The tense labor negotiations of 2022 that almost led to a nationwide freight rail strike pale in comparison to the political barrage and media attention the East Palestine derailment unleashed. What are the potential long-term effects? Yet, there are a couple of bright spots in all the darkness, namely, the CPKC merger, and a new CEO at CSX with a fresh approach to service and people.

To discuss those issues, Vantuono, editor-in-chief of Railway Age, gave the talk "2023: Perfect Storm, or Unique Opportunity?"