OmniTrax Adds Armond Hammer to Rail Network
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.
Registration rates increase TOMORROW, March 26 for ASLRRA's Conference and Exhibition. In addition, hotel rooms are at a very low supply, with rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn recently made available. Book your room now.
This year, we are offering MORE than ever before including:
With hundreds of short lines represented, the conference will be the place where you can discuss issues that matter most to railroads, including 45G modernization and the potential for Class I mergers.
In short, this is a don’t-miss event!
In the Federal Register today, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) has published its intention to “clarify, update, and streamline its existing environmental regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and to add delegations of authority related to environmental review. The Board is taking this action to conform its regulations to current practices and changes in the law and to support government-wide consistency in the NEPA process to the extent practicable and in accordance with Board authorities.” Among those changes are the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) rescission of its NEPA implementing regulations, the 2023 and 2025 amendments to NEPA, changes to other relevant statutes, executive orders, and case law relating to the implementation of NEPA, including recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent.
The notice states that the revisions will also ensure the development and continuance of a sound rail transportation system and reduce regulatory barriers to entry into and exit from the rail industry.
ASLRRA staff is evaluating this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for impacts on short line railroads.
Comments are due on April 24, 2026.
A Class III railroad may utilize this program to comply with Part 174.28 to provide accurate train consist information to Federal, State, or local first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel.
The program was developed with the assistance of G&W and the Safety and Training Committee.
This template is available here, under Part 174 — HazMat Carriage By Rail.
Templates and Compliance documents are available to railroad members with a login.
Please contact JR Gelnar with questions.
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has announced that retired railroad workers receiving a monthly annuity from the RRB can now update their address and direct deposit information online. Simply log in at RRB.gov/myRRB, and click on Change My Address to update their mailing address or Manage My Direct Deposit?to add or change their direct deposit information.
At this time, these new online services are not available to retired spouses or other annuitants, who must contact a local RRB field office to update their mailing address or direct deposit information.
Thanks to our industry’s efforts on Railroad Day on Capitol Hill and other efforts by our members, the 45G Modernization Bill is continuing to gather co-sponsors. Maps detailing which members have signed on are available on our website by state for both the House and Senate. In addition, an updated list of co-sponsors is available here.
House of Representatives — The bill has gathered 156 cosponsors (including Lead and Original Cosponsors) and are among the most broadly supported tax bills in the 119th Congress—ranking in the top tier (roughly the top 5–10%) of all legislation referred to the House Ways & Means Committee by cosponsor count.
Senate — Current Senate cosponsorship of S. 1532 is 39 Senators (including Lead and Original Cosponsors). The newest addition to this list is Senator Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). This is the only bill in the Senate that is sponsored or co-sponsored by Senate Finance Chair Crapo, Senate Finance Ranking Member Wyden, Senate Majority Leader Thune, and Senate Minority Leader Schumer. In addition, this puts S. 1532 in the upper tier of cosponsored Senate Finance legislation and reflects strong bipartisan support.
Work is already underway preparing for the next fiscal year appropriations bills. ASLRRA has joined the Association of American Railroads (AAR), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), and the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), in supporting the Railroad Retirement Board’s request of $185 million for F 27, and also joined a 21-organization coalition letter urging rejection of any provisions the increase maximum truck weight or length limits on federal highways.
Kaaro, based out of San Francisco, CA, is AI-powered rail technology that cuts yard dwell, automates paperwork, accelerates quoting, and boosts customer retention. They help railroads win freight back from trucking through more predictable service and faster execution. Co-Founder and CTO, Gautham Venkateshwaran can be reached at gautham@kaaro.ai or +1(628) 358-6239.
North Shore Track is an Upper Midwest firm that is nationally recognized and respected in the rail industry. With decades of experience, the company delivers a full suite of services — from new track construction and rehabilitation to detailed inspections, welding, and preventative maintenance — while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. Their skilled crews and practical, solutions-focused approach help ensure projects are completed efficiently and to the highest industry standards. Contact Thomas Machacek, Vice President for more information.
Independence Constructors Corp (ICC) provides vegetation management, right-of-way clearing, and infrastructure support services for railroads throughout the East Coast and Midwest. Our hi-rail equipped crews deliver safe and efficient tree removal, brush control, herbicide application, and right-of-way maintenance to keep rail corridors clear and compliant. ICC proudly partners with short lines, regional railroads, and Class I carriers to provide dependable service for both routine maintenance and large-scale projects. Tom Van Sickell, Director of Business Development, can be reached by phone at (610) 310-1816 or email tvansickell@icctree.com.
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.
September 22-24 (2 ½ Day seminar), Embassy Suites San Diego La Jolla
The Regulatory Module of ASLRRA’s Leadership Development Program is the only industry training of its kind, covering a broad selection of topics in a single setting. The two and a half-day training program provides an overview of the federal agencies that regulate railroads and, in addition to federal regulations 101, the course will cover Part 217, Part 218, Part 219, Part 225, Part 228, and Part 243.
Training combines traditional presentation methods with interactive discussion using real world examples to round out attendees’ understanding of complicated regulations and how they impact front line operations. Developed for front-line supervisors and managers from multiple crafts, the curriculum is essential for these individuals and relevant for anyone involved in day-to-day railroad operations. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of regulations that govern railroad operations and participate in facilitated, interactive dialog with expert instructors and peers.
Registration is also open for four other in-person seminars, including:
Several of ASLRRA’s in-person seminars are eligible for the Association’s scholarship program. The Doug Golden Scholarship awards up to $1,200 to small-railroad employees to cover registration fees and travel and lodging costs.
Scholarship applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Click here to learn more about the scholarship and submit an application.
The Coalition Heath Plan is specifically designed for ASLRRA members looking for a solution to reduce their medical premiums and simplify the healthcare experience for their employees. As the fifth largest broker in the world with over 500 locations in North America, HUB International is well equipped to provide ASLRRA members with a vast network of benefits experts and best-in-class resources no matter where the member company is located in the US.
Partnering with HUB puts ASLRRA members at the center of a vast network of experts who provide risk services, claims management, and compliance support. Visit ASLRRA’s Member Discount Program page and select Employee Health Insurance to start saving today.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) today announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for up to $500 million to expand U.S. critical mineral and materials processing and derivative battery manufacturing and recycling.
Historically, these programs have started to create traffic opportunities for freight railroads, including short lines.
Non-binding letters of intent are requested by 5:00 p.m. ET on March 27, 2026, to assist the Department in planning for the review process. ?Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. ET on April 24, 2026.
A webinar with additional information on this funding opportunity will be held TOMORROW, March 26 at 1:00 PM Eastern. Register for the informational webinar.
ASLRRA’s On Demand Webinars resource library offers more than 200 webinar recordings on a variety of topics, from industry-specific finance, human resources and legal issues to railroad safety, regulatory compliance, business development, and more! All recordings are available at the click of a mouse by visiting aslrra.org/webinars.
Check out the below recordings from the first quarter of 2026 and visit the website to view and register for upcoming live webinars.
Join subject matter experts from the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI), for a webinar that will explore the benefits of having a Safety Vision and provide steps on how to develop one. A Safety Vision is a slogan or statement of clear goals and aspirations for workplace safety that should be prominently displayed and understood by all employees. Whether you don't know where to begin or have already developed one and have specific questions, SLSI's "Ask the Experts" is here to be your resource to keep safety on track.
Hear from PHMSA and FRA representatives on real time reporting requirements for Class 2 railroads and gain an understanding of the requirements and interpretations.
Join Tony Hatch of ABH Consulting for a review of 2025 railroad industry highlights and a discussion of what’s ahead in 2026... and a guess as to how many Class I railroads we’ll have in 2027!
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.
Jesse Chalich, President of Northern Plains Railroad, passed away suddenly on March 11, 2026. Noted in the obituary, Chalich started his career as a conductor/engineer in 1997 on the Northern Plains Railroad in central North Dakota. As a 4th generation railroader, the love for the industry and its culture ran deep in him. Jesse quickly moved into customer service, where his natural ability to connect with people quickly stood out. Known for his genuine care for others and the trust he built with those around him, Jesse later transitioned into marketing and executive leadership roles, helping guide the company as it expanded from forty to more than two hundred employees. Over time, he rose through the organization, ultimately serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Northern Plains Rail companies - a role he led humbly with pride, integrity, and dedication until his final day. Under Jesse’s leadership, the company maintained exceptional employee morale and a culture that truly supported employees in putting safety and family first.
June 24, 2026, is the day for public service education efforts led by Operation LifeSaver. ENS Sign Awareness Day shines a spotlight on the lifesaving importance of the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs posted at railroad crossings. More information can be found here.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.
