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A message from REMSA regarding COVID-19:
The safety and well-being of the REMSA staff and our members is of the upmost importance to our association, and we want to urge all REMSA members, staff, and their families to take the proper precautions necessary to maintain their health, safety and well-being during this uncertain and unprecedented time. Railroads continue to operate and are critical in transporting essential supplies throughout the country to those in need. Thank you to our railroad operators, the crews maintaining the rails, and all of our member company employees who are taking the measures they need to ensure the well-being of the country and world during this crisis.
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Biden Infrastructure Proposal, Surface Reauthorization Bill Expected Soon
At the end of March, President Biden unveiled the American Jobs Plan, a sweeping infrastructure proposal similar in size to 2020's CARES Act. The plan seeks to invest in traditional infrastructure like roads, bridges, rail (passenger rail in particular), and pipes, but also includes things like retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency and home care. Republicans in the Senate have countered with a smaller, more focused proposal of their own. The president is expected to discuss the proposal at his first address to a joint session of Congress this week.
Committees in the House and Senate continue working to reauthorize 2015's FAST Act, the 5-year surface transportation bill that expires on September 30th. Markups are expected to take place in the next few weeks, with a bill out of committee possible by the end of May. Unlike the American Rescue Plan Act, and potentially the Jobs Plan, the reauthorization can not be done via the 51-vote reconciliation process and will require bipartisan approval.
At the STB, a recent decision changed the revenue distinction between Class I and II railroads to $900 million. Currently, those revenue limits are $505 million. The revenue limit distinguishing Class II and III railroads remains at $40.4 million.
Current Acting Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose will be formally nominated to serve as Administrator, the White House announced last week. Bose is currently the Deputy Federal Railroad Administrator. The announcement came with a number of other nominations, including Carlos Monje Jr. as Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy and Robert Hampshire as DOT Secretary for Research and Technology. See more in this month's industry news below.
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If you are interested in learning more about REMSA's government affairs efforts, please reach out to Cooper Ehrendreich at ehrendreich@remsa.org.
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 REMSA Webinar Series
Is there a topic you would like covered in future webinars? Contact stern@remsa.org to share your ideas.
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Rob Shurtleff
Director Business Development, Container & Port Solutions
ORBCOMM
How did you get started in the rail industry?
I first became involved in rail 18 years ago. My initial role was in international operations and logistics, and involved supporting major beneficial cargo owners import intermodal freight to locations in the United States. My primary responsibilities were to facilitate timely communication and efficient movement of cargo to the customer's final destination. Therefore, I was required to have an in-depth understanding of how freight travels over railroad and intermodal networks. The experience I gained in this position first enabled me to become familiar with rail operations and the various stakeholders involved, and this served as a foundation for my career as it evolved in the years ahead.
What do you love most about your job/the rail industry?
I have been a huge believer in the value of the rail industry throughout my career. One thing we were reminded of by the COVID-19 pandemic is just how vital the various components of the transportation sector, and its workforce, are to keeping the economy afloat and stable. I believe our rail infrastructure is one of our most indispensable resources, and that rail employees are one of our most important assets. Given that I am involved in the technology adoption and innovation side of the business, I like to think my efforts contribute toward helping provide industry-level improvements in safety, decision-making, and overall efficiency.
What do you find yourself doing most in your downtime? Hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy multiple outdoor and fitness related activities, including hiking, running, team sports, and weight training. In my more casual downtime, I enjoy reading and blog-writing.
How do you define the "future" of rail? Where do you think the industry is headed?
I believe there is significant opportunity for rail to capitalize on the latest trends in technology adoption and big data, which are already prevalent in other verticals. Over the last several years, the heavy equipment, maritime, and over-the-road transportation industries have made important strides in utilizing new technologies and analytical tools to augment their products and services as well as streamline business processes and operations. There is similar (if not greater) potential for rail to utilize and benefit from this approach as well. My primary responsibility with ORBCOMM is to help facilitate, support and promote awareness of these efforts.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the association (REMSA)?
REMSA has been a great resource for staying on top of market trends and obtaining access to thought leadership from some key stakeholders in various parts of the industry. This has enabled me to considerably broaden my network and increase my understanding of various facets of the business.
Anything else you would like to add/share?
Onward and upward for rail! I look forward to continuing to be a part of the REMSA association, and to playing a part in the major industry initiatives that unfold in the months and years ahead..
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Interested in being highlighted in the REMSA spotlight? Apply to become Member-of-Month.
Contact Madeleine Stern, Director of Marketing, Membership & Trade Shows to apply today at: stern@remsa.org or (202) 715-2919.
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Advertise with REMSA: Spring Sale!
Highlight your company on the REMSA website and broaden your audience. Ads will appear at www.remsa.org
All advertisers who reserve space before April 30 will receive a 15% discount. REMSA members enjoy the member-rate to advertise.
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Railroad Day on Capitol Hill
Thanks to all the REMSA members who participated in another successful Railroad Day on Capitol Hill! This year, more than 400 representatives from all sectors of the rail industry participated in nearly 300 virtual meetings with Capitol Hill offices over April 13th and 14th.
REMSA is proud to once again be a supporting organization of Railroad Day. For more information about Railroad Day on Capitol Hill 2021, visit ASLRRA's website.
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REMSA Grassroots Program: Bring a Member of Congress to Your Company
The 117th Congress has more than 50 new members in the House of Representatives and 7 new Senators, making 2021 a terrific opportunity to host a REMSA grassroots event at your company.
REMSA has hosted nearly 50 grassroots events with member companies since the program was launched in 2015. Press releases detailing past events can be found here.
REMSA's Grassroots Program connects our association's membership with members of Congress to host tours and site visits of company facilities and ongoing projects. It's a terrific way to showcase the positive impact that your company has in the local community, while also building strong personal relationships with your elected representatives. We will also take the initiative to engage with local and regional media outlets to highlight your company and maximize the visibility of the great work that you are doing.
Are you interested in growing your network and highlighting your products and services to the rail industry?
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Industry News
Bose Federal Railroad Administrator NomineeAs largely expected, President Joe Biden will nominate current Deputy Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose as FRA Administrator, the White House announced April 23. (Railway Age)
Chesapeake & Delaware names LoSapio GM
Chesapeake & Delaware LLC yesterday announced Renee LoSapio will join the organization as general manager of railroads, effective May 1. LoSapio comes to the short-line group with eight years of Class I experience, which includes serving in strategic planning, marketing and sales roles at Norfolk Southern Railway and Canadian Pacific, according to a news release. (Progressive Railroading)
As soon as the STB issued its decision granting Kansas City Southern a waiver from prevailing merger rules established about 20 years ago, KCS-following the terms of its existing merger agreement with Canadian Pacific-said it would now consider CN's counter-offer.
STB forms working group to enforce on-time passenger-rail standardsThe Surface Transportation Board (STB) has formed a working group that will develop plans to enforce new on-time performance requirements for intercity passenger-rail service. The group of STB staff will respond to the Federal Railroad Administration's new final rule that sets metrics and minimum standards for intercity passenger-rail service.
Getting a better look at BNSF's track
BNSF recently reported that new equipment has been installed on their geometry cars. The system is called Track Health Optical Recognition, or THOR. Detailed information about the system is found in a BNSF "Rail Talk" release, and is reproduced in the article with permission from BNSF. (RT&S)
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Member News
Nesco Holdings Completes Acquisition of Custom Truck One Source in Partnership with Platinum Equity and Changes Its Name to Custom Truck One Source, Inc.Nesco Holdings, Inc., which has been renamed as Custom Truck One Source, Inc. effective today, in partnership with an affiliate of Platinum Equity, LLC, announced the closing of the previously announced transaction to acquire Custom Truck One Source, L.P. ("CTOS") for a purchase price of $1.475 billion. Nesco and CTOS are
leading providers of specialized truck and heavy equipment solutions, including rental, sales and aftermarket parts and service. (Press Release)
A global rail maintenance and rail services company plans to start construction later this year on an innovation center for research and development in Georgetown. Loram Technologies, formally GREX, expects to employ 310 people at the center after the expansion, including 150 new positions. (Press Release)
RTD-Denver's board OKs 'mid-level approach' for Northwest railThe Regional Transportation District-Denver's (RTD) board this week approved a more detailed plan to provide "peak service" diesel rail service to Boulder and Longmont, Colorado. The board has three options for the next steps in the work to fulfill promises made during the 2004 campaign for the FasTracks program. (Progressive Railroading)
STI Partners With Distributor in Southeastern United States
Service Trucks International (STI) and West Georgia Mobile Hydraulics, Inc. (WGMH) recently announced a partnership to provide commercial service and crane mechanic vehicles to end-users. The companies will collaborate to deliver top-of-the-line work truck solutions to the Georgia, east Alabama, east Tennessee, and north Florida markets. (Press Release)
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