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Yesterday, CN outlined the benefits it's deriving from a Fuel Management Excellence (FMX) program.

Through the program, CN last year acquired 102 high-horsepower, fuel-efficient locomotives and upgraded 102 secondhand high-horsepower units. The locomotives are about 15 percent more fuel-efficient than the units they replaced and comply with applicable regulatory emission requirements, according to the Class I.

CN also installed Wi-Tronix telemetry systems on high-horsepower locomotives to obtain real-time information about locomotive and train performance, including fuel consumption. The technology enables CN to best match locomotive horsepower to a train’s trailing tonnage by isolating or shutting down locomotives and reducing throttle settings. The railroad plans to equip up to 1,200 high-horsepower locomotives with the systems by 2013.

In addition, CN is using GE Transportation’s Trip Optimizer “cruise control" system, which is designed to follow a pre-determined speed trajectory over a GPS track map to optimize fuel consumption, CN officials said in a prepared statement. The Class I is moving intermodal trains along the Vancouver-Montreal corridor, which is fully mapped for the system; by September, CN plans to operate merchandise trains in the corridor, as well. The railroad so far has equipped 125 locomotives with Trip Optimizer and up to 400 locomotives will feature the system by 2013’s end, according to CN.

Also through the FXE program, the Class I has installed Auto Engine Start Stop systems on more than 600 locomotives to automatically shut down an idling engine (a total of 800 units will sport the systems by 2013); and trained rail traffic controllers and train crews on best practices, including fuel-efficient train handling techniques and how to take advantage of train pacing opportunities at train meets.

“We are particularly excited about our leading-edge work to set fuel efficiency targets for specific trains by route and to monitor train performance against these goals,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Keith Creel. “The targets are based on established benchmarks for key fuel consumption variables, such as train make-up, locomotives, train handling, route gradients and curvature, and weather.”

Meanwhile, CSX Corp. released its 2010 Corporate Profile and Responsibility Report, which shows the Class I is posting progress with environmental sustainability efforts. The Class I met a voluntary commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8 percent last year, nearly a year ahead of schedule. The report also shows CSX reduced personal injuries by nearly 45 percent and improved the operating ratio to a record 71.1 in 2010.

“This report highlights our continued focus on delivering excellent customer service and strong financial results by ensuring that safety, sustainability, innovation and community involvement remain top priorities,” said CSX Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Ward in a prepared statement.