SC Ports Expand Rail Infrastructure Amid Stable Container Volumes

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SC Ports Expand Rail Infrastructure Amid Stable Container Volumes

November 22nd, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) continues to bolster its role as a logistics hub for the Southeast, supported by consistent container volumes and significant rail infrastructure advancements.

SC Ports boasts three big-ship-capable terminals, a 52-foot-deep harbor—the deepest on the U.S. East Coast—and 10 million TEUs of capacity on the horizon. The network includes two rail-served inland ports, with a near-port rail yard under development.

Progress is well underway on the Navy Base Intermodal Facility at the Port of Charleston, set to dramatically enhance rail operations. Site grading and utility work are nearly finished, while concrete paving and track construction advance for the intermodal yard. This facility will be served by both CSX and Norfolk Southern, increasing capacity and efficiency.

At Inland Port Greer, expansion efforts have added over 9,000 feet of rail and expanded the container yard. Two new rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) have arrived and are being assembled. This project aims to boost cargo capacity and streamline logistics for customers.

“We are preparing for the long term to support our customers’ investments in our port market, while consistently delivering reliable, efficient port service,” said Barbara Melvin, SC Ports President and CEO.

In fiscal year 2025, SC Ports has handled 467,686 pier containers and 847,107 TEUs since July 1, maintaining steady volumes compared to the prior year. October alone saw 114,883 pier containers and 209,107 TEUs processed—an 11% year-over-year decline, partly due to a coastwide three-day work stoppage.

Inland Ports Greer and Dillon reported 17,749 rail moves in October, reflecting a 12% drop year-over-year. Meanwhile, vehicle shipments surged, with 17,603 vehicles passing through the Port of Charleston in October, a 9% increase from last year. Cruise operations also experienced a strong month, hosting 30,464 passengers—a 12% rise year-over-year.

“As a maritime community, we deliver world-class service to our customers every day, ensuring fluidity in their supply chains and success for their businesses,” Melvin added.

With expanded rail infrastructure and consistent operational performance, SC Ports is poised to meet growing demands and solidify its position as a premier logistics gateway.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Rail

Serbia and Croatia Now Connected by Direct Rail Freight Route to Boost Trade and Cut Emissions

November 4th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has launched a direct rail freight route linking Belgrade, Serbia, with Rijeka, Croatia, creating a vital connection between the Serbian railway network and the Adriatic coast. This new TransFER route will enable goods arriving at Rijeka’s Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) to transfer seamlessly onto Serbia’s rail network.

AGCT, Croatia’s largest port, handles over 70 percent of Serbia’s import and export freight. The Belgrade–Rijeka link follows other recent RCG routes, such as the Krusevac–Budapest–Duisburg corridor, which connects Serbia’s manufacturing hub with Hungary and Germany, further integrating Serbian logistics into Europe’s trade routes.

Operating with RCG’s own locomotives and rolling stock, the TransFER Belgrade–Rijeka service accommodates up to 76 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) per train, with containers ranging from 20 to 45 feet. The route promises regular and faster freight transport to support Serbia’s expanding economy, with one to two weekly round trips expected, each taking about 24 hours.

Rail freight along this route not only streamlines cargo flow but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to road transport. This development aligns with RCG’s ongoing investments in Serbia, where it launched a carrier company in 2023 and partnered with the Western Balkan shipping firm Transfera d.o.o in 2024 to establish a new railway shipping company.

As part of the Austrian ÖBB Group, RCG operates over 419,000 trains annually, moving 78 million net tonnes of freight across Europe and into Asia. The Belgrade–Rijeka connection further strengthens this expansive network, linking Serbian markets directly with Europe’s major ports and promoting sustainable, efficient logistics solutions for the region.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Rail

Canadian Rail Strike Looms as Union and Rail Operators Reach Stalemate

August 20th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

A potential rail strike in Canada is drawing closer as the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) and major rail operators, Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), continue to struggle to reach an agreement. With the deadline fast approaching, tensions are high.

On August 9, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) determined that the services provided by the railways are not legally considered ‘essential,’ initiating a 13-day cooling-off period before a strike could legally begin. Despite this, the TCRC served notice yesterday that its members would withdraw services starting Thursday, signaling the onset of a lawful strike.

In response, CSX Transportation, a major US freight railroad, has halted cross-border shipments to and from CN and CPKC, leading the Canadian rail operators to suspend import and export services for refrigerated goods, hazardous materials, and security-sensitive items originating or ending on Canadian railways.

Despite the strike notice, the union has expressed its willingness to continue negotiations with CN and CPKC for as long as necessary. However, CN has reported that recent talks have made “no meaningful progress,” and the parties remain significantly apart on key issues.

As a precaution, CN has begun a phased and progressive shutdown of its network to ensure the safety of communities and cargo, starting with embargoes. CPKC, in a preemptive move, issued a notice to lock out all employees starting at 12:01 am on Thursday. The TCRC criticized this as a tactic to pressure the government into imposing final and binding arbitration, citing concerns over public health, safety, and economic stability.

CN had sought intervention from the Canadian Minister of Labour to refer the unresolved issues to binding arbitration, but the request was denied. The rail operator has warned that unless a swift resolution is reached, it will continue to shut down its network progressively, with additional embargoes likely to be announced today.

It’s important to note that shipments on CN and CPKC railroads with origins and destinations in the US are currently not affected by the embargoes.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, United states news

Freight Train Derailment Sparks Fire Near US-Mexico Border

April 28th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

A freight train transporting gasoline and propane derailed near the Arizona-New Mexico border, igniting a blaze that engulfed approximately six rail cars. New Mexico State Police (NMSP) reported the incident, which prompted the closure of a vital trucking route.

According to NMSP Lieutenant Phil Vargas, the derailment occurred close to Houck, Arizona, and resulted in a prolonged fire that required hours to extinguish. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in connection with the incident.

As a safety precaution, both east and westbound lanes of interstate highway I-40 near milepost 8 were shut down following the derailment. The McKinley County Sheriff’s Office indicated uncertainty regarding the reopening of the affected roads.

Lena Kent, a spokesperson for BNSF Railway, confirmed the derailment and assured that the crew remained unharmed. The incident is currently under investigation and is being treated as a hazardous materials incident, as reported by local media outlets. Authorities are actively probing the cause of the derailment to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Rail

Carousel Logistics Teams up with Varamis Rail to Electrify Cargo Route between England and Scotland

September 18th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Carousel Logistics has joined forces with the UK’s first electric-only high-speed rail freight operator to develop a zero-emission cargo route between Birmingham and Glasgow.

In-night delivery specialist Carousel Logistics has joined forces with Varamis Rail to develop a fully electric rail cargo route between Birmingham and Glasgow.

The partnership was formed in February of this year, and now, following a successful trial, the electric route has officially become part of Carousel Logistics’ pan-European delivery operations.

Varamis Rail, the UK’s first electric-only express rail freight operator, is utilizing former passenger trains and converted them to carry cargo at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour between the Midlands and Scotland.

The game-changing train is powered by Network Rail’s overhead line infrastructure, with all electricity generated from environmentally friendly sources.

Carousel Logistics is now running freight out of Birmingham on Varamis Rail’s midnight service that departs just two miles away from the airport and pulls into Mossend rail hub terminal at around 4am.

Varamis Rail says the electric route will save 1,350 tons of carbon dioxide each year under the current schedule of a return journey between the cities five nights a week.

This schedule was carefully designed by both teams to not only reduce emissions, but to also bring about operational improvements for Carousel Logistics’ in-night deliveries.

The service, which connects the cities in around four hours, is currently running Monday to Friday.

Carousel Logistics’ introduction of the electric train follows its recent investment in Electron, a battery-run electric aircraft that will enable zero emission, point-to-point air freight deliveries across Europe.

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Railroads Reach Agreement to Create New Direct Connection and Corridor Linking Mexico, Texas and the U.S. Southeast

July 5th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Canadian Pacific Kansas City, CSX Corporation (NASDAQ: CSX) (CSX) and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) today announced they have reached agreements that when completed will create a new direct CPKC-CSX interchange connection in Alabama.

As part of the series of proposed transactions, CPKC and CSX would each acquire or operate portions of Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, L.L.C. (MNBR), a G&W-owned railway in Mississippi and Alabama, to establish a new freight corridor for shippers that connects Mexico, Texas and the U.S. Southeast.

The MNBR runs between Meridian, Miss. and Montgomery, Ala., and currently is operated under a combination of ownership and operating agreements.

Under the agreements announced today, CPKC would acquire and operate the segment of the MNBR between Meridian and Myrtlewood, Ala. and CSX would operate the lines currently leased by MNBR east of Myrtlewood. As a result, CPKC and CSX would establish a direct CPKC-CSX interchange at or near Myrtlewood, Ala. In exchange, G&W would acquire certain Canadian properties owned by CPKC and other rights. MNBR would receive rights to continue to provide local service to existing customers on former MNBR-owned lines and connect with other railroads without interchange restrictions.

Terms of the transactions were not disclosed and will be addressed in definitive agreements that the parties have agreed to negotiate. Certain portions of the transactions are subject to regulatory review and approval from, or exemption by, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

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Rail Europe Appoints Klaus Kreher as Head of Carriers Management

March 3rd, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Rail Europe, the global reference brand for European train booking, both for individual travelers and the travel industry anywhere in the world, is pleased to announce the appointment of Klaus Kreher as its new Head of Carriers Management. Klaus brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held senior leadership positions in the travel and transportation industries.

In his new role, Klaus will manage Rail Europe’s relationship with European train operators, identifying and pursuing new business opportunities with existing carriers, and expanding the company’s product offerings by adding new partners to its catalogue.

Klaus started his career in tourism and then worked for Deutsche Bahn, where he helped build the first call center outside of Germany. His path then took him into commercial roles with Travelport, the global distribution system, and Trainline, where he managed global carrier relationship.

Klaus’ appointment is effective immediately. He will be based in Rail Europe’s headquarters in Paris, France.

About Rail Europe

Rail Europe is a global travel tech company and the reference brand for European train booking. We have been the trusted partner of the travel industry and train operators for 90 years. Our rail expert teams provide technology service solutions to +15,000 travel professionals in 70 countries. International travelers who want to travel by train easily throughout Europe can also book their travel directly through our state-of-the-art train booking website and app. The company sells around 2.5 million European train tickets every year. Its catalogue of products focuses on more than 100 brands such as SNCF, SBB, Eurostar, Thalys, Trenitalia, Italo, DB, Renfe, ÖBB, SNCB, NS, OUIGO Spain and National Rail, and rail passes including the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Passes. Rail Europe is headquartered in Paris.

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Rail Europe Announces its First Participation to ITB Berlin 2023

February 11th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Rail Europe is delighted to announce its very first participation as exhibitor to ITB Berlin, the leading travel trade show, from March 7 to 9 March 2023. Rail Europe, the aggregator of the European train industry, will showcase its extensive range of products and solutions to travel, tourism and mobility experts.

Björn Bender will be participating in a panel discussion entitled ‘Carriers at the Crossroads between Decarbonization and Changes in Booking and Travel Behavior’ on 7 March, from 1:00 to 1:45 PM at Hall 7.1b, Blue Stage. During the discussion, he will share Rail Europe’s vision and strategy to enhance the rail travel experience throughout Europe, making it simpler, sustainable, and enjoyable.

Rail Europe is the global reference brand for European train booking, both for individual travellers (B2C) and travel industry (B2B) anywhere in the world. Its mission is to aggregate European Rail at an international scale, to make train travel easy and to bring more people onto rail.

The full line-up of Rail Europe’s talks, events, and activities at ITB Berlin 2023 will be revealed in mid February 2023. Feel free to reach out for more information or for a personal meeting with a member of our team.

About Rail Europe

Rail Europe is a global travel tech company and the reference brand for European train booking. We have been the trusted partner of the travel industry and train operators for 90 years. Our rail expert teams provide technology service solutions to +15,000 travel professionals in 70 countries. International travellers who want to travel by train easily throughout Europe can also book their travel directly through our state-of-the-art train booking website and app. The company sells around 2.5 million European train tickets every year. Its catalogue of products focuses on more than 100 brands such as SNCF, SBB, Eurostar, Thalys, Trenitalia, Italo, DB, Renfe, ÖBB, SNCB, NS, OUIGO Spain and National Rail, and rail passes including the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Passes. Rail Europe is headquartered in Paris.

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California High-Speed Rail Authority Selects Atlas and Its JV Partners for $400 Million Program Management Contract

January 4th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

As part of the AECOM-led joint venture, Atlas will provide quality management for the California High-Speed Rail Project. Atlas to book approximately $65 million to backlog in fourth quarter 2022

Atlas Technical Consultants, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATCX) (“Atlas” or the “Company”), a leading Infrastructure and Environmental solutions provider, announced today that it is a member of the joint venture team that was selected to provide program delivery support for the California High-Speed Rail project. The joint venture, led by AECOM, includes Atlas, other partners and 26 small businesses, disadvantaged business enterprises, and disabled veteran business enterprise firms. The $400 million contract awarded by the California High Speed Rail Authority has a term of four years, with two, one-year extension options. Atlas will book approximately $65 million in fourth quarter 2022 backlog with work expected to begin immediately.

As part of the joint venture team, Atlas will develop and implement a quality management system that assures plans, processes, and actions of this world-class transportation program are executed in an interconnected, unified, and mutually beneficial manner while ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements.

The California High-Speed Rail project is the first of its kind in the United States. It will transform how people commute and travel, spur economic growth, and promote a cleaner environment by connecting NorCal to SoCal via reliable rail. There are currently 119 miles of rail line under construction and 52 miles under advanced design in the Central Valley with service expected to begin by the end of the decade. Through disciplined environmental initiatives that outline land preservation measures, recycling programs, and renewable energy investment, the project will ensure the protection of natural resources at every step; per year, California High-Speed Rail operations are projected to generate greenhouse gas emissions savings of roughly two million metric tons in carbon dioxide equivalent.

About Atlas Technical Consultants

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Atlas is a leading provider of Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions. We partner with our clients to improve performance and extend the lifecycle of built and natural infrastructure assets stressed by climate, health, and economic impacts. With 3,500+ employees nationwide, Atlas brings deep technical expertise to public- and private-sector clients, integrating services across four primary disciplines: Environmental (ENV); Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC); Engineering & Design (E&D); and Program Management/Construction Management, and Quality Management (PCQM).

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Record Transit Times Reported for Davies Turner’s Express

March 26th, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Record transit times were reported for the UK’s leading independent freight forwarder, Davies Turner’s Express China Rail. The record numbers come shortly after the company completed the upgrade to its fixed-day, weekly rail import service for LCL cargoes.

“The record transit time achieved by our overland rail service, when ocean freight shipments were being delayed by inclement weather, showed another advantage of rail over ocean freight,” commented Philip Stephenson, chairman of Davies Turner.

The container paths coming to Davies Turner’s begins with Wuhan rail, going through Duisburg to be trucked to the Port of Rotterdam and ferried to Purfleet for its final destination at Davies Turner’s distribution centre, for discharging, customs clearance and delivery.

“While Storm Gareth caused havoc recently, causing the closure of ports and delays to ocean freight shipments, our Express China Rail service has been suffering no such problems, arriving several days ahead of schedule,” said Tony Cole, head of supply chain services at Davies Turner. “Last week, our consol box arrived and was unpacked after just 19 days, which was a record time. The scheduled transit time from the Wuhan rail hub to our Dartford depot is 22 to 24 days.”

“Since we launched the dedicated weekly consol service from Wuhan in November 2018 we have seen it go from strength to strength. Bookings have increased by 195 percent.”

SC Ports Expand Rail Infrastructure Amid Stable Container Volumes

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