CSX
CSX on March 30 launched the TRANSFLO Petersburg Terminal. Located in Petersburg, Va., the facility “reflects our commitment to delivering the benefits of rail transport with efficient transloading and maximized throughput,” according to the Class I railroad, which also operates a terminal in Richmond, Va., in addition to terminals in Tennessee, South Carolina, Quebec, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Connecticut, and Alabama.
The new Petersburg terminal at 3500 Halifax Road features:
- 40 car spots.
- LPG capability.
- Conveyor capacity.
- Access to major highways I-95, I-85, and US-460.
Further Reading:
BNSF
The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) recently recognized BNSF with its Building Together Award, which is described as a “traveling trophy” celebrating organizations “making a meaningful impact on Utah’s economic prosperity.”
“BNSF plays a critical role in keeping Utah and the broader region connected to national and global markets,” UDCUtah reported via social media. “Their expansive rail network supports key industries across the state, from manufacturing and energy to agriculture and consumer goods, ensuring efficient and reliable movement of freight that strengthens economic growth.”
According to EDCUtah, BNSF “continues to stand out as a strong partner in economic development,” as its “collaboration helps to deliver the logistics solutions companies depend on when choosing where to grow.”
“BNSF is honored to receive this year’s Building Together Award from EDCUtah, and proud to play a role in Utah’s economic development!” the railroad reported via social media. “We look forward to continuing to support Utah industries and growing alongside them while delivering the freight that keeps the state on the move.”
Further Reading:
- BNSF: Investment in Galesburg Yard to Boost Efficiency, Support Growth
- BNSF Customers Invest More Than $5.3B in 2025
- BNSF, CPKC, NS: Accelerating Industrial Development
- Matson, BNSF, War-Lok Team on Cargo Security
UP
A team of UP engineers utilized specialized photographic equipment last year to capture millions of data points from every angle of Big Boy 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, “to create a highly accurate, high‑resolution 3D digital model,” the Class I railroad reported March 30. (Watch video above.)
The model, it said, has been used to evaluate routes on the eastern rail network, where infrastructure can vary and where Big Boy is traveling for the first time, starting May 25, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, according to UP.
The Big Boy on March 29 left Cheyenne, Wyo., to embark on the first leg of its coast-to-coast tour, making stops in California, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, with public display days planned in Roseville, Calif., and Ogden, Utah. It will return to Wyoming on April 24. (See map below.)
The second tour leg, to the East, will include display days in Omaha, Neb.; Chicago, Ill.; Buffalo, N.Y.; and Scranton, Pa., before Big Boy’s arrival in Philadelphia for Independence Day. Additional display days are anticipated in Altoona, Pa., and St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo., before the tour concludes July 29.
“This is a great example of how we utilize modern tech tools to enhance safety around a 1940s-era steam locomotive,” said Timothy Boland, Senior Manager-Engineering Infrastructure at UP. “The level of detail we’re getting allows us to validate measurements, understand how the locomotive behaves on curves, and make informed decisions before the engine ever touches the track.”
“It’s another great step toward efficient planning that provides valuable data faster and helps us share the Big Boy with the public, safely and seamlessly,” said Ed Dickens Jr., Senior Manager-Heritage Operations at UP.
ALCO manufactured 25 Big Boys for UP, 20 in 1941 and five in 1944, to haul heavy freight during World War II. They saw service until their fires were dropped for the last time in 1961. Eight survived. UP re-acquired No. 4014 in 2013 from the RailGiants Museum in Pomona, Calif., and meticulously restored her to operating condition. No. 4014 returned to service in 2019 and is the only functioning Big Boy. In 1941, Railway Age reported on its debut with an extensive technical article (download below).
Further Reading:
- Union Pacific Announces America250 Celebration Featuring POTUS 47 Locomotive, America250 Locomotive, and Big Boy Steam Eastern Operation
- UP’s Big Boy Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday With Coast-to-Coast Tour
- Big Boy to Make Two Whistle-Stops in Colorado During Limited 2025 Excursion
- UP: Big Boy, Lincoln Locomotive Unite for Tour
