NEW YORK, May 25, 2006 – With freight railroading in the United States poised for future growth and expansion, TTX Company has begun a program to design a new-generation railcar to accommodate buses, car carriers, and other types of large vehicles commonly hauled by long distance trucks.

In addition to ordering new railcars to do the job, the Chicago firm wants to retrofit some of its existing fleet of 48-foot cars to include redesigned suspension systems to accommodate the growth of 53-foot trailers and containers for domestic commerce.

The contribution of engineering to TTX’s ambitious programs is not lost on Andrew F. Reardon, president and chief executive officer, who will speak at the 2006 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress this November 7 in Chicago.

“TTX supplies the North American railroad industry with close to 316,000 units of railroad capacity for intermodal and other types of freight cars, so we put engineering innovation to work on programs ranging from product development to maintenance operations,” says Reardon.

In his speech before ASME, Reardon will cover various topics ranging from the state of the industry and new technology directions, to the outsourcing of engineering resources (a program that is not practiced at TTX) and the role of TTX at the railroad industry’s Transportation Technology Center.

Reardon says the freight side of the railroad business has been profitable during the deregulatory environment of the last 20 years, and is positioned for future growth.  He says high fuel and insurance costs exert hardship on trucking companies to transport cargo regionally and long distance at a good profit, bringing shipment business to freight railroad operators.  He also sees an increase in coal shipments across freight lines.

In his presentation at the ASME Congress, Reardon also will identify the needs and shortcomings in the industry.  He believes the industry together with the public must work at improving the rail infrastructure – including signaling and crossings, as well as other major projects – to enable the consistent movement of goods.  “The biggest challenge in the industry is to manage capacity with maximum efficiency,” says Reardon.

He believes U.S. industrial leadership is being challenged.  In his speech to ASME, Reardon will inspire engineers to help America reestablish industrial innovation and leadership in all business sectors, rather than allow their technical and managerial skills to be exported to foreign markets.

The ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition provides a global forum for engineers and engineering researchers to discuss and demonstrate advanced technology.  In addition to rail engineering, the meeting will cover aerospace technology, biomedical engineering, power and energy, and materials technology, among other subjects.  The Congress will be held Nov. 5-10, at the Hilton Chicago.

Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences.  ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the engineering and technology community.

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