Railroad workers praised for saving life of man drowning in floodwaters in Piscataway during storm
National Museum of Industrial History to host Anthracite Railroad Ramble Excursion
Dozens of State lawmakers experience freight rail up close in Indiana
TXNW Wraps Up Texas Interchange Improvement Project
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.
Collaboration may be trending today, but for short line railroads, collaboration is a way of doing business. It’s not just a buzzword. While governments, corporations and social platforms increasingly promote the benefit of working together, short lines have always understood that strategic partnerships are essential to their success. Built on the idea that combining individual strengths results in a collective impact, collaboration is, and always has been, a cornerstone of the small railroad model.
It took this kind of robust teamwork for ASLRRA member Alabama & Tennessee River Railway (ATN) to establish a new product transloading facility in Ohatchee, Alabama with partner Angler Rail. Angler was intending to use a recently acquired 48-acre property to support its wholly truck-based Angler Recycling scrap business, but the team at ATN was able to demonstrate the benefits of turning the site into a rail transload location. ATN provided rail insight while Angler worked to transform its property. The project began in 2023 and the companies began moving cars in January 2024.
In the beginning, Angler was not very familiar with general product transloading or rail, but the team saw ATN’s vision and embraced it. Together ATN and Angler moved quickly to review track infrastructure, engineering plans and market reach. In addition to supporting rail construction, ATN helped on the business side, aiding efforts in customer development, capital investment and transloading concepts for non-scrap products.
Thanks to their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to collaboration, ATN and Angler have established the only full-service, multi-commodity transloading facility in a location between the metropolitan areas of Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia. With connections to Class I partners CSX and Norfolk Southern, the facility fills a gap in the market for customers looking to reach both cities. The local community has also benefitted from ATN and Angler’s partnership, as the project has brought new jobs and bolstered economic development in the area.
Moving only a few cars per month in early 2024 grew to over 100 cars per month by the end of the year. Already the site’s initial track infrastructure has been expanded and new infrastructure has been built to support operations, with plans for additional investments and further development. Angler and ATN continue to market the site to support the region’s transload needs and bring in new customers.
ATN’s success was inseparable from Angler’s involvement, and the same is true in reverse. Each company brought unique value, but it was their shared vision, mutual respect and willingness to invest in a true partnership that turned potential into progress. This was not collaboration in name only. It was the kind of hands-on, results-driven alliance that short lines have long understood to be essential. Their story is proof that when partners are aligned in purpose and action, transformative outcomes follow.
ASLRRA member Alabama & Tennessee River Railway worked with partner Angler Rail to pivot from using a recently acquired property for its truck-based Angler Recycling business and transform it into a rail transload facility. The number of cars moved per month grew from only a few to over 100 in less than a year, and site infrastructure has already been expanded to support growing operations.
On July 22, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published a notice in the Federal Register formally withdrawing the direct final rule (DFR) titled Accident/Incident Investigation Policy for Gathering Information and Consulting with Stakeholders.
ASLRRA and AAR jointly filed comments critical of the DFR, identifying several areas where the FRA had failed to properly implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) mandate, including vague catch-all provisions for determining triggering events, the description of stakeholders for technical expertise, underestimation of cost of compliance, and insufficient outreach to Class I and short line railroads prior to issuing the DFR.
On June 24, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia granted defendant rail companies’ motion for summary judgment on a Sherman Act Section 1 claim. In a lengthy and sweeping multi-district litigation beginning in 2007, with 114 transferred cases, plaintiffs alleged a fuel surcharge price-fixing conspiracy by rail companies.
In the case, In re Rail Freight Surcharge Antitrust Litig. (No. I), MDL Dkt. No. 1869 (D.D.C. June 24, 2025), the judge found that plaintiffs were unable to create a disputed issue of material fact as to parallel conduct to establish their price-fixing claims.
On Nov. 18, 2021, ASLRRA and AAR filed an amicus brief supporting defendants BNSF Railway Company and Union Pacific Railroad Company. The associations’ amicus brief sought to educate the Court regarding the scope, importance and complexity of interline traffic, and the need for railroads to be able to communicate broadly and effectively with each other regarding that service to offer competitive transportation products.
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) announced it will hold virtual group meetings with stakeholders to discuss ways to improve competition and reduce regulatory barriers by updating the STB’s regulatory framework.
According to a press release, these meetings are meant to help the STB “create a regulatory framework that works for the American people by supporting a robust rail transportation system that is driven by market forces, delivers cost-effective, efficient service for the national economy, and supports innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Those interested in participating in the meetings should contact the Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance at (202) 245-0245 or RCPA@stb.gov. Meetings will take place between Aug. 4 and Aug. 15.
Last week, ASLRRA participated in a meeting on this same topic with the STB’s policy team. Representatives from several ASLRRA member railroads also joined. Prior to the meeting ASLRRA sent a letter to STB Chair Patrick Fuchs outlining the recommendations the Association planned to discuss, which included that the STB to proactively provide guidance about federal preemption under the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act (ICCTA) and create a process to license common carriers like ASLRRA’s members.
An opinion piece published on the website of news publication The Hill says allowing larger, heavier trucks on the nation’s roads would be a disaster.
Taxpayers Protection Alliance President David Williams and National Consumers League Senior Director of Consumer Protection and Product Safety Daniel Greene wrote the article, which calls on Americans to “stand united against destructive legislative proposals to introduce massive freight trucks that are larger and heavier than our infrastructure can support.”
Williams and Greene highlight the dangers of bigger trucks, which are more prone to crashes and inspection violations and are more difficult for drivers to maneuver and stop. Moreover, heavier trucks result in more lethal accidents, because crash forces are also greater.
Beyond the danger to the motoring public, large trucks cause approximately 410 times the amount of damage to roadways as a typical car. Roughly 70,000 bridges across the U.S. cannot safely accommodate heavier trucks, and replacing at-risk bridges would cost taxpayers around $80 billion.
ASLRRA also opposes any laws or so-called pilot programs that would allow for longer, heavier trucks and consistently works to raise awareness of this issue. The Association is one of a diverse group of stakeholders that support the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks.
Short line railroads are a critical part of the American supply chain, connecting agriculture, manufacturing, energy and communities to the national and global economy. But while short lines may be small, they face big challenges. That is why inviting members of Congress to visit your railroad is not just a good idea, it’s a strategic investment in the future of your railroad, your customers and the entire industry.
Bringing Policy to Life
When a policymaker sees your operations, meets your employees and views your infrastructure needs up close, the issues you face such as the need for the 45G tax credit and CRISI funding become real. Fact sheets and statistics can’t compete with the power of a personal visit. Whether it’s seeing a 100-year-old bridge still in use or hearing from a local business that relies on your service to stay competitive, these experiences leave lasting impressions.
Making the Local Connection and Building Long-Term Relationships
Elected officials are deeply invested in the economic vitality of their districts. Hosting them on your railroad gives you the opportunity to show how your operation creates local jobs, supports small businesses and ensures rural and industrial communities aren’t left behind. When they see your role in the local and regional economy, they’re more likely to champion policies that directly benefit you, like infrastructure funding or the 45G tax credit.
These visits create relationships. And relationships open doors. When members of Congress know who you are, they’re more likely to pick up the phone, respond to a letter or ask your opinion before a vote. Instead of being a one-time event, a site visit is the beginning of a dialogue that can influence policy for years to come.
How to Make It Count
You don’t need a fancy event or a big public relations budget to host a successful visit. A simple tour, a roundtable with local customers and a few handshakes go a long way. What matters most is authenticity – telling your story, showing your impact, and making the connection between your railroad and the policies debated in Washington. And if you can get an official in the cab of a locomotive, you’ve likely helped them cross off a long-held childhood wish!
In short, when you invite your Member of Congress to your railroad, you’re not just giving them a tour, you’re giving them a reason to care. And when they care, they act.
So don’t wait. Extend the invitation. Your tracks lead to Capitol Hill more directly than you think.
This week, ASLRRA staff and members of the Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) is holding a second round of fly-ins to meet with members of Congress and their staff and advocate for short line issues, especially emphasizing the need for passage of the 45G short line infrastructure tax credit modernization bill.
ASLRRA has held several smaller advocacy events this year as part of an effort to zero in on the issues that matter most to small railroads. Besides 45G modernization, the Association is keen to see robust funding for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants; strong support for safety organizations like the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI); a more balanced regulatory environment and more.
Since last week, nine more representatives have signed on to cosponsor H.R. 516, the House 45G modernization bill, while two senators became cosponsors of the Senate version, S. 1532.
ASLRRA staff and members of the Association's Legislative Policy Committee met with several elected officials during fly-ins held last week and this week. They included Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) (top left, second from left), Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) (top right, center) and Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.) (bottom left, second from left).
Know a company that would benefit from joining and participating in ASLRRA? Please contact Vice President, Membership Danialle Lovik via email or on (202) 585-3443.
Southern Rail Construction, based in Callahan, FL, builds and maintains the backbone of rail transport - from tracks to bridges, culvert installation, culvert cleanings, and other construction services. Their crews deliver safety, efficiency, and reliability at every mile. General Manager Donald Goff can be reached at dgoff@southernrailconstruction.com.
Early bird registration rates for all three of ASLRRA’s September meetings, the Eastern and Southern Region Meeting, Finance & Administration Seminar and General Counsel Symposium, end July 30, which is only seven days away.
This year’s targeted events, the Finance & Administration Seminar and General Counsel Symposium, are uniquely valuable to short line industry professionals. Those in fields like human resources, finance, administration and legal can participate in education sessions that incorporate information specific to both their jobs and the freight rail industry. Not only that, event attendees can network with their short line counterparts, gaining insight into how others address similar issues and workplace challenges.
The Eastern Southern region meeting takes place Sept. 9 to 11 in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is co-located with the General Counsel Symposium and the Finance & Administration Seminar, which take place Sept. 9 to 10 and Sept. 10 to 11, respectively. Continuing legal education (CLE) credit is included in the registration for the General Counsel Symposium.
Individuals can also book lodging for these events in the Association’s hotel room blocks. Follow this link to go directly to the event hotel page. The deadline for booking a room in the block is Aug. 22.
ASLRRA is also selling sponsorships for these events. Click here to view the sponsorship prospectus or contact the Association’s meetings team at meetings@aslrra.org with questions.
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 – Professional Trainer Development seminar is filling up quickly. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible before the seminar is sold out.
This seminar, which takes place Oct. 7 to 9 in Freeport, Maine, is designed for trainers of all levels and subject-matter experts who want to expand and enhance their training skills. Attendees will learn how to design training using adult learning principles, manage participant engagement and the learning environment, enhance personal presentation skills, and develop course materials using Bloom’s Taxonomy for Instructional Design and ADDIE methods.
Throughout the workshop, participants will delve into understanding and applying proven development and facilitation techniques through engaging activities and peer-reviewed small group presentations intended to simulate authentic training experiences. Whether just beginning a career in training, or decades into it, attendees will leave this workshop with new skills and insights to help them design and deliver exceptional training and improved outcomes on their railroad.
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.
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.
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.
Click here to learn more about ASLRRA’s Member Discount Program and view all of the products and services available from the Association’s Preferred Providers.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published guidance for railroad capital projects funded by the agency.
The document is meant to help project sponsors, partners and others develop effective and complete projects and manage projects in a way that meets set schedules and budgets. Information included in the guidance defines the stages in the project lifecycle and describes what the FRA might require when providing this funding.
Sponsors are encouraged to use this document when developing their projects. The FRA notes it may use the guidance to inform grant application reviews and decisions, while some grant program notices of funding opportunity (NOFOs) might require sponsors to provide information in accordance with what is described in certain guidance sections.
On July 15, Mike Ogborn spoke at the Midwest Short Line & Regional Railroads Summer Conference at Gull Lake, Minnesota, hosted by the Minnesota Regional Railroads Association. Ogborn’s presentation, titled “A Report from D.C.,” covered recent activities at the Surface Transportation Board, Federal Railroad Administration, Congress and the courts that involve or affect railroads.
Last Friday, Nicole Brewin, Wayne Whitaker, Prashant Bhargava and intern Peter Balogh visited ASLRRA member Delmarva Central Railroad (DCR), which operates in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The staff members toured a DCR facility and learned about short line and transload operations.
This week, Sarah Yurasko is attending the 71st Annual Meeting of the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel in Boulder, Colorado. She serves on the Executive Advisory Board for the organization.
JR Gelnar traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Association of American Railroads’ Hazmat Committee meeting that took place Monday and Tuesday. He is also attending the AAR Tank Car Committee meeting on Wednesday and Thursday at CHEMTREC headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.
(L to R) ASLRRA staff members Wayne Whitaker, Prashant Bhargava and Nicole Brewin and intern Peter Balogh recently visited one of ASLRRA member Delmarva Central Railroad's facilities.
The Trump Administration has rapidly unveiled a series of policy changes from suspensions of federal funding to tariffs that create potential disruptions for rail projects and could lead to disputes, renegotiated deals, terminated or suspended contracts, and potentially, litigation. These far-reaching actions will require short line railroads to react quickly to the changing landscape and to strategize in advance to protect their interests. Join legal experts from Steptoe LLP and ASLRRA for an engaging discussion of these challenges and strategies for addressing them.
Steptoe is an accredited continuing legal education (CLE) provider in California, Illinois, New York and Texas and is pleased to offer one hour of CLE credit or general MCLE credit depending on the state. Those seeking credit in other jurisdictions are asked to note that in their registration form so an application can be submitted on their behalf.
Sponsored by:
Join Tony Hatch of ABH Consulting for insight into the current railroad market. Hatch will explore today’s industry, which is beset by issues related to labor dynamics, regulatory pressures, international conflict and supply chain instability, and provide his perspective on how shippers, investors and rail are affected. Join us for what promises to be an engaging discussion that will help railroad professionals understand these challenges and see the opportunities in them. This webinar is scheduled for 90 minutes to allow ample time for audience Q&A at the end of the presentation.
Short line railroads are seeing a major uptick in union activity on their properties and there appears to be no property that is "too small" for labor organization. What options do carriers have when union organizations approach their employees? And, once the unions have established the right to a union vote with the National Mediation Board, what is the role of the carrier? This webinar will provide answers to all your questions and allow for an open discussion for ASLRRA railroad members to ask questions and share their experiences.
Sponsored by:
The Short Line Safety Institute’s (SLSI) July Safety Tip is focused on sleep and worker fatigue, reminding industry professionals of the dangers associated with being overly tired on the job.
The Safety Tip summarizes the causes and effects of worker fatigue. Fatigue, which increases the risk of illness and injury, is more common among transportation workers like railroaders who work irregular hours and extended shifts.
To help workers understand how they might mitigate fatigue, the Safety Tip also includes recommendations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) about ways to improve sleep patterns.
Although SLSI offers a number of in-person training opportunities for organizations looking to improve safety culture and hazardous materials knowledge, SLSI also works to develop online resources available at any time. Find them online here, or fill in a subscription form at the bottom of SLSI’s home page to receive monthly email updates with the latest SLSI resources and news.
Rail industry publications Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures magazines will host the third annual Women in Rail Conference Oct. 15 to 16 in Schaumburg, Illinois.
The conference will include speakers from across the rail industry, including ASLRRA Senior Vice President, Communications Amy Krouse and other leaders from ASLRRA railroad and supplier members. One featured panel is titled Leadership Journeys, where women like Patriot Rail Senior Vice President, Commercial Jenni Benton will discuss their career and life trajectories.
The conference will also honor winners of the Railway Age 2024 Women in Rail and RT&S 2025 Women in Railroad Engineering awards.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.
