Rail supplier news from Alstom, Stadler and Uber Freight (July 25)

Alstom has signed an agreement worth nearly 900 million euros to supply German rail operator Nahverkehrsverbund Schleswig-Holstein with 40 Coradia Stream high-capacity electric multiple units. The order includes a 30-year, full-service train maintenance package and an option to order up to 55 more trains with a corresponding service package. The four-car trainsets consist of two double-deck end cars and two single-deck cars; measure about 348 feet long; can operate in multiple traction; and have a maximum speed of about 100 mph.

Austrian Federal Railways awarded Stadler a contract to deliver up to 120 battery-powered FLIRT Akku trains, which can operate on nonelectrified track by charging batteries while traveling under an overhead contact line. The model is designed to replace the current diesel fleet and will enable sustainable operations on lines that are partially electrified, Stadler officials said in a press release. The initial order for 16 FLIRT trains is expected to come in this fall. The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Uber Freight hired D'Andrae Larry as its new head of intermodal. Larry most recently led automotive and intermodal freight strategy at Norfolk Southern Railway and has 26 years of industry experience. In his new role, Larry will be responsible for developing the company's intermodal business strategies and building railroad and commercial relationships. Uber Freight's intermodal business moved 180,000 containers and 360,000 drays last year, according to a company blog post.