Track 101 How to Get Public Money to Fund Your Next Project Husein Cumber, EVP - Corporate Development, Florida East Coast Railway
When a railroad project provides public benefits, there are opportunities to make sure the public funds part or all of the costs associated with the project. Using state and local funding sources can help to finance your infrastructure needs, but accessing this resource can be challenging. This module will explore strategies to successfully identify and capture the various types of public funding available.
Track 102 High Speed, Automated Joint Bar Inspection Andie Berry, Senior Engineer & Program Manager, ENSCO, Inc.
Between congressional action and the latest CWR rules, more attention is being focused on the joint bar. FRA reported in 2006 that broken joint bars are a significant cause of main line derailments in North America. A high-speed optical joint bar inspection system was called for and five of the seven Class I railroads now employ this technology to augment their joint inspection processes to decrease the number of derailments due to broken joint bars, This introduction to joint bar inspection will discuss the current inspection requirements and explore the effectiveness of Automated Joint Bar Inspection Systems to meet this need.
Track 103 What Exactly Does PTC Mean to a Small Railroad Gary Kujala, P.E., Senior Vice President Operations, Xorail
The new PTC rules can potentially impact many small carriers. So far the major carriers, small carriers and FRA are not completely in agreement on application. This module will explain the who, what and when of the PTC rules in order to help the short line operator determine if the rules apply to their operation. For those that are affected, this module will offer some concepts of how to comply with the requirements.
Track 104 A Primer on How to Protect Bridges and Extend Their Useful Life David K. Franz, P.E., Regional Bridge Engineer, Osmose Railroad Services, Inc.
Failed stringers, caps and piles are easily identified as requiring remediation. However, sometimes it is the most insignificant of maintenance issues that can lead to catastrophic failure. Unlike component changeout, correcting these issues typically does not require capital investment so they need to compete for precious operating funds. This primer on the long term costs associated with bridge maintenance issues will help the manager make informed decisions when weighing which projects to fund.
Track 105 Track Buckle Prevention/CWR Maintenance K. Brent Cheek, Director - Engineering Standards, RailAmerica
From heat orders to track buckles and pull-aparts, managing thermal stresses in CWR territory represents a source of consternation for the track department and its customer, the operating department. Recent regulatory action places more scrutiny on CRW management. This introduction to CWR maintenance will cover the basics of the current regulations. In addition some best practices will be discussed in order to offer ideas on how to minimize unplanned events in CWR territory.
Track 106 New Bridge Regulations Are Official - Compliance Is Not Optional RR101 Gordon A. Davids, P.E.
On 15 July 2010, the FRA published its final rule for Bridge Safety Standards. Known as 49 CFR Part 237, it contains a myriad of new requirements. While many are commonsense in nature, the specific language is not what many small railroads are used to and may lead to some new costs. This primer on the requirements will answer the who, what and when of the regulation and provide some practical how's to achieve compliance. Time will be included for questions and answers.
Track 201 Employee Evaluations - What You Should and Should Not Say and Do Eddie Arredondo, Watco Companies, Inc.
Come and learn from experts about the types of employee evaluation programs on the market. There are a number of them and this presentation will discuss the pros and cons, especially in terms of programs that are "keep it simple stupid" because you run into management that really doesn't want to do them. Presenters will also discuss why it's important to really critique employees and not just rank everybody walking on water. You'll learn how to handle the tough questions and how to deal with employee feedback in a variety of circumstances.
Track 202 Case Study: DIY Wellness Programs - How One Railroad Dramatically Reduced Health Costs While Boosting Employee Productivity Steve Bentley, Employee Benefits Consultant, Brown & Brown Insurance Jacklyn Hardy, AVP, Administrative Services, Indiana Rail Road Company
When you think Wellness Program, do you think big bucks? It doesn't have to be that way. Attend this session and learn how, no matter what your company size or type - railroad, supplier, or contractor - you can partner with local fitness centers and hospitals and even grocery store chains, to develop a well-rounded, manageable fitness and preventative health and wellness program for your employees. You'll discover how one railroad saw a more than 25% reduction in health claims within the first year of implementing their program while improving employee productivity. We're surrounded by the tools to create a cost-effective wellness program. Attend this session and learn the simple steps that your company can take to encourage a healthy lifestyle and how these easy changes can help your company's bottom line while proving that a healthier workforce is a safer workforce.
Track 203 Railroad Retirement - Be Prepared and Know Your Benefits Before You Retire Joseph M. Waechter, Assistant to the Management Member, U.S. Railroad Retirement Board
Back by popular demand... Along with the railroad retirement age changes enacted in recent years come new questions. Are there benefits to continuing to work past age 60 with 30 years' service? Can I work and draw a railroad retirement pension? How much can I earn while retired? What is a current connection and why is that important to me? What should I be doing now to prepare? What benefits should I expect? This topic is designed to answer the questions of railroad employees who have several years of service and they are either approaching or thinking about retirement in the foreseeable future. Learn what you can do now to be better prepared for the future.
Track 204 Liability and Property Insurance: After the Claim - What to Do (and Not Do) Now? RR101 David Briggs, VP - Operations, Railway Claim Services, Inc. Nora E. Deveau, Attorney, Arch Insurance Group, Inc. Ron Sparks, Railroad Police Chief & HR Manager, Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
Listen to a group of liability and property insurance claim, legal and security experts talk about what to do (and not do) after a claim is filed with your insurance carriers.
Track 205 Developing a Railroad Costing Model for Short Lines and Its Impact on Business Decision Making (with Marketing 505) Moderator: George C. Betke, CEO, Farmrail System Bob Holland, Moose Path Consultancy LLC Dan McCabe, Director - Finance & Technology, Tacoma Rail
Do you know the true cost to run your business? How do you even begin to try to calculate such a figure? Short lines use a variety of models and methods to estimate costs for car movements. Our speakers will describe two unique costing systems that are currently being utilized by two very different short lines, and from two very different perspectives.
Track 206 The Train Is Unstoppable and Denzel Is Nowhere to Be Found (Are You Ready?) Moderator, Jacklyn Hardy, AVP, Administrative Services, Indiana Rail Road Company Kristin L. Bevil, Attorney, Fletcher & Sippel LLC Foster J. Peterson, Director, Safety & Operating Practices, East Chattanooga Belt Railway
It's your worst day at work. The call comes in to notify you that your train and a school bus have collided. Are you ready to respond? Do you know who to call? Do you know what to say? This interactive table top drill will break the audience into smaller groups and each group will respond to the active scenario as new developments are thrown into the mix. Come prepared to actively participate and leave with a better sense of how to handle your next emergency situation.
Track 301 Utility Uses of Rights-of-Way John F. DeBuys, Jr., Attorney, Burr and Forman, LLP
This session will address recent challenges to the rights of railroads to charge utilities for use of their rights of way. It will also explain differences between different types of title - fee vs. easement vs. something else - and the effects that those differences have on the railroad's ability to charge.
Track 302 What Every Employer Should Know: Return to Work Issues Related to OSHA and FELA RR101 Michael B. Hunter, Partner, Williams, Venker & Sanders, LLC
This session will address various legal issues related to getting railroad employees back to work. Learn about new OSHA claim issues about intimidation and other recent trends in FELA claim litigation. The session will also address issues about whether to provide health coverage to employees even if they don't return, and effects of that decision on FELA claims for damages.
Track 303 Preemption Update: A Case Study Nathan R. Fenno, President, New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad John K. Fiorilla, Equity Shareholder, Capehart Scatchard
This panel will discuss the practical application of Federal preemption to the development of railroad facilities, using "Riverdale II" - a New Jersey action as a case study. The panelists, the in-house and outside counsel involved in Riverdale II, will also provide perspective on how to present to local authorities so as to avoid litigation, what to do if you can't, and how to avoid bad precedent.
Track 304 An FRA Update: The Number of Proceedings Are Escalating Keith T. Borman, Vice President & General Counsel, ASLRRA T.H. Lyda, Attorney, Burns White, LLC
With the number of proceedings escalating, this session will address recent rules that have been issued, and the most important proceedings that are pending at the time of the meeting.
Track 305 Dealing with Trespassers: Keeping Them Off Your Track and Out of Your Pockets Michael B. Flynn, President & Sr. Trial Attorney, Flynn & Wirkus, P.C. Ron Sparks, Railroad Police Chief & HR Manager, Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
This session will present a case study of trespasser liability - how to keep them off your property and minimize your risk. The panel will also discuss the legal and practical pros and cons of hiring your own police force, including regulations that govern their activities.
Track 306 HOT! HOT! HOT! Legal Topics Tracey Donesky, Leonard Street and Deinard Myles L. Tobin, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel
Even we can't tell you what the hot topics of the day will be by the time we get to San Antonio. But be sure to attend this session to hear about the very latest in legal and regulatory news that will affect your railroad before you leave the Alamo behind.
Track 401 Truck Size and Weights: Something Wicked This Way Comes Rick Cowan, State Director, Coalition Against Bigger Trucks C. Scott Muir, Government Relations Representative, Norfolk Southern Corp. Jerry E. Vest, VP - Govt. & Industry Affairs, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
The number of voices pushing for heavier and longer trucks continues to grow across the country. Find out what ASLRRA is doing, and what you can do, to stem the tide of giant trucks. Can they connect the dots in each state to form a national network?
Track 402 Reauthorization of Federal Transportation Programs - A New Majority; New Principles C. Scott Muir, Government Relations Representative, Norfolk Southern Corp. Adam E. Nordstrom, Partner, Chambers, Conlon & Hartwell and ASLRRA Lobbyist
Federal transportation spending programs expired two years ago. Find out what new directions will be taken in the wake of the 2010 elections, RRIF, TIGER, High Speed Rail, and Federal and State Funding. As a new majority in Congress targets some rail funding, what will the future hold for loan and grant opportunities at both the federal and state levels.
Track 403 What to Do When Local and State Issues Become Your Issue RR101 C. Scott Muir, Government Relations Representative, Norfolk Southern Corp. Michael Rennicke, Vice President & GM, Pioneer Valley Railroad Co., Inc. Jerry E. Vest, VP - Govt. & Industry Affairs, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
Weed spraying, utility crossing rights, local zoning on waste transfer/hauling, union legislative attempts for walkway ballast laws, taxi cab rules, community activism on noise, idling engines, and crossings, rails to trails movement.
Track 404 A New Track for Tax Credits Adam E. Nordstrom, Partner, Chambers, Conlon & Hartwell and ASLRRA Lobbyist Michael Rennicke, Vice President & GM, Pioneer Valley Railroad Co., Inc.
Since 2007 ASLRRA has fought annual battles to extend the Section 45G Short Line Railroad Tax Credit - 2011 presents the first real opportunity for longer-term extensions of this critical credit - get the inside scoop on securing a longer capital and maintenance planning horizon.
Track 501 Short Line Best Practices - What Do Class I's Look for in a Short Line Partner RR101 Moderator: Steve Gregory, VP - Marketing, Permian Basin Railways D'Arcy Duquette, Director Network Strategy, CP Mark Schmidt, AVP - Short Line Development, BNSF Railway
Our Class I railroad partners are our connection to the North American rail network. In this highly competitive market, seamless integration of operational objectives and marketing efforts between short lines and Class I's is more important than ever. In this session, our panelists will provide insight on what they view as the most important aspects of the Class I-Short Line relationship.
Track 502 Small Market Intermodal Opportunities - How Do Short Lines Get into the Game? Moderator: Mike Haeg, AVP Sales, RailAmerica, Inc. Brad K. Lafevers, President & CEO, Heart of Georgia Railroad Jonathan Lafevers, President, Cordele Intermodal Services
The door to intermodal opportunities has traditionally been closed to short lines, but some recent success stories of small railroad-Class I cooperation have proven that, under the right circumstances, intermodal can work on short lines and in rural markets. Our panelists will review case studies that may provide insight into additional markets where short lines could effectively pursue intermodal opportunities.
Track 503 Transloading Success Stories Moderator: Mike Haeg, AVP Sales, RailAmerica, Inc. Todd A. Hunter, Director of Marketing & Sales, North Shore Railroads Tom Owen, VP - Marketing & Sales, Pinsly Railroad Company, Inc. Alfred M. Sauer, Vice President, East Penn Railroad, LLC
With today's often challenging economic climate lingering on it's time to think outside the box! Many opportunities exist for short lines to expand their business reach and customer base to non-rail served customers through transloading activities. But how can your railroad break into this market? In this session, several short lines will detail their own real world success stories of growing their businesses through transloading, giving you the tools and best practices they learned along the way to implement at your own operation.
Track 504 Recession Marketing - What Kind of Opportunities Are Out There? Moderator: Alfred M. Sauer, Vice President, East Penn Railroad, LLC Len Kellermann, Director Regional and Shortline Development, CSX Transportation John M. Newman, AVP Network & Industrial Development, Union Pacific Railroad
It's no secret that the economy of the past few years has often made doing business extremely difficult. Few short lines have been left unscathed, either by reduced shipping volumes, the loss of a major customer, or some other hardship. But even in difficult times, opportunities do exist to grow the business for those resourceful enough to seek them out. Representatives from Union Pacific and CSX will share with us some strategies and techniques they have implemented to locate and secure new business from non-traditional sources in this challenging market.
Track 505 Developing a Railroad Costing Model for Short Lines and Its Impact on Business Decision Making (with Finance & Administration 205) Moderator: George C. Betke, CEO, Farmrail System Bob Holland, Moose Path Consultancy LLC Dan McCabe, Director - Finance & Technology, Tacoma Rail
Do you know the true cost to run your business? How do you even begin to try to calculate such a figure? Short lines use a variety of models and methods to estimate costs for car movements. Our speakers will describe two unique costing systems that are currently being utilized by two very different short lines, and from two very different perspectives.
Track 506 Social Networking and the New Handshake: How Can It Work for My Company? Moderator: Tom Owen, VP - Marketing & Sales, Pinsly Railroad Company, Inc. Barbara Giamanco, Founder & CEO, Talent Builders, Inc.
We initially touched on the growing use of social media by railroads at the 2010 Convention, and interest in this topic has only grown in the past year. More and more companies (and railroads) are using social media to market their services, reach out to communities, and stay in contact with customers and employees. Our speaker will explore the steps to developing and executing a strategy to best utilize social media for your company.
Track 601 Keep 'Em Safe - Installing Traffic Safety Devices While Working at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Can Save Lives Mike Choat, President, Railway Controls Limited
National statistics indicate there is a strong prevalence of serious injuries and fatalities for personnel working on or adjacent to highways. M-O-W and Signal personnel often perform work at highway-rail grade crossings and knowing the proper application of warning devices can help reduce the risk of an accident. Learn how installing adequate signage and traffic diversion devices is important to minimize the risk of injuries and incidents.
Track 602 Lessons Learned: Putting the Research in Fatigue Management to Work in the Small Railroad Industry Dr. Patrick Sherry, Associate Professor and Director of Training, University of Denver
Alertness and fatigue among railroad workers has been a growing area of concern given recent regulatory action and the industry's desire to support an alert workforce. Extensive research has been performed in the rail industry regarding alertness/fatigue, but much of this work has been performed with Class I railroads. Sharing lessons learned from such research and how it can be applied to ASLRRA members can be important to effectively address this matter. Dr. Pat Sherry has worked with the rail industry for over 15 years and has been intimately involved in performing research on fatigue/alertness. Dr. Sherry is assisting the ASLRRA on fatigue countermeasure initiatives and will share his expertise in this important area.
Track 603 An Overview of FRA Accident/Incident Reporting Changes: What You Don't Do, Can Cost You Mitch Harris, Director - Safety, Training & Rules Compliance, Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Gary C. Vaughn, Sr. VP of Safety & Environmental Health, Watco Companies
New FRA Accident/Incident Reporting Regulations are going into effect. A clear understanding of these regulations is important to ensure data is accurately recorded and to achieve full compliance with the regulation, a key responsibility of ASLRRA member railroads. This course will provide an overview of FRA Accident/Incident Reporting changes.
Track 604 Behavioral Based Safety: A Good Fit for Short Lines Michael Castaneda, Locomotive Engineer, Pacific Harbor Line Thomas A. Leopold, Director of Safety, Operating Procedures & Evaluation, Anacostia Rail Holdings
Behavioral Based Safety (BBS) is a proven approach to improving safety that is frequently used in general industry and over the last several years is being implemented on some Class I railroads. It is a powerful approach to enhance safety that while not well known in the small railroad industry, it fits well with the more relational-based approach to safety that is common practice on short lines. This method supports greater employee ownership and responsibility for safety. Through measurement, targeting countermeasures at identified unsafe work practices, peer intervention and tracking of performance the prevalence of safe work practices are increased. Learn about the principles of BBS and how it is being implemented on a short line railroad and see if it will work for your railroad.
Track 605 FRA Conductor Certification: A Review of the Regulation and Q&A RR101 J.R. Sampson, AVP - Safety & Rules, OmniTRAX
The FRA has issued a new regulation that will require that all conductors go through a certification process. This new regulation will require railroads to develop a certification program, adjust their training process and document the process in more detail. Participants will be provided the model ASLRRA - Conductor Certification Program and the presenter will explain the regulatory requirements and respond to participant questions.
Track 606 Prompt and Appropriate Response to Accidents & Incidents - It Could Be Critical to Your Railroad's Survival J. Randal Little, Director - Operations, Railway Claim Services, Inc.
Prompt and appropriate response to accidents and incidents is critical to care of employees and effective management of risk. Railroads face significant levels of liability due to accidents/incidents and the proper response may be critical to the survival of the railroad. Crossing collisions, train accidents and personal injuries require a prompt response to ensure proper care for any injured individuals and to effectively manage potential risk to the railroad. This presentation will offer best practice information and guidance on response to such situations.
Track 701 Gensets: Locomotives of the Future Daniel C. Frederick, President, Alternative Motive Power Systems LLC David L. Powell, VP - Motive Power, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
A discussion of genset development and other locomotive technologies to save on fuel usage, and reduce exhaust emissions.
Track 702 Mobile Computing and How Railroads Are Using It Steve Coomes, General Manager, New England Central Railroad
The combination of business demand for mobile access and the continuing maturity of the technology have moved mobility up the priority level for most companies. Join Steve Coomes, General Manager of the New England Central Railroad as he discusses RailAmerica's implementation of m-Crew mobile computing devices and how they have improved productivity while reducing costs and improving customer service.
Track 703 Narrowbanding - It's Here! The Class I's Are Implementing It in 2011. Are You Ready? RR101 Edward L. Hollingsworth, Director - RFEngineering, Union Pacific Railroad
Ed Hollingsworth (Chair of AAR's Wireless Communications Committee) will present the current status of the Class I RRs implementation plans and schedules. The implementation of this FCC Mandate is occurring NOW at the Class I RRs. Come and get all of your questions answered.
Track 704 Positive Train Control: The Latest Developments, Technology and a More In-Depth Look at the Locomotive Segment Jim M. Barrett, Consulting Systems Engineer II, BNSF Railway Kevin E. Kautzman, Director Network Control Systems, BNSF Railway
Kevin Kautzman of BNSF will provide an ITC (Interoperable Train Control) committee update with some of the latest initiatives. He will also provide an overview on where the standards documentation is and when any outstanding standards will be published to the AAR. Jim Barrett of BNSF will cover the locomotive segment from a PTC architecture perspective that includes an explanation on components and functionality. He will also provide some RF planning if base stations are planned to be deployed.
Track 705 GIS, GPS and Tagging: A Review of the Latest Technology and Uses Robert Greenwood, Director Right-of-Way Management, RailAmerica Michael Murphy, Account Executive, Commercial Transportation, Esri
GPS-GIS provides RailAmerica real estate managers a powerful tool to visit field sites, electronically save locations and interface with corporate databases to locate, file, bill and manage real estate easements, leases and encroachments. The presentation will cover the current use of the GPS-GIS system and forward looking visions for where the technology will provide benefits to additional departments within RailAmerica.
Track 706 Biofuels and Alternative Fuels: Past, Present and Future Michael Clift, Senior Manager Environmental Operations, BNSF Railway Michael Kraeski, P.E., Partner & Office Manager, Environmental Resources Management
A discussion of biofuel basics, feedstocks, potential environmental benefits, and recent testing results along with a look into the future related to the BNSF Railroad and the Department of Defense partnership on an experimental hydrogen fuel cell locomotive application.
