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Progressive Railroading — November 2025 Editorial Lineup
November Cover Story: 2025 Railroad Innovator Award — Union Pacific Railroad’s Jim Vena
In May, Progressive Railroading and RailTrends® named Union Pacific Railroad CEO Jim Vena the 2025 recipient of the Railroad Innovator Award, which recognizes an individual's outstanding achievement in the rail industry.
Two months later, Vena-led UP and Norfolk Southern Corp. announced an agreement in which UP will acquire NS in a stock and cash deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.
“Jim exemplifies the best of what I call the 'CN Diaspora' and really seems to have gotten his historic railroad to achieve something that seemed just out of reach for many years — fulfill its vast potential,” said independent transportation analyst Tony Hatch, who is the program consultant for the annual RailTrends conference. “In addition, I truly appreciate his employment of what he calls 'buffer' (additional resources in reserve to provide resiliency and support agility) in these uncertain times.”
“Jim has done what he said he'd do since taking Union Pacific's reins, and that matters — particularly given the aforementioned uncertainty,” adds Progressive Railroading Editor-in-Chief Pat Foran. “He came to UP with a demonstrated track record of driving best-in-class operating and service results, and he continues to drive them.”
For this month's cover story, Foran travels to Omaha to talk with Vena about his life and career, including what he's learned (about himself, people, the world) along the way; how the rail industry has evolved since he's been part of it, and where he thinks it needs to go in the future; and any post-announcement thoughts he may have on the UP-NS merger.
Material Handling
Maintenance-of-way managers continue to seek equipment — including machines that handle and distribute such materials as rail, ties and ballast — that'll help them minimize the time crews spend on the track. And they have an array of products, equipment and services at their disposal. What's new as well as tried and true in the material handling equipment market? Suppliers share information on their offerings.
Rail-Car Repair
How's business in the North American rail-car repair segment? Have repair shops been seeing more work coming their way in 2025? If so, where's it coming from? If not: What rail industry issues or economic factors are preventing it? Did shops adjust this year’s plans accordingly? How are they preparing for 2026? For answers, we'll reach out to a sampling of rail-car repair shop officials.
Rail Welding Technology
We'll provide an update on suppliers' and service providers' new weld designs and welding techniques, as well as their existing product lines and services.
Bonus Distribution: RailTrends, Nov. 20-21, 2025, New York Marriott Marquis
Note: All editorial topics are subject to change without notice.
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