Freight Railroads Propose Limiting Sensitive Cargo as Strike Threat Looms

Freight railroads said they are planning to halt the transport of hazardous materials and sensitive cargoes, such as chemicals used in fertilizer and chlorine for water purification, as they continue negotiations with two labor unions.

Railroads have informed customers that they may stop accepting certain types of freight, including bulk shipments, beginning Monday to avoid materials being unattended or unsecured in case of a work stoppage. Rail customers such as agricultural companies are evaluating contingency plans, including shutting down processing plants amid rail delays, or hiring alternative transportation providers such as trucking companies.