Cando, Savage Rail in far-reaching crossborder rail deal
New Documentary Charts Iowa Interstate's History
Reading & Northern's excursion schedule goes year-round
California State Railroad Museum & Foundation Offer Leprechaun Lounge Pub Train
Galveston Railroad Museum honors former executive director
Railroad members! If you want to be featured in this section, please email us the link. You can also tag us (@ASLRRA) in your social media posts. Interested in seeing your railroad showcased in your local newspaper? Contact Amy Krouse for assistance.
It’s no secret that older locomotive models are generally a railroad’s primary source of emissions and are also very expensive to replace. That dual reality makes it a challenge to reconcile a desire for cleaner, more efficient operations with the fact that you can’t run a railroad without a locomotive.
It’s especially challenging for small railroads looking to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and cost. Procuring higher-tier locomotives can have the most positive environmental impact but is often the most difficult to achieve.
The winner of the 2026 Green Spark Award for environmental achievement, Lake State Railway (LSRC), took a huge leap forward in this area with the recent purchase of four SD70ACe-T4 locomotives from Progress Rail. The acquisition allowed LSRC to retire five locomotives that were over 40 years old, transforming the railroad’s fleet into one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly in the short line industry.
Along with being more fuel efficient, these new tier 4 units, which are also LSRC’s first AC traction locomotives, will enable the railroad to reduce the total number of locomotives needed on several key long-haul routes.
Although buying new units is a significant accomplishment for LSRC, they have taken other steps to reduce their environmental impact. When it is not possible or cost-effective to procure a higher-tier locomotive, railroads can use other technology to improve efficiency.
LSRC is continually adding idle-reduction technology to its fleet, installing automatic engine shut down/start up systems (AESS), auxiliary power units (APUs) and plug-in technology. These systems work in different ways to reduce the amount of time the locomotive engine must be kept idling, which helps reduce fuel and engine maintenance costs, extend engine life and decrease harmful emissions.
LSRC even works to take care of its locomotives in an efficient way, keeping its large locomotive facility warm during the winter by using a heating system powered by the railroad’s waste oil. And this commitment to recycling extends to the rest of the company. LSRC has a proactive recycling program for all materials and disposes of used railroad ties at a cogeneration facility, also known as a combined heat and power plant, which converts biomass and other organic waste into energy. LSRC also uses best practices and proactively manages waste and pollution via third-party consultants and a full-time properties manager.
Environmental efforts do not stop at the gates of LSRC property. The railroad is active in national environmental initiatives, in part as a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Program. SmartWay Carrier Partners take advantage of sustainability accounting and tracking tools to improve efficiency and environmental performance, and LSRC is one of only a handful of ASLRRA members to be a part of the program independent of a large holding company.
LSRC Chief Mechanical Officer Roger Fuehring has also been active with environmental initiatives on the national level, working with the EPA to write regulatory compliance guides for railroads. Fuehring has also advised development of current and potential emissions regulations to help ensure they are effective and realistic for small business railroads.
Overall, LSRC’s accomplishments, both big and small, demonstrate a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations without compromising service and growth. Their effort truly shows size is no barrier to impact.
Lake State Railway recently acquired four tier 4 locomotives, giving it one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly fleet in the short line industry.
ASLRRA has released the February 2026 Short Line Carloads Report, showing carload volumes and other data through the end of 2025.
Carload volumes in December 2025 increased 4% over November but were flat compared to December 2024. In a year-over-year comparison of commodities hauled, the greatest growth was in coal, waste and agriculture, while the largest decrease was in petroleum products. The report also includes a table showing individual volumes for 11 different commodities.
Carload data is based on a custom short line carload report created in cooperation between ASLRRA and Railinc based on waybill data submitted by railroads. This work product may not be disseminated without permission granted by ASLRRA. Contact ASLRRA at foelsner@aslrra.org for all inquiries.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published a solicitation of nominations to serve on the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC). Nominations are due March 26.
The committee will comprise 25 members representing the FRA’s major stakeholder groups, such as railroads, labor organizations, suppliers, manufacturers and others. The group provides information, advice and recommendations on rail safety issues to the secretary of transportation and FRA administrator.
Individuals can nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or organization. Packages must include a letter of support, short biography and affirmative statement saying why the nominee’s organization should be considered for RSAC membership. All materials combined should be two pages or less. They can be submitted via online portal or by mail or hand delivery.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has issued guidance on State Freight plans and State Freight Advisory Committees, updating and replacing prior guidance published in 2023.
All states receiving funding under the National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) are required to develop a State Freight Plan. Although the document describes required contents of a plan and strongly encourages states to establish State Freight Advisory Committees, any information other than cited statutes are guidance only.
Online registration closes today for Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, marking the last opportunity for individuals to have a best chance at attending meetings with congressional offices representing their districts and states.
After today, individuals wanting to participate must register in person on March 4. They will then join any meetings needing additional attendees.
ASLRRA will offer the final training via Zoom tomorrow, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. Eastern. Registrants have received a reminder with a link to register this morning.
Not everyone can travel to Washington, D.C. to attend Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, but everyone can join the conversation and help amplify the freight rail message. One way is by contacting representatives and senators via email or phone to share stories about the importance of freight rail to local communities and discuss how lawmakers can best support the industry.
Another important way to help bolster the message is to share freight rail information and Railroad Day on Capitol Hill posts on social media. Tagging elected officials in posts helps get their attention and shows them that the freight rail industry voice is also active online. Telling a personal story about the importance of freight rail is a good approach, but strong engagement can also be as simple as liking, commenting on or sharing Railroad Day on Capitol Hill posts made by others. Any kind of interaction with these posts helps them gain traction and increases their visibility on their respective platforms.
Key issues for use in outreach can be found on ASLRRA’s website. Talking points will be discussed with event participants, but anyone can share these important messages on social media or with lawmakers by phone or email.
A social media toolkit with graphics and suggested social media post text will also be added to ASLRRA’s website prior to March 4. The public is welcome to use the text and images in social media posts before, during and after Railroad Day on Capitol Hill. ASLRRA encourages those who use these resources or make other posts as attendees to tag the Association and use the hashtag #RailDay2026 to make it easier for ASLRRA’s communications team to find and amplify their messages.
A group of senators has reintroduced the Railway Safety Act, now the Railway Safety Act of 2026. The bill was originally introduced in 2023 after a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
While the bill as approved by the Senate Commerce Committee back in 2023 and re-introduced now in 2026 has been significantly ameliorated from the original text by recognizing the unique circumstances of smaller freight railroads, the ASLRRA still has remaining concerns. We will be evaluating the impact of the current bill and working with Members of Congress to ensure that any provisions adopted into law are reasonable for short lines and actually improve safety.
The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to produce new rulemakings regarding the use of defect detection technology, car and locomotive inspections, an expanded list of hazardous materials subject to more rigid safety standards, a requirement for two-person crews on locomotives and an increase in civil penalties for rail safety law violations.
Also today, representatives in the House introduced the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026. The bill incorporates components of the Railway Safety Act of 2024 and its provisions include Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) requirements and additional advanced appropriations funding for the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant program.
The Heber Valley Railroad (HVR) operates scenic and special event trains year-round in Utah's beautiful Wasatch Back. HVR has a great stock of passenger equipment from the 1920s and 1930s, as well as wonderful streamlined cars, including two dome cars. In addition to spectacular scenic rides, HVR offers dinner trains, cocktail parties, weddings and other special events. Our primary contact, Executive Director Mark Nelson can be reached by email at mark@hebertrain.com or phone (435) 654-5601.
Onsite Improvement, LLC specializes in no-dig repair and structural improvement methods that extend the service life of critical assets. They serve public and private owners, including private railroads, helping them address below-ground soil challenges and above-ground structural deterioration through advanced diagnostic technologies, structural repair-in-place solutions and zero-ex engineered subgrade improvement systems. Their approach emphasizes efficient, cost-effective rehabilitation, minimizing downtime while maximizing asset performance and longevity. Our primary contact, co-owner Kevin Stumpff, can be reached at (402) 417-8407 or by email, kevin@onsiteimprovement.com.
Registration rates will increase after Feb. 25 for ASLRRA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, which takes place April 12-14. Several convention hotels have already sold out of discounted room blocks. Do not miss the short line freight rail industry’s must-attend event of the year!
Click here to register. The cutoff date for booking a room at the group rate is March 11.
This year’s conference delivers more value than ever before. Here’s what you can expect:
MORE top-tier industry leaders. Hear directly from Katie Farmer (BNSF), Mark George (NS), and FRA Administrator David Fink as they share timely insights and strategic perspectives shaping the industry.
MORE exhibitors ready to solve real-world challenges. With nearly 200 companies participating in 2026, the exhibit hall will be packed with solutions, innovations, and expertise to support your railroad’s success.
MORE educational value. In addition to 40+ hours of expert-led education sessions, attendees can earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits — included with registration.
MORE opportunities to connect. Take advantage of 13 hours of dedicated networking, 17 hours in the exhibit hall, and ample break times designed to foster meaningful conversations and new partnerships.
MORE momentum for the future. From regulatory updates to technology advancements and business development strategies, this conference equips you with practical tools and forward-looking insights.
While very limited, there are still a few booth spaces and sponsorships available for ASLRRA members to purchase. Click here to learn about reserving a booth, or click here to learn more about sponsorships. Individuals can also contact the meetings team to ask a question about sponsorships or booth sales.
What are the latest ways Association members can engage with ASLRRA? What is ASLRRA’s most recent call-to-action? Below are some of the different types of information the Association would love to gather.
ASLRRA has opened registration for the next in-person training seminar on its schedule – FRA Part 243 Minimum Training Standards. The seminar will take place July 29 to 30 in San Diego, California.
This seminar will offer an in-depth review and discussion of Part 243 Minimum Training Standards, as well as how Part 243 interacts with training requirements of Part 214 Roadway Worker Safety and Part 217 Efficiency Testing.
Speakers include Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Human Performance Specialist Lance Hawks and ASLRRA Vice President, Safety and Compliance JR Gelnar.
Registration is also open for ASLRRA’s first two in-person training seminars of 2026, the Part 219 Drug and Alcohol Training and Designated Employer Representative (DER) Roundtable and the DSLE and Part 217 Railroad Operating Rules Training Seminar.
The drug and alcohol seminar will be held in Phoenix, Arizona from March 24 to 26, while the Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineer (DSLE) training seminar will be held June 2 to 3 in Freeport, Maine.
Space in all three seminars is limited, so individuals are encouraged to register early.
Click here to view the planned 2026 training schedule. ASLRRA continues to finalize the 2026 training seminar schedule and will update its website with registration links and other details as they become available.
ASLRRA has a very limited number of scholarships available to help employees of small railroads attend Association seminars. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and can be submitted now for future attendance at an ASLRRA event. Follow the link above to learn about available scholarships and submit an application.
To help tell the short line story, ASLRRA relies on its members to provide information and photos that can be used in a variety of situations. This includes internal and external communications, online and in-print applications and much more.
The Association’s communications team is currently in need of member photos, specifically those related to:
Share them with ASLRRA through email or by sending a link to an online folder. By sending a photo, you attest that you have the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute and display the photo and you allow the Association to use the photo as needed in its communications efforts.
Preparing grant applications can be a difficult process. Through ASLRRA’s Member Discount Program, members can receive help from industry experts with the preparation and submission of a number of different grant applications at the federal, state and local levels.
As a preferred provider of grant writing services, Colliers Engineering and Design offers discounted rates, industry expertise, and exceptional service to ASLRRA members. Visit ASLRRA’s Member Discount Program page and select Grant Writing Services to learn more about Colliers and other exceptional preferred providers.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved safety improvements at a crossing in Dresden, Ohio. The crossing is owned by ASLRRA member Ohio Central Railroad.
Ohio Central Railroad will install flashing lights, gates, curbs and sidewalks by Nov. 18. It will receive funds to cover 80% of the project’s total cost of $201,606.
This section highlights ASLRRA members that have received Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants, showcasing the importance of this funding and how benefits reach beyond the railroad itself.
If your railroad has received a CRISI grant and would like to submit information for this section please complete our online form.
Project Facts
Railroad: Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS)
Fiscal Year: 2019
CRISI Grant: $ 5,579,357
Local Match: $ 6,291,615 (53%)
Total Project Cost: $11,870,972
The project is a capstone project to complete the replacement of jointed rail with modern continuous welded rail (CWR) on the IAIS between Council Bluffs and Des Moines, Iowa. The upgrade will replace the last 18.95 miles of jointed rail with CWR and allow for track speeds of 40 to 49 mph. As freight traffic grows on IAIS, the remaining 1950s-era Rock Island Railroad legacy jointed rail decreases the reliability and resiliency of the line by requiring slower speeds. Jointed rail has the propensity to have joint failures during Iowa’s harsh winters creating hazards for maintenance of way employees and train crews. Replacing jointed rail will increase safety, lower maintenance costs, increase rail resiliency, and improve system and service performance by increasing train speeds. The project will allow IAIS to meet future freight demand for Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois farmers, manufacturers, and ethanol refineries.
Notable Quotes
“Jointed rail on the IAIS mainline creates higher maintenance costs and leads to slower operating speeds and lower efficiency between Omaha and Des Moines for rail customers like my company. Replacing this rail will lead to a more resilient railroad which is important for the Iowa economy, and for the success of our business. Our business has made a sizeable investment in an ethanol plant where its viability is solely dependent on the long-term sustainability of the Iowa Interstate Railroad.”
Ryan Pellett, JD & Co. CEO
This week, Chuck Baker traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to attend the CSX Short Line Conference. The theme of this year’s conference was Driving Growth Through Partnership, Performance and Progress. Speakers included CSX CEO Steven Angel.
ASLRRA members can access the Association’s On-Demand Webinar Library at any time, making expert-led rail-industry education accessible to employees at all levels with all kinds of work schedules.
Included in ASLRRA’s webinar library are recordings of popular sessions discussing innovative technology used in railroad inspection and maintenance. These recordings include
Members can log in to access these webinar recordings at their convenience. Follow the link above to view these webinars or to browse the over 200 other recordings available online.
ASLRRA maintains an industry calendar featuring events that may be of interest to members. If you have an industry event you would like included on the calendar and possibly in Views & News, please send relevant event details and links to Mariel Takamura for consideration.
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) announced it has promoted Jill Medeiros to Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Medeiros joined SLSI in 2016.
As CAO, Medeiros will report to SLSI’s executive director. She will be responsible overseeing day-to-day operations, managing the organization’s federal grant awards and developing and improving policies and procedures to ensure smooth operations, financial reporting and grant compliance.
“Over the past decade, Jill has strengthened and enhanced the processes that ensure SLSI operates at an exceptionally high level. From managing an expanding grant portfolio and improving team onboarding, to overseeing our accounting and auditing functions and coordinating workflow with legal counsel, her contributions have been both wide-ranging and invaluable. There is virtually no process within the organization that has not benefited from Jill’s insight, leadership, and execution,” said SLSI Executive Director Tom Murta. “In addition, Jill’s grant management expertise is consistently recognized by our funding partners as best in class. This well-deserved promotion reflects both the significant contributions she has made to the organization and the expanded scope of her leadership.”
Railway Age magazine has named ASLRRA members Union County Industrial Railroad (UCIR) and Georgia Central Railway (GC) its Short Line Railroad of the Year and Regional Railroad of the Year, respectively. Fellow ASLRRA members Sierra Northern Railway and R. J. Corman Railroad’s Nashville & Eastern Line were awarded honorable mentions.
UCIR was recognized for its significant growth, especially through strategic partnerships with customers, helping them identify and develop rail-served sites. Meanwhile, GC won for its work in technology innovation and industrial development.
UCIR and GC will be recognized at ASLRRA’s Annual Conference, held April 12 to 14.
The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) will hold its Intermodal Expo Sept. 14 to 16 in Long Beach, California. The event will feature a headline session with Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena.
The Intermodal Expo will welcome leaders from across the intermodal freight sector, including rail, ocean, trucking, logistics, technology and equipment. The event will feature education sessions, expo-wide activities, an exhibit hall and a variety of networking opportunities.
Click here to learn more. Registration is expected to open soon.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.
