Rail supplier news from Biarri Rail, Cummins, Strato and HNTB (Feb. 9)

Kansas City Southern has awarded a contract to Biarri Rail to deliver a cloud-based locomotive master planning software. Known as Boss MP Loco, the software is designed to boost efficiency of critical rail assets by enabling KCS to quickly plan and optimize locomotives, Biarri Rail officials said in a press release. An earlier proof-of-concept using the software demonstrated that it could help the railroad identify fleet efficiencies and make strategic decisions on the deployment and positioning of locomotives. In addition, the software enabled KCS to examine how much of its fleet could be equipped with positive train control based on the number and location of cross-border trains operating in the United States and Mexico.

Cummins Filtration has unveiled the FleetguardFIT real-time filtration monitoring system. Using intelligent sensing and advanced data analytics, the system provides customers with "full visibility" into filter and oil life, Cummins officials said in a press release. Such information enables customers to proactively detect problems, avoid downtime, reduce repair costs and improve total cost of ownership, according to the company. FleetguardFIT has been installed on equipment applications used for rail, truck, bus and mining.

Strato Inc. has named Todd Baker vice president of global supply chain. His responsibilities include management of the purchasing and logistics departments, along with strategic negotiation with international suppliers. Baker has more than 18 years of experience in the manufacturing, automotive and heavy trucking industries, and has procured material in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

HTNB Corp. has hired Kimberly Slaughter as transit/rail market sector leader. Based in Chicago, she'll work with transit clients across the country and collaborate with HNTB leadership on strategic planning and implementation. Slaughter has three decades of experience in transportation and public transit, including stints with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County in Houston. Before joining HNTB, she was a transit market sector director at another consulting firm.