Transportation News

Visit the digital archive of the SMART-TD News (PDFs)

SMART TD President’s statement on Washington derailment

NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio (Dec. 19) — SMART Transportation Division is assisting as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducts its investigation and offers its sincere condolences to the victims and families of those affected by the Dec. 18 Amtrak Cascades derai [...]

Update: NTSB says derailed Amtrak train was speeding

The Amtrak Cascades train 501 that derailed over Interstate 5 near DuPont, Wash., Monday, Dec. 18 was speeding, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said. The train was traveling at around 80 mph in a 30 mph zone, the agency said. The train was carrying 80 passenge [...]

Retirees: Palmetto GBA introduces beneficiary portal

Palmetto GBA has introduced a new beneficiary portal, MyRRMed, where users will have access to claims data, historical Medicare Summary Notices and data on who they have authorized to have access to their private health information. Portal Functions: At this time, you can use [...]

Former UTU Director of Updating Peter Spalding has died

Peter N. Spalding, 75, died Saturday, Dec. 16. Spalding hired out with CSX in 1964 and was a member of Local 376 in Louisville, Ky. He eventually came to work at the UTU International, then headquartered in downtown Cleveland. While at the UTU, he served the membership in the [...]

High-speed Amtrak train derails in Wash., dangles over highway

CBS reports that high-speed, southbound Amtrak Cascades train 501 derailed on an overpass this morning near DuPont in Washington state. At least one train car crashed down onto Interstate 5 and blocked all lanes of traffic. Authorities say that injuries and casualties have be [...]

CSX CEO E. Hunter Harrison dead at 73

CSX CEO E. Hunter Harrison, 73, has died just two days after CSX announced that he was going on medical leave due to complications from an illness. CSX’s chairman of the board of directors, Edward J. Kelly III said on behalf of the board: “With the passing of Hunt [...]

ACTION NEEDED: Tax bill takes away from unemployment fund

The Republican tax bill would result in millions of dollars in cuts to the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and take funds away from out-of-work employees. Tell your senators and representatives to VOTE NO. Next week, the House and Senate are expected to vote on a t [...]

OSHA: Working in the cold and preparing for winter weather

Winter weather presents hazards including slippery roads/surfaces, strong winds and environmental cold. Employers must prevent illnesses, injuries or fatalities, by controlling these hazards in workplaces impacted by winter weather. OSHA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric A [...]

SMART TD comments on DOT rulemaking process

Last week, the SMART Transportation Division National Legislative Office submitted comments to the Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking input on existing rules and other agency actions that are good candidates for repeal, replacement, suspension, or modification. In our [...]

Local treasurers: Workshop planned at TD office in February

A local treasurer workshop Feb. 21 to 23 will provide hands-on training on the responsibilities and duties pertaining to their office, including direct receipts, iLink and WinStabs. It will also focus on proper completion of monthly billings and member record maintenance. Thi [...]