in making sure our kids are safe and secure, and also to address their everyday challenges,” said TTD President Edward Wytkind.

School buses remain the safest form of transportation for school children, carrying 25 million students to and from school every day on approximately 500,000 buses. TTD honors the drivers for their unyielding commitment to safety and dedication to their communities.

“The untold story is that school bus drivers are expected to fulfill their enormous responsibilities while too often driving overcrowded buses and without adequate support and training,” Wytkind said. “Meanwhile, unscrupulous private entities seek to outsource their jobs on the cheap and force them to work under often difficult conditions.”

To address many of these challenges, TTD will bring together union activists and drivers and federal regulators in the December summit. Participants will share ideas and strategies to address pressing concerns, including privatization of bus service, unmet training needs, overcrowded buses and burdensome employment requirements.

“The TTD School Bus Summit will focus on the men and women who work in this sector,” Wytkind added. “We cannot expect our nation’s school bus drivers to work in substandard conditions due to flawed policies and employers who cut all the wrong corners.”

More details on the summit will follow in November.

The unions representing most of the Long Island Rail Road’s workforce have reached a critical impasse in contract negotiations that could lead to a strike, the LIRR’s top union official said Friday.

Anthony Simon, general chairman of the United Transportation Union, said that after three years of failed negotiations since their last contract expired, eight of the LIRR’s 10 main unions were released from mediation Friday.

Read the complete story at Newsday.