In the months following the 2023 derailment, East Palestine residents reported a range of health problems, including swollen lymph nodes, chest heaviness and a burning sensation in their eyes.

The IBEW — which represents 750 signals and communications workers — had issued a 72-hour strike notice on January 25.

Organizations representing firms including Glencore Plc and a unit of Anglo American Plc are negotiating the terms of the pacts with Transnet.

Decisions to adopt on-demand packaging still mostly come down to dollars and cents, although in recent years considerations of sustainability have come to the fore.

UP saw $6.7 billion in profits for all of 2024 — up slightly from 2023's total of $6.4 billion — and increased its operating revenue for the year by 1%.

So far, diesel emissions at the port are down 92%, nitrogen oxides by 71%, sulfur oxides by 98% and greenhouse gases by 17% since 2005.