Railroads often highlight that they are ~4x more fuel efficient than trucks, and over the long run, that’s true. But in the short term, fuel surcharge (FSC) mechanics can tell a very different story. Unlike trucking, where fuel surcharges adjust weekly based on DOE diesel averages, rail FSC programs typically lag 2–3 months behind fuel price movements. That delay is about to matter. As fuel prices surged earlier this year, rail FSCs remained relatively moderate. Consider the

Dave Dobronos has spent more than three decades in the scrap metal industry, building a career defined by leadership, market insight, and long-standing relationships across the sector. Now serving as Executive Vice President and Partner at Scrap Dynamics Corporation, Dobronos brings deep experience from some of the industry's most recognized companies. Q: Can you briefly share your career history? A: I have been in the scrap metal industry for over 32 years. My career began

Technology, potential industry consolidation, and evolving supply chain strategies are reshaping how freight moves across North America. For nearly two centuries, the “iron horse” has been the backbone of North American industry. Today, the rail sector is once again at an important point of transition. New digital technologies are transforming how railroads manage their networks, a potential historic merger could reshape the competitive landscape, and many companies are reeva

As we move into the second quarter of 2026, the North American rail landscape is signaling a clear shift in how bulk commodities are moved. For years, the industry leaned toward an "asset-light” philosophy. But in March 2026, with Class I velocity metrics beginning to wobble and specialized equipment in short supply, that philosophy is being stress-tested. At Iron Horse Logistics Group, we are seeing a significant trend: private railcar ownership is no longer just a logistica

As we close out 2025, I want to begin by sharing why there has been a four-month gap since our last newsletter. In September, our Vice President (and my son, Eric) suffered a sudden serious health emergency, and our family suddenly found ourselves living out the words of Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” My priorities and workload shifted overnight, but the Lord sustained us daily with His peace and provision. We have also been enc

One Word: Shocking! Unless you have “gone off the grid,” you know the big news in the rail industry is the recent announcement of the...

In today’s crowded marketplace, most companies post a list of “core values” somewhere on their website. It’s become expected, even...

It wouldn’t be summer shipping season without a few headaches. From unpredictable port congestion to rail ramps backed up by import...

Large corporate mergers and acquisitions are nothing new. From mega pharmaceutical companies to tech giants, consolidation has become a...

Cross-Border Freight Rail Trends The freight rail industry has seen varying trends over the past half-year. According to recent data, the...

By Dennis Wilmot Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid . Does that make you smile or grimace? There is such nostalgia about the history of...

By Eric Wilmot As of May 2025, the U.S. freight rail industry is confronting significant challenges stemming from newly implemented...

(By Dennis Wilmot) What happened? We kicked off the festivities on Wednesday, April 9th with the NEARS TopGolf Extravaganza, blessed...

(By Eric Wilmot) The North East Association of Rail Shippers (NEARS) conference held in Baltimore proved to be an informative event that...

By Dennis Wilmot The Legacy and Challenges of Rail Transportation Railroads have an incredible history. They truly helped to build...

By Eric Wilmot The freight rail industry has seen varying trends over the past half-year. According to recent data, the volume of goods...

By Dennis Wilmot Turning Points in History When I ask what dates come to mind that were turning points in history, dates that changed...

By Eric Wilmot In my last article, we looked at general rail safety and its importance. This month, let’s dive into the numbers and see...

By Dennis Wilmot Challenges of Change When I started on the railroad in 1974 I assumed I would remain working for the railroad for my...

By Eric Wilmot Freight rail safety is a critical component of the transportation industry, ensuring the secure and efficient movement of...