Uncle Larry

Rail Traffic Data: Still Recessionary

CSX was down 10% yoy last week. The secret is that CSX could recover that 10% or more simply by adding more cars to the same trains over the road trains.
This morning I saw a switch run that took less than 4 hours - they get paid for 8 hours minimum under union work rules. The crew could add quite a bit more workload without more pay by going into overtime or calling out a second crew.

Buffett's Call on Railroads Right on Track

The railroad transportation market is a great market. I have been in it for years, BUT the list of railroads is way, too short.
GWR - up 50% - no dividend
KSU - up 52% - no dividend
CNI and CP have been flat for the last year, but CNI is up 100% over the last 3 years and will probably take a big jump as soon as its problems are resolved about acquiring the rail line around Chicago.