Salsaga Blog

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., July 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — YRC North American Transportation, a subsidiary of YRC Worldwide , announced today that Phil Gaines was named President of Yellow Transportation and Ken Bowman was named Senior Vice President of Finance.
In his role, Gaines will be responsible for leading the Yellow Transportation organization, which offers a full range of national, regional and international services for the movement of industrial, commercial and retail goods. Gaines began his career with the company in 1989, as a staff accountant, and has grown with the company serving in various leadership positions in Finance, Accounting, Investor Relations, Government Relations, Corporate Development, and most recently, as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for YRC North American Transportation.
Gaines graduated with the highest distinction from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. He will report to Mike Smid, President and CEO of YRC North American Transportation.
“Under Phil’s leadership, I am confident that we will continue the strong history at Yellow Transportation of providing a broad array of outstanding services including guaranteed, time-definite, defect-free, hassle-free transportation services for business customers worldwide,” said Smid.
Bowman will move to the role of Senior Vice President of finance for YRC North American Transportation. He joined the company in 2002, and has worked in a variety of finance and accounting positions supporting both Yellow Transportation and Roadway. Prior to this role, he served as the Vice President of finance for Roadway. Bowman graduated with the highest distinction from Baker University, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He also will report to Mike Smid.
“Ken’s experience across Yellow Transportation and Roadway is a great advantage for us as he takes on his new assignment leading the finance groups for all the asset-based companies,” said Smid.
These changes are effective immediately.

About YRC Worldwide

YRC Worldwide Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company and one of the largest transportation service providers in the world, is the holding company for a portfolio of successful brands including Yellow Transportation, Roadway, Reimer Express, YRC Logistics, New Penn, USF Holland, USF Reddaway, and USF Glen Moore. The enterprise provides global transportation services, transportation management solutions and logistics management. The portfolio of brands represents a comprehensive array of services for the shipment of industrial, commercial and retail goods domestically and internationally. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., YRC Worldwide employs approximately 60,000 people.
YRC Worldwide Inc.

Filed under: Transportation by admin - No Comments →

LAS VEGAS, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — On Tuesday, Jul. 1 at 8:00 am, PT, more than 3,000 Steelworkers Union members are going to rally with ‘Fair Contract’ information signs on the sidewalks of South Las Vegas Blvd., outside of the Bally’s and Paris Hotels, joined by a fleet of union drivers who will be working the area in their cabs.
(Logo: )
Despite negotiations with the cab company owners, the drivers have been working without a new labor contract since December. Issues include livable wages, long hours, and targeted terminations of union drivers.
A press briefing at 7:45 am prior to the rally start will be held by leaders of the Las Vegas union cabbies on the sidewalk located on the East side of Las Vegas Blvd., near the stairway exit coming down from the pedestrian bridges leading to Bally’s Hotel (3645 Las Vegas Blvd., South) and the Bellagio Hotel.
Participating will be Leo W. Gerard, international president of the United Steelworkers (USW). The USW is holding a convention at the Bally’s-Paris Conference Center.
The Las Vegas Alliance for Taxi and Limousine Drivers represents nearly 5,000 drivers in USW Local 711A and the Industrial Technical Professional Employees Union (ITPE), Local 4873, which is an affiliate of the Office and Professional employees International Union (OPEIU). About 2,200 drivers at Yellow, Checker and Star cabs are covered by the ITPE, whose contract expired. The USW represents 2,800 drivers in seven other cab companies, with contracts expiring next year.
Gerard says: “The Alliance gets our support as working families from across North America who come here, expecting the corporate owners of these cab companies to provide drivers an overdue labor contract with pay check equity.”
WHO: USW President Leo W. Gerard, plus leaders of the cab drivers represented by OPEIU-ITPEU Local 4873 and USW Local 711A
WHAT: Press briefing & sidewalk unity rally on Las Vegas Blvd, South, between Bally’s and Paris Hotels by Steelworkers with Las Vegas union cab drivers.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 1 - 7:45 am, PT for press briefing; 3,000 workers rally, 8:00 - 8:20 am
WHERE: The press briefing will be on the sidewalk on the East side of Las Vegas Blvd., near the stairway exit coming down from the pedestrian bridges leading to Bally’s Hotel (3645 Las Vegas Blvd., South) and the Bellagio Hotel. Steelworkers will be on the sidewalks lining both sides of Las Vegas Blvd, South, in front of Bally’s and Paris Hotels (3645 to 3655 Las Vegas Blvd., South)
For More Information: Gary Hubbard, USW, 202-256-8125 (M); 702-946-3002 (O); or Cesar Mendia, Alliance, 702-735-4005; (M) 832-434-8838.

United Steelworkers (USW)

Filed under: Transportation by admin - No Comments →

WASHINGTON, May 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Teamsters Union on Thursday urged Congress to pass the “TRUCC Act,” which would lower fuel costs for non-union truck drivers.
The “Truthful Reliable Understanding of Consumer Costs Act” would guarantee that truckers who pay for fuel will be reimbursed the full amount of any surcharge levied by shippers.
The bill was sponsored by Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine.
“Non-union owner-operator truck drivers are going broke because of fuel prices,” Hoffa said. “Since they’re the ones paying for diesel, they’re the ones who should be reimbursed for the entire amount of any fuel surcharge.”
For most non-union truckers who haul containers from U.S. ports or over the road, their broker or trucking company refuses to pay for fuel, maintenance and operating expenses.
To defray the rising cost of fuel, many trucking customers pay a fuel surcharge. Many non-union trucking companies pocket some or all of the surcharges instead of passing them along to their drivers.
“This bill won’t affect our members because their employers pay for fuel directly,” Hoffa said. “Still, we stand in solidarity with truck drivers struggling to make ends meet because they have to bear the entire financial burden of owning and operating their vehicles.
“The TRUCC Act will provide some short-term relief for non-union truck drivers,” he said.
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters represent more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United Statess, Canada and Puerto Rico.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Filed under: Transportation by admin - No Comments →

GREENWICH, Conn., April 15, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Rotterdam Rail Feeding (RRF) for cash consideration of approximately U.S. $21.4 million, with contingent consideration of up to U.S. $2.4 million payable over the next three years.Headquartered in the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, RRF is an independent provider of short-haul rail and switching services. RRF’s principal business is “last mile” rail services within the Port of Rotterdam for long-haul railroads and industrial customers. In addition, RRF provides locomotives, railroad operating personnel and rail-related services throughout the Netherlands to track construction and maintenance companies as well as government-owned infrastructure operators.RRF’s operations include 12 locomotives and 35 employees. Under GWI ownership, the business will continue to be led by its founder, Karel Poiesz, who will serve as managing director supported by his present management team. GWI expects the acquisition of RRF to be immediately accretive to its earnings per share.”The acquisition of Rotterdam Rail Feeding is an important GWI investment for several reasons,” said John C. Hellmann, CEO of GWI. “First, we are extending our U.S. port railroad franchise to serve the busiest container and bulk port in Europe. Second, we are executing a strategy that partners with the incumbent European railroads to provide the same customer-focused short-haul service that is the essence of our North American short line business model. Third, under the leadership of Karel Poiesz, we are adding an entrepreneurial management team that has built a strong business in the Netherlands and is seeking to expand its platform in Europe.”"Joining GWI is a very important and positive development for RRF,” added Karel Poiesz. “It gives us access to capital and management support to expand throughout Europe and to provide our customers with the same high level of service in other ports and industrial areas. We look forward to enhancing our strong short-haul niche in the highly dynamic European rail market.”DVB Capital Markets LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to GWI.GWI owns and operates short line and regional freight railroads and provides railcar switching services in the United States, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands and owns a minority interest in a railroad in Bolivia. Operations currently include 48 railroads organized in eight regions, with more than 5,700 miles of owned and leased track and approximately 3,000 additional miles under track access arrangements. GWI provides rail service at 16 ports in North America and Europe and performs contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Corporate headquarters is in Greenwich, Conn.”Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Genesee & Wyoming’s business which are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year. Contact: Michael E. Williams, Director, Corporate Communications, Genesee & Wyoming Inc., (203) 629-3722Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

Filed under: Transportation by admin - No Comments →

PHILADELPHIA, April 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — SEPTA Market-Frankford Line El trains will return to 46th Street Station on Monday, April 14 as a redesigned and modern transportation facility in West Philadelphia opens for passenger service.El service to 46th Street Station was discontinued in June 2007 to allow rebuilding of the station as part of the Market Street Elevated (MSE) reconstruction project.The new 46th Street Station will offer improved access to trains and greater overall convenience for the 3,700 passengers who use it each weekday. The opening of 46th Street Station marks the debut of the fourth of six new stations designed under MSE.Remodeled around the nearby community, 46th Street Station will become a fixture of comfort, elegance, and convenience. In addition to large roofs covering the platforms, SEPTA passengers will also find waiting areas on each platform offering further convenience.Station architects also incorporated into the design several security features identified as important to the community. These characteristics include the construction of curved and reflective walls that eliminate blind corners, highly visible and brightly lit interior and exterior station areas, and a pedestrian underpass to allow safe passenger travel above Market Street between both platforms.The station will be fully accessible for those disabilities and equipped with elevators and escalators at its opening. SEPTA is also planning to install public art at the station as part of its Art-in-Transit program.MSE is a major reconstruction and modernization project of the El which originally began operations in 1907. The project includes a streamlined, single-beam support structure, six new customer-friendly stations, and art inspired architectural features that will improve the overall riding experience for passengers.SEPTA bus Routes 31 and 64, rerouted to accommodate passengers during the closure of 46th Street Station, will return to regular detour routing with the opening of the station. SEPTA

Filed under: Transportation by admin - No Comments →

GREENWICH, Conn., April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) announces the following conference call and webcast: WHAT: GWI Q1 2008 Financial Release Conference Call WHEN: April 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. ET WHERE: and click on the “Investors” tab (listen only) Conference Call Dial-In Numbers — in U.S., call (888) 423-3280; outside U.S., call (612) 332-0720If you are unable to participate during the live conference call and webcast, the call will be archived at for 30 days (click the “Investors” tab). Telephone replay is available for 30 days beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET on April 29 by dialing (800) 475-6701 (or outside U.S., dial 320-365-3844). The access code is 904273.GWI is a leading owner and operator of short line and regional freight railroads in the United States, Canada and Australia and owns a minority interest in a railroad in Bolivia. Operations currently include 48 railroads organized in eight regions, with more than 5,700 miles of owned and leased track and approximately 3,000 additional miles under track access arrangements. GWI provides rail service at 15 North American ports and also performs contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers.”Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Genesee & Wyoming’s business which are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year. CONTACT: Michael Williams, GWI Corporate Communications 1-203-629-3722 Web site: Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

Filed under: Transportation by admin - No Comments →

UTRECHT, Netherlands, April 3 /PRNewswire/ — - Eurail One-Country Passes Prove to be a Great Success The Eurail Group, owner of the popular Eurail Pass for European railtravel, has announced a 5ACIORFIPROCENTE increase in passenger numbers for 2007,notwithstanding forecasts of a lukewarm year for the travel industry.Passenger numbers exceeded 468,000 for the year, setting a new record sincesales began nearly fifty years ago. Changing travel behavior has impacted Eurail’s sales. Overseas visitorsare becoming more sophisticated, and their desire to visit as much of Europeas possible has been replaced by a wish to explore just one or two selecteddestinations. Eurail has been very active in adapting its product range tomeet these customers’ expectations, resulting in booming sales of one- andtwo-country passes. With the addition of the very popular Eurail Italy Passin 2007, sales of single country passes have sky-rocketed by nearly 500ACIORFIPROCENTE andnow account for 16ACIORFIPROCENTE of all Eurail’s sales (compared to a mere 3ACIORFIPROCENTE in 2006). This shift in buying behavior and the subsequent adaptation of the EurailGroup’s sales strategy has kept revenues stable at 119 million euros.Nevertheless, Eurail’s classic products, the Eurail Global Pass (covering 20countries) and the Eurail Select Pass (valid in any three, four or fiveadjoining countries) continue to remain popular, accounting for 62ACIORFIPROCENTE ofEurail’s sales. While continued growth is anticipated, the Eurail Group remains cautious.Today’s global travel and tourism market faces many challenges including theeconomic downturn in the United States, Eurail’s key market with over 50ACIORFIPROCENTE ofthe market share. This, coupled with the depreciating dollar and the factthat the US is in an election year, means that more modest passenger growth,of around 3ACIORFIPROCENTE, is expected for 2008. In order to ensure that its products continue to remain attractive andavailable to customers worldwide, the Eurail Group is making efforts tofurther expand its product range and widen its distribution network. Thisyear has seen the addition of seven brand new pass offerings and two newcountries added to the Eurail Global Pass, as well as the introduction ofsales via a new global sales agent, STA Travel. The Eurail Group offers a wide range of passes from single countryoptions to the classic Eurail Global Pass, valid in 20 countries. For moreinformation about the Eurail Group, go to http://EurailGroup.com. EurailPasses are currently available from the direct sales website,http://Eurail.com, and all sales agents worldwide; ACP Rail International(http://eurail-acprail.com); Flight Centre (http://flightcentre.com);http://OctopusTravel.com; Rail Europe (North America: http://raileurope.com,rest of the world: http://raileurope.fr), and STA Travel (http://statravel.com). For More Information: Eurail Group corporate website and press room: http://eurailgroup.com Eurail photo library: http://eurail.informationstore.net/Eurail Group G.I.E.

Filed under: Transportation by admin - No Comments →

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — First Student school bus drivers joined with area Teamsters today to rally outside of Jacksonville’s largest bus yard to demand fair wages, improved benefits, safe conditions for themselves and the children they transport, and respect on the job.The drivers and aides are waging a campaign to join the Teamsters Union, which has organized more than 5,700 First Student and Laidlaw bus drivers nationwide in the past year.”These drivers and transit workers work hard every day to ensure the safety and security of our children,” Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President, said at the rally. “They deserve our respect. They deserve safe working conditions and fair wages and benefits.”More than 900 bus drivers are employed by First Student in the Jacksonville area. The rally was held at the Arlington yard, the largest of the five bus yards and maintenance facilities in the region. The drivers and transit workers transport thousands of area school children each day.”Our campaign is about driving up standards for bus workers and transit workers, and the children they transport,” Hoffa said. “First Student wants to keep treating its employees like second-class citizens, but the Teamsters won’t stand for it.”"I believe that safety will improve for the children and the drivers once we have Teamsters representing us,” said Rhonda Johnson, a two-year First Student driver in Jacksonville. “Being Teamsters will definitely bring a higher standard to our workplace.”Gaining respect on the job is important to many First Student drivers who have chosen Teamsters. “The reason I want to be a Teamster is so that I can have a voice at work,” said Corlene Isaacs, a seven-year employee of First Student. “Management doesn’t respect us now, but they will with a union.”Driving Up Standards, the national organizing campaign for private school bus drivers, is a coordinated project with the Teamsters and the Transport and General Workers’ Union (T&G) to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus industry.The Teamsters Union in the past year has organized thousands of First Student bus and transit workers from Alaska to Maine - more than 5,700 workers at 50 different bus yards. The Teamsters’ effort has led to improved safety, higher wages and better benefits for First Student employees and the children they transport.More information about the effort and testimonies from First Student workers can be found at The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents 1.4 million hard working men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Filed under: Transportation by admin - No Comments →