Port talks continue

A potential strike threatening operations at container terminals at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has been pushed back, gCaptain reported. Employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association and the union extended their negotiations, delaying possible industrial action.

Schneider moves eastern business to Norfolk Southern

Schneider National is shifting all its eastern intermodal rail operations from CSX to Norfolk Southern, according to FreightWaves. Norfolk Southern will become Schneider’s exclusive eastern rail partner, complementing its existing western arrangement with Union Pacific.

Schneider executive Michael Baumgardt said the decision followed an evaluation of network reach, train frequency and proximity to population centres. The companies described the agreement as a growth-focused realignment intended to move suitable truck freight onto rail and provide greater capacity flexibility.

The companies began transition planning immediately after reaching the agreement. Norfolk Southern executive Shawn Tureman said the railroad had accelerated some infrastructure investments in preparation, while both sides said they were seeking a seamless transfer for customers. Baumgardt identified drayage capacity and driver availability, rather than container supply, as the main capacity constraints.

Sources used