Quality’s Finkbiner Proposes U.S.-Backed Rail Bonds

Trucking CEO, a Former Rail Executive, Says $20 Bln. Needed to Boost Intermodal System

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ASHINGTON — Congress should establish a bond guarantee program worth $20 billion to underwrite needed improvements for the nation’s railroads, a major trucking company executive said here.

Thomas Finkbiner, chief executive officer of Quality Distribution Inc. and a former intermodal executive with freight railroad Norfolk Southern Corp., offered his proposal to transportation industry officials and reporters at the periodic Transportation Table forum.

Finkbiner, whose Tampa, Fla., tank truck carrier is the largest bulk hauler in North America, said rail companies were starved for investment funds and that government-guaranteed funding would be the most effective way to rescue them.

For the full story, see the Oct. 6 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.