Volume 31, Number 3, 2025
GW INTERCHANGE
Organic Growth in Action across G&W’s Footprint Also: Berkshire & Eastern Railroad Achieves One Year Injury-Free Quebec Gatineau Railway Restores Critical Section of Track After Storm Damage
Table of Contents Features
Organic Growth in Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Around G&W General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 National Region Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 American Region Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Volume 31, Number 3, 2025
G&W Interchange Genesee & Wyoming Inc. 20 West Avenue Darien, CT 06820
gwrr.com If you have news to share across G&W, please send it to the Communications team. Tel: 203-202-8926 Email: interchange@gwrr.com © 2025 Genesee & Wyoming Inc. All rights reserved. Recycled paper. Genesee & Wyoming is committed to using resources wisely. Cover: Berkshire & Eastern Railroad (BERX) Crossing the Deerfield River exiting the east portal of the Hoosac Tunnel. P H O TO BY RO BERT REY N O LDS
The terms “Genesee & Wyoming,” “G&W,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer collectively to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
From the CEO Dear G&W colleagues, As we close out 2025, it’s evident that our top two Core Values at G&W – safety and service – are foundational in everything we do and are what has made G&W the company it is today. Despite a challenging freight market and an uncertain global economy, which have negatively impacted our carloads, revenues and EBITDA throughout the year, safety and service haven’t wavered. Regarding safety, we have a real chance of achieving our strongest performance in several years: Through mid-November, we are tracking ahead of our injury-frequency rate (IFR) goal of 1.34 for the year and seeing an improvement of more than 20% compared to this time last year. Our injury-severity rate (ISR) is, likewise, well below our goal of 0.86 for the year and represents nearly a 30% improvement versus this time in 2024. Human factor incidents are also below our goal of 4.35 for the year and nearly 20% better than the same period last year. Moreover, two of our five lowest-performing railroads in 2024 have gone injury-free so far in 2025, while two others have seen an 80% reduction in reportable injuries compared to last year.
• • • •
And in terms of service, once again, G&W has landed its highest overall satisfaction score ever – an 8.68 out of 10 – on our biennial customer survey. This comes after attaining record-breaking scores during the pandemic in 2021 and subsequently in 2023. 10 8
8.14
8.52
8.68
2021
2023
2025
We also continue to outscore the trucking and whole railroad industry in overall satisfaction, lending us a competitive edge to grow our core business while converting more freight to rail in the years ahead. It’s no surprise that customers are turning to us to help them grow, evidenced by AGP doubling their annual carloads with our Puget Sound & Pacific Railroad (and other cases in the organic growth story on the next page); that Class I railroads are seeking partnerships with us that tap into the benefits of rail as a true ecosystem, like our Berkshire & Eastern, Meridian & Bigbee, and Central Oregon & Pacific railroad transactions over the past few years; and that innovators are proactively seeking our participation in initiatives designed to transform rail in the century ahead, demonstrated through our commitment to the RailPulse coalition and the Parallel Systems pilot test of autonomous bogies on our east Georgia roads. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to do this year despite macroeconomic trends that are largely beyond our control. Our results are a direct reflection of the individual efforts of everyone on our team, so thank you for all you do and for being a valuable member of that team. Have a safe, happy and restful holiday season. And let’s come back determined to make 2026 our best year yet.
Michael November 24, 2025
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Genesee & Wyoming Interchange 1
Organic
Growth in Action across G&W’s Footprint
Much of the latter half of G&W’s 125th anniversary in 2024 was spent looking to the future. For example, CEO Michael Miller closed a video highlighting G&W’s history by discussing the importance of organic growth to our next chapter. “We’ve pivoted to optimizing our existing business while maintaining the same levels of safety and service that we built our reputation on over 125 years,” Miller says. “And we’ve made an organizational shift back to organic growth via the entrepreneurial spirit that a company our size can often lose when you scale up.” In essence, Miller’s comments refer to growing G&W’s
core business – that is, hauling customers’ freight via our short line and regional railroads throughout North America – by adding new customers to our portfolio or expanding existing customer business. While the freight transportation sector has seen marked economic uncertainty in 2025, there are, indeed, examples of G&W railroads taking the challenge to grow organically head-on. Here’s a look at four of them:
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This past September, the Rochester & Southern Railroad (RSR) team began serving Genesee Brewing Co., an iconic institution of Rochester, New York. While the company previously received its malt and brewer’s grits through a Class I railroad’s transloading service, Genesee contacted RSR about 18 months ago to discuss a local, customer-focused option. “They wanted a railroad that was part of the Rochester community with the kind of service only a short line can provide,” says Justin Wojtowicz, director of sales and marketing for RSR. The project required coordination across multiple G&W teams. Wojtowicz worked alongside Robert Bond, assistant vice president of corporate development; Steve Hannan, real estate manager; Jarrod Hutcheson, RSR’s general manager; and Dan Pavick, vice president of G&W’s Great Lakes Division railroads.
The new transload facility at Rochester & Southern Railroad’s (RSR) Brooks Avenue Yard.
With limited property available to build a new facility, RSR developed a transloading site within its Brooks Avenue Yard in Gates, New York. The project took significant planning and investment, with RSI Logistics selected as the operator. RSR cleared the area, installed a truck scale and pad, and upgraded surfaces to create space for trailer staging. “This partnership expands and solidifies our operations in the Rochester area,” says Wojtowicz. “It also positions us to compete directly with other railroads by offering another transload option in the region.” Genesee Brewing is expected to use about one-third of the facility’s capacity, leaving room for additional customers.
PR NEWSWIRE
Genesee Brewing Becomes Anchor Customer at New Rochester & Southern Railroad Transload
Genesee & Wyoming Interchange 3
The Texas Northeastern Railroad (TNER) team spots cars at GCC.
Texas Northeastern Railroad Onboards Veteran G&W Cement Customer
S HUTTER STOCK_ 1052812841
This June, Texas Northeastern Railroad (TNER) began serving GCC, a leading producer of cement and readymixed concrete — marking the first new constructionsector customer on the railroad in years. Already a customer of Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad, G&W and TNER were up to the challenge of bringing GCC online in Trenton, Texas. “It required cross-departmental collaboration to ensure operational readiness, customer alignment and long-term success,” says Maureen Byrne, director of sales and marketing for TNER. “Throughout the project, the team maintained open communication and shared accountability, enabling a seamless integration of GCC into the TNER network and laying the groundwork for a successful long-term partnership.”
Director of Industrial Development Alex Stall worked with GCC to assess needs, highlight rail benefits and identify suitable property along the TNER line. Engineering evaluated the infrastructure to ensure it could support the facility’s bulk cement movements, while Assistant General Manager Joe Newsom and Trainmaster Michael Stewart developed a service plan designed for efficiency and reliability. Byrne facilitated the onboarding process, confirming rates, contacts and communication protocols. “At TNER, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional service to GCC as the company establishes its new facility,” says Stewart. “Our local team is deeply committed to customer success, and our flexibility, responsiveness and regional expertise allow us to tailor solutions that larger carriers often can’t.”
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Columbus and Greenville Railway Meets Rice Customer’s Expansion Needs
Producers Rice Mill
Producers Rice Mill
Columbus and Greenville Railway (CAGY) recently demonstrated the G&W promise to help customers grow when Producers Rice Mill approached the railroad for increased service. Producers selected Greenville, Mississippi, for a new bulk shipping facility and invested in highefficiency machinery to support a significantly growing market demand for bagged rice. “G&W has consistently delivered reliable service for Producers at other locations,” says Lesley Rager, manager of sales and marketing for CAGY. “Our team-
work over the years has built a relationship with them founded on mutual trust. They know they can count on us for safe and efficient operations.” The additional production is likely to double Producers’ recent traffic levels of outbound packaged rice to a volume that has not been seen in over a decade, according to Rager. “CAGY had the infrastructure and operational capacity to handle the additional carloads,” Rager says, “and we’re actively working to locate additional equipment at Producers’ request in case demand continues to rise.”
Dreamstime.com © Pichest Boonpanchua
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Quebec Gatineau Railway to Handle Bulk Quartzite Bound for Minnesota Since 2018, Quebec Gatineau Railway (QGRY) has hauled Super Sacks of quartz minerals from Quebec City to St. Luc Yard, where railcars are interchanged to Canadian Pacific Kansas City and destined for countertop manufacturer Cambria’s facility in Le Sueur, Minnesota. Expanding on a quartzite mine in Saint-Urbain, Quebec, that they integrated into their business over a decade ago, Cambria acquired a second quartz mine in 2020 in Fermont, Quebec. From here, bulk raw materials will be trucked to third-party logistics provider Groupe TYT in Quebec City and then loaded onto Cambria’s fleet of 47 gondola cars that QGRY will additionally transport to Minnesota. In support of this additional business, Groupe TYT is investing in transloading equipment, while QGRY has committed to a per-car rebate.
The Cambria facility in Le Sueur, Minnesota.
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“This is a result of excellent collaboration among the QGRY Transportation, Maintenance of Way, Customer Service and Sales teams,” says Ed Foley, assistant vice president of sales and marketing for G&W’s Canada Division railroads. “In particular, the MOW and sales teams stuck with this project and did ‘the little things’ right with the customer to expand on existing business and now handle bulk in addition to bags.” 250-300 railcars are expected in the first year of this project. ____________________________________________
These successes reflect how a focus on local expertise, cross-functional collaboration and a customer-first mindset are delivering tangible results across our railroads and laying a foundation for a resilient, service-oriented future.. n
Around G&W
G&W CONDUCTS HEARING OFFICER TRAINING
Photo: Cambria.com
G&W recently held a two-day hearing officer training at our Flower Mound, Texas, office. This specialized program, developed and facilitated by a G&W internal team, equips operations managers who conduct investigations with the essential skills, knowledge and tools to conduct fair, impartial and effective disciplinary hearings in alignment with company policy and collective bargaining agreements. The program was a year in the making, beginning with the compilation of multiple versions of hearing officer training already in use across the organization. After eight revisions, the team finalized a version they felt truly met the needs of managers. It was a collaborative effort led by Ted Busschaert, human resources paralegal; Jesse James,
Front Row: Ted Busschaert, human resources paralegal; Jesse James, assistant vice president of talent management; Julie Eddy, vice president, Upper Midwest Division railroads; Jerry Lewandowski, general manager, Berkshire & Eastern Railroad (BERX); Christopher Gibbs, assistant general manager, Georgia Central Railway (GC); Liz Llerandi, office manager, San Joaquin Valley Railroad (SJVR). Back Row: Rollan Finch, assistant general manager, Puget Sound & Pacific Railroad (PSAP); Kevin Ellison, trainmaster, Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY); Matt Quattrone, trainmaster, Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad (BPRR); Cody Lybrook, assistant general manager, Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern Railroad (CFE); John Blondin, trainmaster, Huron and Eastern Railway (HESR); Mike Kellar, assistant general manager, Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad (RCPE); Jim Hurlburt, vice president of employee and labor relations. assistant vice president of talent management; Julie Eddy, vice president of G&W’s Upper Midwest Division railroads; and Jim Hurlburt, vice president of employee and labor relations, whose expertise shaped the program into what it is today. The training emphasized due process, credibility and real-world application, giving
participants practical experience in managing hearings, questioning witnesses, evaluating evidence and maintaining procedural integrity—ensuring they are well prepared to handle disciplinary matters with confidence and fairness.
G&W ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR THIRD RAIL OPERATION IN WESTERN CANADA In early September, G&W Canada announced that its newest subsidiary, Alberta Heartland Railway Limited (AHR), entered into various agreements with Gasia Energy Corp., most notably the long-term lease of more than 50 acres at Gasia’s planned energy complex in Strathcona County on which AHR intends to construct and operate a multiservice rail terminal to serve Gasia and other AHR customers. The proposed terminal boasts proximity to several of the largest industrial facilities within the Alberta Industrial Heartland and is contiguous to Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National rail lines. Once fully built, it will feature multiple loop tracks and provide customers with freight-rail transportation, as well
as a suite of other services, including storage for up to 1,200 railcars and railcar-to-truck transloading. “After launching Red Deer Railway, our first short line in western Canada, late last year and securing a rail switching contract at the Heartland Petrochemical Complex earlier this year, shippers in the Alberta Industrial Heartland are recognizing G&W Canada’s broad logistics expertise and our commitment to safe, reliable and efficient rail service,” says G&W CEO Michael Miller. Construction of AHR’s terminal is expected to be carried out in phases, contingent upon various approvals.
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C A N A D A D I V I SI O N
QGRY RESTORES CRITICAL RAI 155
PORTNEUF
LA JACQUES-CARTIER
Québec
MÉKINAC
A view after the storm.
QUÉBEC
ANTOINE-LABELLE
LE CENTREDE-LAMAURICIE
Portneuf
Grand-Mère M ATAW I N I E
Deschambault
FRANCHEVILLE
LA NOUVELLEBEAUCE
MASKINONGÉ
Trois-Rivières
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D ’ A U T R AY
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Joliette CN
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L AVA L MIRABEL
Thurso Masson
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Buckingham
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Saint-Augustin 417
LE BAS-RICHELIEU
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8 AroundG&W
DRUMMOND
LA VA L L É E LAJEMMERAIS DURICHELIEU
LES M A S K O U TA I N S
SLQ Richmond
Montréal Sainte-Rosalie ACTON
CPKC
C O M M U N A U T ÉC- H A M P L A I N URBAINE-DEMONTRÉAL
Saint-Lambert ROUVILLE
VA U D R E U I L SOULANGES ROUSSILLON
QGRY customers on the line include: A view after the project was completed.
L’ A M I A N T E
ARTHABASKA
L’Epiphanie
LA RIVIÈREDU-NORD
Saint-Jérôme Lachute ARGENTEUIL
LES COLLINESD E - L’ O U TA O U A I S
N I C O L E TYA Y MASKA
Lanoraie
D ’ A U T R AY
L E S PAY S - D ’ E N - H A U T
PA P I N E A U
QGRY
JOLIETTE
LES LAURENTIDES
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Bromptonville LA HAUTESherbrooke YA M A S K A
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Lennoxville
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LES CHUTESDE-LACHAUDIÈRE
LOTBINIÈRE
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CN
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C
Shawinigan
COMMUNAUTÉURBAINEDE-QUÉBEC
N ON GIIO EG RE N R CA L E IROI N A NM AT
Around G&W
L LINK AFTER STORM DAMAGE Quebec Gatineau Railway (QGRY) completed Phase 1 of a CA$20 million infrastructure restoration project that reopens a four-mile stretch of the Saint-Maurice Valley Subdivision (STMV) in Quebec, Canada, after a washout by Tropical Storm Debby last year. The section of track connects the City of Shawinigan, home to 50,000 residents and a regional railway hub, with the Port of Trois-Rivières, a key export gateway currently undergoing a CA$300 million expansion. “The STMV line is an essential economic corridor,” says Andrew Creighton, vice president of G&W’s Canada Division railroads. “This segment alone links more than 20 of our customers to North American and European markets.” Customers on the line include Alcoa Corp., Doman Building Materials Group, Groupe Somavrac, Kruger Products and Marmen, producing a range of goods from aluminum and paper products to high-precision manufacturing and logistics services. The restoration took place between June and August, with QGRY’s mechanical and engineering teams working alongside contractors to meet the aggressive schedule. “This was only possible through close collaboration with the governments of Quebec and Canada, local elected officials and the business community,” says Creighton. “Everyone recognized the urgency and rallied behind it.” With Phase 1 complete, rail service to the port has resumed, providing a timely, cost-effective and sustainable alternative to trucking. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin next summer, further strengthening QGRY’s commitment to the region.
Alcoa Corp.’s Deschambault Smelter
“These projects aren’t just about
fixing track. It’s about reconnecting communities and ensuring our customers can thrive in a competitive, global market.” —Andrew Creighton, vice president of G&W’s Canada Division railroads
Right: Martin Cormier, director of maintenance of way; Guillaume Kenny, manager of infrastructure; Todd Dragland, vice president of engineering, National Region railroads; André Lapalme, G&W Canada’s vice president of engineering; and Marc-André Berthiaume, director of capital planning, inspect the completed project. Genesee & Wyoming Interchange 9
N O R T H E A ST D I V I SI O N
NECR MECHANICAL TEAM REACHES 25-YEAR SAFETY MILESTONE Mechanical employees at New England Central Railroad (NECR) achieved 25 years of reportable injury-free work and celebrated the milestone on August 9 with a steak dinner. Director of Mechanical Kelley Schwab, who has led the department for two years and originally joined NECR in 2020, says the achievement reflects teamwork, consistency and pride. “It comes down to how our people look out for each other,” says Schwab. “‘Brother’s Keeper’ is our motto. We focus on the small things, stay engaged and keep the conversations going.” The nine-person team performs daily maintenance and repair work on 22 locomotives across NECR’s footprint, including units stationed at G&W’s Massena Terminal Railroad in New York. Two employees work out of Palmer, Massachusetts, while the rest are based at the main shop in St. Albans, Vermont. The steady, close-knit group operates on a single shift, and turnover is rare — limited mostly to retirements. “We’ve built an environment where people take pride in what they do,” says Schwab. “That’s what safety grows from.” Bob Wilcox, general manager of NECR, says the department’s communication “drives their results,” noting, “It’s a level of pride you can see every day.” Schwab notes the team’s focus on workplace organization reinforces that pride.
“We emphasize 5S (a methodology for creating a more organized and productive workplace by following five steps: Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize and Sustain), and that gives the team ownership of the space,” says Schwab. “That mindset shows up in the quality of their work.” While the milestone is significant, Schwab says the team’s focus remains on improvement. “We’re not chasing a number; we’re just working to be better every day,” he says.
PA S D I V I SI O N
TAKING IT ONE DAY AT A TIME, BERX SURPASSES ONE YEAR INJURY-FREE On November 26, the Berkshire & Eastern Railroad (BERX) team, which operates CSX and Norfolk Southern’s jointly owned Pan Am Southern (PAS) line in New England, celebrated one year reportable injury-free.
“One day at a time, one shift at a time, one hour at a time, one move at a time — that is the safety slogan we added to the back of hoodies that we handed out at our safety barbeque this fall,” says Jerry Lewandowski, BERX’s general manager,
“and that is the mentality that we hold one another accountable for.”
10 AroundG&W
Among the safety initiatives put in place since G&W took over operations of the line in late 2023, operations managers created a better environment for employees to work in, including renovating the mechanical facility in East Deerfield, Massachusetts, as well as the on-duty location in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. They also appointed a director of safety, Mike Fitzgerald, who has helped change the culture by putting safety ahead of everything else. “Safety is not just a part of our meetings,” says Blake Jones, vice president of G&W’s PAS
Division, “but is the first topic of every single meeting and every single call.” Employees also get a chance to provide feedback on safety at the quarterly safety barbeques mentioned above. “I could not be prouder of our team for the strides they have made when it comes to safety,” says Jones. “But we have to remember that slogan in order to hit more milestones in the future.”
N AT I O N A L R E G I O N
Around G&W
New England Central Railroad (NECR) mechanical team includes Mechanical Foreman Jeffrey Stowe; Mechanic Richard Mitchell; Director of Mechanical Kelley Schwab; Mechanics Thomas Beaudoin, Brandon Grenier and Richard LaFreniere; and General Manager Bob Wilcox. Not pictured are Mechanics Kevin Allen and Jonas Walker-Cook.
New England Central Railroad (NECR) Mechanical Manager Scott Paribello with Mechanics Adam Holbrook and Anthony Roman.
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General Manager Heath Mondragon discusses TPW’s focus on safety while serving locations such as The Andersons ethanol plant and grain elevator.
U PPE R M I D WE ST D I V I SI O N
TPW PARTICIPATES IN NEW CUSTOMER’S FAMILY FESTIVITIES Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway (TPW) strengthened ties with one of its newest customers by participating in The Andersons Family and Safety Day in Clymers, Indiana, on September 4. The Andersons operates an ethanol production facility in Clymers, a plant that TPW has served for just 18 months. To accommodate the customer, TPW installed a new track and now provides service about three days a week. “This was their family day, and they invited us to be part of it,” says Heath Mondragon, TPW general manager. “That alone is a great sign of the relationship we’re building with them.” The event ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and included booths from vendors, contractors and local emergency responders. Demonstrations showed how tank cars are sealed and handled, while Milwaukee Tool and other suppliers shared their products. TPW brought two locomotives and a tank car for display, and Mondragon gave a short presentation about the railroad. He spoke about the TPW network, which runs east to west across the region, and explained some of the key components of a locomotive.
12 AroundG&W
“Our local train crew—engineer Damon Coble and conductor Danny Inskeep—drove the train in and then stayed for the day,” Mondragon says. “The Andersons team complimented them multiple times on the service we provide. They enjoy working with us and made that very clear.” For TPW, the event was an opportunity to highlight the railroad’s role in supporting the ethanol plant and to emphasize safety. Mondragon also touched on rail crossing safety during his remarks. “It’s important to let customers know we value their business and the partnership we’re building,” Mondragon says. “All of the conversations we had that day were positive, and many centered around growing the business together.” Mondragon credited Trainmasters Brian Harpt and Ethan Struwe for coordinating TPW’s participation and noted that Upper Midwest Division Vice President Julie Eddy also attended. “This was the first time we’ve been part of The Andersons’ family day, but I think it won’t be the last,” Mondragon says. “We’re excited about the relationship and the opportunities ahead.”
N AT I O N A L R E G I O N
Around G&W O H I O V A L L E Y D I V I SI O N
MICHAEL LEE RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS WITH IORY After three decades of unwavering dedication, Michael Lee retired from Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY) in September 2025 – marking a historic milestone as the first employee from that railroad to retire with a full, 30-year, injury-free career. Lee began his journey with IORY in August 1995 and, over the years, became a cornerstone of the team. For the last 20 years of his
career, Lee served at the Washington Court House terminal, where he became a familiar and respected figure in the community and among his colleagues. “His commitment to safety and excellence set a benchmark for his peers and successors alike,” says Brian Stussie, vice president of G&W’s Ohio Valley Division railroads. “What makes Michael’s retirement even more special is the passing of the torch to the next generation.”
His son, Bradon, has taken over Michael’s assigned job, continuing a legacy of dedication and service to the railroad. This father-son transition is a proud moment for the Lee family and a testament to the values that Michael upheld throughout his career. “His retirement is not just the end of a remarkable career but the beginning of a new chapter for IORY, inspired by his legacy,” says Stussie.
The IORY team celebrates Michael Lee’s last run after 30 years of service.
Genesee & Wyoming Interchange 13
Service awards are presented.
An employee receives recognition.
The venue provides fun for all.
Employees enjoy a festive atmosphere.
Teammates enjoy sharing the day.
PACIFIC DIVISION
FAMILY, FUN AND SAFETY FOR SJVR San Joaquin Valley Railroad (SJVR) welcomed 176 employees and family members to its annual Family Day on August 9 at Visalia Adventure Park in Visalia, California. Guests enjoyed numerous activities, including the arcade, go-karts, waterpark, batting cages, bumper boats and mini golf. A buffet lunch was served, and an Aloha-themed outfit contest added extra fun to the day. “Events such as SJVR’s Family Day are an important way to recognize and thank our employees,” says General Manager Jessie Ugaitafa. “They allow us to celebrate our successes together, engage with other team
14 AroundG&W
members and strengthen relationships with families outside of work.” As is tradition, service awards also were presented during the event. Because SJVR spans a large area, Ugaitafa notes that Family Day also provides a rare opportunity for teammates and their families to meet in person. “It’s great for morale and strengthens our culture,” he says. “Meeting team-
mates’ families helps to build bonds, encourages teamwork and reminds everyone that they’re part of something bigger.”
Additionally, Family Day gives leaders a chance to reinforce SJVR’s safety message. Ugaitafa says that discussing safety with attendees makes it more personal. As of December 1, SJVR marked 344 days reportable injury-free and remains human factor incident-free in 2025.
SJVR operates more than 300 miles of track in California’s Central Valley, serving one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. Ugaitafa says that the railroad’s people reflect the area they serve. They are hardworking, family-oriented and proud of what they do.
AMERICAN REGION
Around G&W C O A STAL D IVIS ION
DUO STARTING ON THE RIGHT TRACK Savannah Port Terminal Railroad (SAPT) recognizes recent safety achievements of Conductors Garrett Ball and Matthew Burdick, who have already set a high standard early in their careers. Trainmaster Mark McCartha says that both employees have a positive attitude, willingness to learn and eagerness to advance while adhering to safety expectations. He notes that their vigilance
has helped to identify portable derailers left on tracks and defective handbrakes, reinforcing the importance of careful observation.
PHOTO: GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY
Garrett Ball
Matthew Burdick
He praises their teammates for creating an environment that fosters safety. “Mentors and trainers guide trainees and answer their questions about safety rules,” he says. “It’s about building longlasting, safe careers.” Burdick, who joined SAPT in May 2024, says that safety is a way of life. “Every decision we make can affect not only myself or my coworkers but the community in which we serve,” he says. “I want everyone to go home in the same condition in which they came. You can’t be a good railroader without safety.” He appreciates that teammates treat safety as the top value and stay proactive to prevent potential hazards. Ball, who started on February 17 this year, agrees that safety builds trust among coworkers. “Every day before starting a task, I plan and communicate with my crew how to minimize each potential risk while staying efficient,” he says. Ball credits mentorship for helping him make a smooth transition from military service to railroading and calls the recognition for his safety efforts a confidence boost. McCartha points out that SAPT recently marked its fifth anniversary reportable injury-free, a milestone achieved through dedication among those team members in all three crafts. “This could not have happened without the hard work of everyone,” he says. Genesee & Wyoming Interchange 15
G U L F D I V I SI O N
SYLVESTER A HALL OF FAMER
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AMERICAN REGION
Around G&W C E N T R A L D I V I SI ON
KRAUSE’S ‘DESK’ TRAVELED ACROSS UTAH LANDSCAPE HE CAME TO LOVE
Georgia Southwestern Railroad (GSWR) General Manager Philip Sylvester was recently inducted into the 2025 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Sports Hall of Fame. Sylvester, a graduate of Florida A&M University’s civil and environmental engineering program at the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and a former member of the football team, has parlayed his technical education and athletic discipline into nearly two decades of railroad management. “Railroading is a team game,” says Sylvester. “You don’t have to be a quarterback to make an impact. It takes everybody doing their job to run a successful operation.” He notes that several railroading mentors helped guide him along the way, just as coaches did on the gridiron. Since joining GSWR, Sylvester has focused on operational efficiency, safety and teamwork. “It’s very nuanced, something different every day,” he says. “There’s challenge in moving freight from point A to point B safely and efficiently. The key is doing a good job and working as a team.” Sylvester says that maintaining situational awareness and staying focused are critical elements to success. GSWR operates throughout Georgia, moving agricultural and industrial products. He says that the railroad’s mission is to deliver safe, reliable service, which is essential to the regional economy. Sylvester reflects on his path from FAMU student-athlete to railroad manager with pride. “FAMU was close to home, had a strong football program and offered an ABET-accredited engineering program,” he says. “Going there was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.”
Locomotive Engineer Fred Krause retired on September 16 after 29 years with Utah Railway (UTAH). Krause began his railroad career in November 1988 as a conductor for Watco in Kansas City, Missouri, after a chance conversation with two railroaders while waiting tables. He later joined UTAH as a locomotive engineer and has since performed nearly every job on the railroad. “Utah Railway is a good company,” says Krause. “Everybody knows everybody, and we work together to keep everything moving.” Throughout the years, Krause has emphasized safety and situational awareness. “I stay focused,” he says. “I make it a habit of keeping my head in the game, making mental checklists, and asking myself questions, like, ‘do I have authority, do I have the signal, right radio channel,’ to make sure I’m not missing anything.” Krause notes that the camaraderie and outdoor nature of the work suited him well. “I enjoyed switching cars and being around the equipment,” he says. “I’ve never been a sit-at-a-desk kind of person. In a way, my ‘desk’ was always moving. It’s been a good career and provided a good living.” Krause and his wife, Maria, an avid muskie angler, plan to spend much of their retirement fishing at spots throughout Utah and beyond. They are traveling to her native Peru to visit family, hike in Cusco and visit Machu Picchu for a second time.
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Genesee & Wyoming Inc. 20 West Avenue Darien, Connecticut 06820 Address Service Requested
U.S. Postage
PAID Portland, OR Permit No 5300
PHOTO BY LANCE SCOTT
Maryland Midland Railway (MMID) at Thurmont, Maryland.