October Issue Preview

Start Off Q4 in Our Pages

Start Q4 off with an appealing ad in the pages of Progressive Railroading. Plenty of companies are looking to close 2023 strong, so why would you sit out on the chance to grab the attention of your customers? You won't get noticed by our 25,000+ rail professionals who receive the magazine each month if you sit back and stay idle. Below, you can see the great editorial coverage that will appear alongside your ad in October.

October 2023 Editorial Lineup

Cover story: CN strives to stay true to its operating plan

In 2021 and 2022, CN struggled to keep operations consistent and fluid despite employing what the Class I’s leaders believed at the time was a solid scheduled railroading plan.

Sometimes unexpected events — such as severe weather or a sudden rise or fall in certain traffic demand — disrupted operations to the point that overall train velocity and service compliance eroded. But after revising, refining and retooling the scheduled railroading model, trains now are moving smoothly and on time. The operational turnaround has become a strong-service foundation upon which CN hopes to build initiatives that drive growth.

Today, CN leaders consider the operating plan to be sacred — something that should be followed at all times despite any market, economic or business environment changes. The “power of the plan” is swift operational recovery and faster transit times, they say. By adhering to it, departing trains are on time and rail-car velocity is maintained, underpinning first- and last-mile service. The charge now: Stay true to the plan, run the plan and sell the plan. So far in 2023, operational performance has stood up to excessive summer heat, wildfires, a West Coast port strike and soft economy in Canada. It’s proving to be the right operating model for the railroad’s network no matter the circumstances, CN leaders say.

What changes were made to the model to make it so right? How do operations differ from a year or two ago? Why are the Class I’s leaders convinced this plan is so solid? When will this turnaround pay off in growth? For answers, Managing Editor Jeff Stagl checks in with two CN execs: Patrick Whitehead, senior vice president of operations, and Derek Taylor, SVP of transportation.

Also In This Issue

Technology Update: Rail Crew Management Software

MOW/Annual Market Update:  Wood Ties

MOW: Used Equipment (Auctions, Renew-to-New)

Mechanical: Tank Car Update

Note: All editorial topics are subject to change without notice. 

What's On Deck?

November Issue
RailTrends 2023 Railroad Innovator Award: (Cover)
MOW: Material Handling
Mechanical: Rail-car Repair
MOW: Rail Welding Technology

Bonus Distribution: RailTrends - New York, NY

December Issue
Outlook 2024: Rail CEOs on the Year Ahead (Cover)
C&S/MOW: Outlook for Contracting
Passenger Rail Focus: Amtrak
Mechanical: Freight-car Forecast
MOW: Rail Fasteners

Bonus Distribution: NRC - January 3-6, 2024 - Scottsdale, AZ; MARS - January 9-11, 2024 - Lombard, IL

Remember to review our full rolodex of digital and multi-channel offerings to widen the reach of your marketing message. Get in touch with me today and put our PR to work for you!