Transportation News

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

Hazmat training program to offer May courses

In May, the Hazardous Materials Training Program is planning to host two courses virtually: Disaster Recovery/Response Course (2 hours) DOT Hazardous Materials Awareness Course (8 hours over two days) The Disaster Response Recovery course is training for workers and community [...]

Big updates in new version of SMART app

SMART is proud to announce to TD members the launch of a new upgrade in the union’s mobile app. Packed with enhanced and new features, the SMART app is now, more than ever, an essential resource for TD members to stay up to speed with important information and another way tha [...]

Two TD members pass from COVID-19

The SMART Transportation Division is mourning two union brothers who have died in recent weeks because of COVID-19. Member Thurman Wheeler, 47, of Local 1348 (Centralia, Wash.) passed away on April 30 after being hospitalized for nearly two weeks with the virus. He was a Unio [...]

Updates to Indiana’s South Shore line is getting back on track

The Indiana South Shore Line, operated by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), is finally going to be revamped, according to Portage.Life. The very last rider boarded from the 11th Street warming shelter and the train left at 2:18 a.m., Saturday, May 1, [...]

SMART Statement on American Families Plan

Yesterday, President Biden released the American Families Plan and delivered an address to a joint session of Congress. In response, SMART issued the following statement. “After his first 100 days in office, it is clear, President Biden is delivering on his promise to recover [...]

Class I carriers report first quarter 2021 earnings

1st Quarter 2021 Net Earnings: Increased 5% to $1.3 billion from $1.2 billion Earnings Per Share: n/a – not publicly traded Revenue: Stayed flat at $5.4 billion Operating Income: Increased 4% to $1.9 billion from $1.8 billion Operating Expenses: Decreased 2% to $3.5 billion f [...]

RRB: Dual benefit payments Q&A

The payment of a Railroad Retirement annuity can be affected by entitlement to Social Security benefits, as well as certain other government benefits. Such dual entitlement, if not reported to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), can result in benefit overpayments that have t [...]

Biden order creates task force to increase unionism

President Joe Biden on April 26 signed an executive order that created a Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment to increase union density and union organizing in the country. The group will be led by Vice President Kamala Harris and DOL Secretary Marty Walsh and have [...]

Nevada gov. honors railroaders with proclamation

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has issued a proclamation praising America’s railroaders, declaring Wednesday, April 28, 2021, as “A Day In Honor of Railroad Workers.” A portion of the proclamation reads: “The safe and efficient movement of the trains transporting… freight an [...]