January 21, 2026
Albertville, AL – Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is proud to announce an agreement with CPKC to deliver 65 new EMD® SD70ACe-T4 Tier 4 freight locomotives, to be manufactured at the company’s facility in Muncie, Ind.
This latest generation of EMD® Tier 4 locomotives provides improved reliability, serviceability and fuel efficiency, delivering an estimated 5-7% improvement in fuel economy compared to the first-generation Tier 4 units, while continuing to meet EPA Tier 4 emissions standards without after-treatment.
“We are pleased to make this significant investment in American manufacturing with Progress Rail,” said Mark Redd, CPKC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The purchase of these units continues CPKC’s locomotive renewal program to accommodate future growth, increase fleet reliability, and decrease emissions as we safely and efficiently serve our customers and the North American economy.”
The locomotives will feature Progress Rail’s Talos™ energy management system, certified by the EPA to deliver a 12.3% efficiency gain – an industry-leading benchmark for fuel savings and reduced emissions. Powered by artificial intelligence, Talos optimizes in-train forces and has logged over four million miles without a break-in-two, setting a new standard in safety across the rail industry.
“We’re proud to partner with CPKC to introduce our updated Tier 4 platform,” commented John Newman, President and CEO of Progress Rail. “After years of investment to enhance reliability and fuel efficiency and months of rigorous testing by CPKC in some of North America’s most rugged operating environments, these locomotives are prepared to deliver the performance our Class I railroad customers demand. This milestone reflects our commitment to innovation and delivering real solutions to solve our customer’s toughest challenges.”
With 4,500 brake horsepower and up to 200,000 lbs. of starting tractive effort, the SD70ACe-T4 empowers railroads to move longer, heavier trains with fewer locomotives. Combined with advanced technologies like Talos, Progress Rail offers a competitive edge that drives performance, sustainability and reliability for the long haul.
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About Progress Rail
Progress Rail, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for global rail customers. Progress Rail delivers advanced EMD® locomotives and engines, trackwork, fasteners and signaling, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car services, aftermarket parts and recycling operations. The company also offers advanced rail technologies, including data analytics, train automation, operational optimization, connected assets, predictive maintenance, asset protection, and movement and yard planning. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise, together with the support of Caterpillar, ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions for the rail industry. Progress Rail has a network of nearly 150 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, India and Australia. For more information, visit progressrail.com and follow @Progress_Rail on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Media Contact
Progress Rail Corporate Communications
Amy Everett: aeverett@progressrail.com, +1 (256) 505-6749
