Rail supplier news from TRAC, Strato, Alstom and Circle Logistics (Sept. 16)

TRAC Intermodal has invested more than $1 billion in expanding and modernizing its marine chassis fleet since 2011, the company announced yesterday. TRAC initiated a fleet modernization program in 2015. Investments include the addition of tens of thousands of new chassis and TRAC’s introduction of a BlueEdge Chassis Refurbishing program, which transforms older chassis to the highest level of safety and performance. Each year, thousands of TRAC chassis are upgraded with LED lights, radial tires, all-new wiring harnesses and new brake systems. Since 2018, TRAC has upgraded or added 40,000 new chassis to its U.S. fleet.

Strato Inc. has received TTX Co.’s 2020 Supplier Evaluation Committee Award, placing Strato in the category of top companies earning the TTX Excellent Supplier designation. Strato was evaluated in two specific categories of manufacture: coupler and yoke manufacturer and miscellaneous car part manufacturer. The company also was evaluated as a component supplier. This marks the 25th consecutive year Strato has received the award.

Alstom has been awarded two contracts by Transport for New South Wales & Sydney Trains to design, deliver and provide long-term service support for European Train Control System Level 2 trackside signaling technology. Alstom’s Atlas and Smartlock trackside signaling technologies will be delivered between Bondi Junction and Erskineville on the Sydney Trains network under a 20-year agreement starting this year.

Circle Logistics has launched a drayage division to provide support at the Port of Detroit, the largest seaport in Michigan. Included in its division offerings, Circle will connect customers to a private pool of chassis to help alleviate the chassis shortage that has been limiting drayage processes at ports all over the globe this past year. Circle’s private pool of chassis will be available to haul inbound loads and facilitate necessary processes.