Railroad workers, Homer PD rescue dogs on train tracks
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.
ASLRRA associate business member HDR is the winner of this year’s Veterans Engagement Award. Nominees are evaluated for their efforts to engage with military veterans, support veterans in the workplace and community, and attract veterans through hiring practices. HDR demonstrates noteworthy accomplishments in each of these categories, through its work with outside organizations and development of internal programs. The company will be honored at the ASLRRA Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado on April 8.
HDR’s Veterans Employee Network Group (VENG) offers a supportive community to military veterans, their families and others. The group has made efforts to celebrate veterans through several key initiatives implemented in the past year. This includes creating a video about the experiences of veteran employees, which also featured HDR CEO John Henderson, who served nearly 24 years in the Army.
The HDR Foundation donated nearly $45,000 to veterans’ organizations in 2024. And HDR is an active participant with Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), participating in HOH hiring events and career fairs and the organization’s Fellowship Cohort Program. Senior leaders at HDR are active in Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), supporting initiatives to increase the number of military-affiliated individuals in the digital infrastructure industry.
Beyond its initiatives to recruit veterans as employees, HDR has established a National Supplier Diversity Program to foster partnerships with small businesses, which include veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. As a 3-Star Corporate Member of the Veterans in Business (VIB) Network, HDR helps veteran-owned businesses make connections that facilitate contracting opportunities.
Class I railroad BNSF Railway has issued a reminder that after May 1, 2025, all jacketed and unjacketed legacy Class 111 tank cars, as well as jacketed and unjacketed enhanced Class 111 tank cars, also known as CPC-1232 tank cars, are prohibited from transporting certain flammable liquids in both the United States and Canada.
Under the U.S. Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations, § 173.242, Class 111 tank cars will be prohibited from importing, offering for transport, handling or transporting unrefined petroleum products, ethanol, and Class 3 flammable liquids in Packing Group I. In Transport Canada’s Containers for Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail standard, Section 10.5.6, these tank cars cannot import, offer for transport, handle, or transport Class 3 flammable liquids in Packing Groups I, II, and III. DOT 117 J, P and R tank cars are authorized.
In its reminder, BNSF created a phaseout schedule table showing what commodities are barred from transport in different tank cars and when. Beginning April 24, BNSF will start rejecting billing for tank cars subject to the May 1 phaseout.
ASLRRA wrote a letter regarding Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget plans and funding for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program to the chair and ranking members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.
In the letter, ASLRRA describes the importance of short line freight railroads to the national economy and supply chain and underscores how CRISI supports the efforts of small railroads to continue to improve operational safety and efficiency.
In addition to requesting the maximum authorized funding to accompany the $1 billion provided through advance appropriations, the Association makes other recommendations related to CRISI. This includes encouraging flexibility in award size and increasing program transparency.
Aside from CRISI requests, ASLRRA also asks federal appropriators to fund the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) at robust levels and continue to exclude any language allowing longer or heavier trucks on the nation’s roads.
On March 20, the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT) sent a letter to members of Congress asking them to oppose legislation allowing truck length and weight increases. The letter was addressed to the chair and ranking members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
ASLRRA joined 20 other organizations, including the Association of American Railroads, United States Conference of Mayors, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and others in signing the letter. The letter reminds lawmakers about the significant damage longer, heavier trucks would cause to not only interstates and highways but local roads and bridges.
The letter also discussed CABT’s recently published study highlighting the high number of local bridges at risk if heavier trucks were authorized, as well as the estimated $70.5 to $98.5 billion it would cost to replace all at-risk bridges.
Representatives from CABT-member organizations and other stakeholders distributed the letter to other congressional lawmakers during a legislative fly-in being held today. ASLRRA’s Crystal Gitchell participated in the event.
Registration is still open online, and will be available onsite beginning April 5 in Denver for ASLRRA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition.
One of the most-noted benefits by prior attendees of the conference is the opportunity to network with the entire industry. With more than 1,700 registered, the event promises to deliver on that expectation!
The Lucky Strike Networking Event takes place on Tuesday afternoon, April 8 and is the perfect opportunity to make industry connections in a relaxed environment. The Young Professionals committee will be hosting a friendly friendly competition, and looks forward to meeting you! All attendees must RSVP by adding the event to their conference registration. Those who have already registered can log in to the registration site and add Lucky Strike to their existing ticket.
Education is also high on the list of benefits, based on prior attendee feedback. We are continuing to add new sessions to the event – including the following:
Supporting Innovation for Short Lines, led by MxV Rail’s Maureen Werner, Vice President Engineering Services.
The Next Horizon - The Imperative for Growth in the Rail Industry, led by Oliver Wyman’s Sam Sexhus, Vice President of Rail Practice, and Michelle Bowling, Vice President of Transportation Practice.
Check the agenda for the latest details, and register today!
The Arthur N. Ulrich Company, based in Pataskala, Ohio, is a third-generation, family-owned, operated and managed manufacturer’s representative agency. It specializes in the technical application and sale of high-integrity prime and backup electrical power systems for a variety of critical infrastructure needs in the railroad, healthcare, financial, utility, telecom, education, industrial and data processing fields. Matt Ulrich covers the Eastern U.S. & Canada and can be reached at (800) 848-2090 and Robby Johnson covers the Western U.S. & Canada and can be reached at (816) 874-2255. It also owns/operates two subsidiaries: RedHawk Energy Systems, LLC and RedHawk Services, LLC. Learn more by visiting them in Booth 424 at our Annual Conference and Exhibition in Denver next month.
BossPac Technologies, based in Calgary with U.S. operations in Denver, Colorado, provides railroads wayside monitoring solutions specifically for North American Dark Rail networks. Its innovative Boss Rail Sensors offer continuous detection of broken rails, loose joints, and train presence. With easy installation and cost-effective operation, BRSs help railroads avert delays and maintain rail safety. President Darren Sortland is our primary contact and can be reached on (403) 796-3975. Learn more by visiting them in Booth 206 at our Annual Conference and Exhibition in Denver next month.
dss+ Transportation is the operational transformation partner for high-hazard and complex industries, driving safety, performance, and sustainability breakthroughs with measurable impact. It has over 20 years’ experience reducing operational risk in the transportation industry, backed by highly qualified experts across multiple engineering disciplines. dss+ Transportation takes a systems-based approach to identifying, quantifying, and mitigating hazards and risks to railroad personnel and assets. Core offerings include Safety and Security Certification; Operational Risk Assessment and Reduction Programs; FRA Compliant Railroad Safety programs & training; Accident Reporting and Investigation; Fire / Life Safety; Li-Battery System Operation, Maintenance, Storage, and Disposal. Principal Michael O'Grady is our primary contact and can be reached on (815) 210-0305. Many thanks to Tom Austin of Railhead for recommending they join ASLRRA.
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking a private partner for an anticipated 40-year lease to operate, maintain, and improve approximately 92 miles of freight rail corridors on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This Public-Private Partnership (P3) aims to modernize the rail infrastructure, increase efficiency, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The posted RFI can be found at www.mdot.maryland.gov/freightrailp3 and respond accordingly no later than April 14, 2025. Please direct all inquiries and responses to freightrail@mdot.maryland.gov.
The project's main objectives include ensuring safe and reliable freight rail service, attracting new customers, and increasing carload volume, reducing or eliminating state subsidies, providing property management services, and generating revenue to fund improvements while shifting the operational risk and responsibility to the private sector.
MDOT is especially focused on the transfer of financial responsibility for the rail infrastructure improvements and ongoing maintenance to the private sector. It is anticipated that the private partner will retain revenues generated from rail operations and property usage, while also being responsible for the necessary planning and capital improvements to ensure continued freight rail operation. A private partner will be required to obtain necessary regulatory approvals from the Surface Transportation Board (STB), and be fully responsible for all compliance with rail safety regulations from the FRA and the Maryland DLLR.
Currently, MDOT manages the corridors through a contract expiring December 31, 2025. The existing infrastructure is a mix of well-maintained sections and others in need of improvement, with some sections requiring significant capital investment to enable continued service and other sections having previously been rail-banked for the future return of rail service.
MDOT will utilize a competitive process, potentially a two-step process involving a Request for Qualification (RFQ) followed by a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued to the shortlisted teams. No more than four teams will be considered.
One-on-One meeting requests are due no later than April 9, 2025 while RFI responses are due April 14, 2025. One-on-one meetings for interested parties to discuss the RFI are anticipated to take place April 14-25, 2025 with an RFQ expected to be released in May 2025. The target operating start date is January 1, 2026.
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.
The ASLRRA Leadership Program – Regulatory Module, the only industry training of its kind, is almost at capacity. Those interested in bolstering understanding of federal agencies and railroad rules while also receiving leadership training should register soon to secure their spot.
The Leadership Program – Regulatory Module is intended for managers, supervisors and anyone else involved in leading day-to-day railroad operations. This year, the seminar will be held in Freeport, Maine May 6 to 7. Click here to register.
Visit the Training Seminars webpage to view all of this year’s in-person training opportunities, and register for these events.
Employees of small railroads are eligible for scholarships to help them attend important industry training. Click here to learn more about ASLRRA’s scholarship opportunities.
ASLRRA Member Discount Program Preferred Provider MaxAccel offers a suite of software products available in web and mobile-based solutions to assist small railroads in driving safety, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and return on investment.
Over 220 freight railroads, passenger operations and railroad contractors rely on MaxAccel’s electronic recordkeeping applications every day, making them some of the most widely used in the rail transportation industry.
MaxAccel’s product offerings, available as part of the Member Discount Program, include all eight solutions on the AssetPro and SafeTrack Platforms. ASLRRA members can choose one application or several to make MaxAccel their single solution for electronic recordkeeping. MaxAccel also provides interactive infographic analytics capabilities for easy assessment of reporting and risk management.
Online voting began earlier this month for a seat on the ASLRRA Board of Directors representing Associate Business Members (Suppliers). Voting information and instructions were sent to the primary contact at every supplier member company. The candidates are:
Sam Beck, Director of Rail Sales, L.B. Foster
Erika Bruhnke, Chief Sales & Growth Officer, RailPros
Anna Kunnen, Director, Product Management — Logistics, Wabtec Corporation
Debbie Taylor, Principal & Executive Search Consultant, Taylor Transportation Search Group LLC
The online voting period closes on Monday, March 31. Only one vote is allowed per company membership. Please contact Kathy Keeney if you have questions.
ASLRRA’s On-Demand Webinars library features webinar recordings covering a range of legal topics and issues. Members can access these recordings for free at their convenience. Look for the following titles and more in the Legal category:
Visit ASLRRA’s webinar homepage and log in to view all the on-demand offerings in the Association’s webinar library.
At this year’s ASLRRA’s Annual Conference, the Short Line Safety Institute staff will be available to meet with conference attendees in the Expo Hall and will present two education sessions, one each on Sunday and Tuesday.
SLSI will be in the Expo Hall in Booth 735 and staff will be on hand to discuss the institute and its programs and resources. There will also be limited copies of educational materials available.
On Sunday, April 6, from 3 to 4 p.m. SLSI Executive Director Tom Murta and The SmartForce Group CEO Adrian Gonzalez will present a session titled “Structured Decision Making Process and How it Translates into Environmental Decision Making.” They will explain how to apply structured problem solving to environmental issues, enabling improved decision making that can lead to better outcomes. Structured problem solving is one of SLSI’s newest program offerings.
On Tuesday, April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. SLSI Director of Hazmat Programs John Walsh and SLSI Hazmat Instructor Anthony Carbone will present a session titled “Incident Command and Hazardous Materials Release.” They will discuss the Incident Command System, which is a standardized approach to command, control, and coordination of an emergency response situation. This system offers a common hierarchy within which responders from multiple agencies can be effective.
SLSI encourages conference attendees to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with staff and learn about the institute. For those who cannot travel to Denver for the conference or who cannot wait until April 6 to meet with SLSI staff, another way to learn about SLSI is through its website, shortlinesafety.org.
Click here for a calendar of industry events.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.
