Cover: A Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad (CORP) locomotive pulls freight out of Eugene Yard in Eugene, Oregon. PHOTO BY
Safety
2025.
The terms “Genesee & Wyoming,” “G&W,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer collectively to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
G&W Safety Video 2025
ROBERT REYNOLDS
Right:G&W
Video
PHOTOS/VIDEO BY NICK JONES
Shane Rich, Mechanical, Ohio Central Railroad
Robert Shaffer, Transportation, Commonwealth Railway
Gilles Daoust, Engineering, Ottawa Valley Railway
From the CEO
G&W team members,
It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through 2025. While G&W has faced volume challenges through the first six months of the year as a result of the cooling economy and uncertainty from tariff volatility and global trade disruptions, there are some bright spots to report on.
Our safety performance through June has been strong. As of today, G&W’s injury-frequency rate is 0.95 versus a goal of 1.34 for the year, while our injury-severity rate is 0.56 versus a goal of 0.86 for the year. Our human factor incident rate is also well ahead of goal and about 19% lower compared to this point in 2024.
This is a testament to the commitment of our entire team and foundational to the reputation we have earned for safe and reliable service across the freight-rail industry, among customers, within the communities we operate, and at the state and federal level as well. As we work hard to maintain and exceed the safety focus we’ve demonstrated through the first half of the year, please take a few moments to watch the inspiring story of three G&W colleagues who have worked injury-free each shift of every day for the past 20 years or more. They embody our safety culture and our companywide aspiration of zero injuries.
In terms of our 2025 priorities that were laid out in the March edition of this magazine, we are making progress on several:
Accelerated Growth
• G&W Canada has signed an industrial switching contract at the Heartland Petrochemical Complex in Alberta, marking our second operation in western Canada.
• In line with our goal to increase growth initiatives with Class I railroads, our Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad (CORP) began operating Union Pacific’s rail yard in Eugene, Oregon, this spring.
Operational Excellence
• Our cost control initiatives to offset traffic, revenue and derailment expense challenges are encouraging, as corporate general/administrative expenses were about 7% below budget for the second quarter.
• The Government Affairs team is diligently pursuing the modernization of the 45G tax credit at the federal level and remains optimistic it will materialize.
Healthy, High-Performing Organization
• Through June, our employee turnover rate was lower than the same period in 2024.
Innovation
• Our pilot test of Parallel System’s battery-powered rail vehicles kicked off in June on the Heart of Georgia Railroad (HOG). The first phase of the pilot proved successful, and we are hopeful the Federal Railroad Administration will greenlight the start of phase 2 by the end of the summer.
• We signed an agreement with a company named Remora to test carbon-capture technology on Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad (BPRR) and Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY). Testing should begin early 2026.
• G&W launched Microsoft’s Copilot tool in late March, providing corporate support employees access to a transformative generative AI technology that can streamline the way we work and make us more efficient.
Thank you for all you are doing to keep us operating as safely and efficiently as possible. Each one of us plays an important role in the success of G&W, so let’s continue to do everything we can at an individual level to make 2025 a year we can be proud of.
Michael
July 1, 2025
View G&W Safety Video 2025 now
9 JAKE AWARDS
For Performing Better Than the Industry Average
Injury-Frequency Rate (IFR)
5 PRESIDENT’S AWARDS
For Jake Award Winners with the Lowest Reportable Injury-Frequency Rate per Federal Railroad Administration Regulations as Measured within the Various Person-Hour Categories
Harry Hopes, a consultant for the Short Line Safety Institute, leads a field training session.
Around G&W
The Great Lakes Division has made significant strides in employee engagement, safety culture and first responder collaboration through its partnership with the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI), say Dan Pavick, vice president of G&W’s Great Lakes Division, and Jarrod Hutcheson, general manager of Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad (BPRR), Rochester & Southern Railroad (RSR), South Buffalo Railway (SB) and Wellsboro & Corning Railroad (WCOR).
GREAT LAKES DIVISION
The division began working with SLSI in 2024 following a safety assessment initiated after the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s annual meeting. Since then, the collaboration has grown to include management training, hazmat incident simulations and community outreach.
“This program has added a new layer to how we build relationships with our employees, our managers and our communities,” says Pavick. “We’re getting on the same page about safety, and that makes us better corporate citizens in the places we serve.”
The training events are immersive, combining classroom instruction with hands-on field exercises. SLSI brings a mobile training trailer with simulated tank cars, helping first responders and railroad employees understand one another’s roles in a hazmat incident.
“There’s a lot of real-time learning and interaction,” says Pavick. “It’s enlightening to see what we do and how we do it from each other’s perspective.”
The Great Lakes Division has had seven training sessions across Ohio Central territory so far, with more scheduled for late 2025 and into 2026. In addition to first responder training in Warren and Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the team is expanding new-hire hazmat onboarding and increasing its Operation Lifesaver presence with three new presenters added in the first quarter of 2025.
Based on employee engagement survey results and the SLSI safety assessment at BPRR, the division also launched leadership and soft-skills development for frontline managers. A “Leading Forward” course was followed by additional sessions led by Jesse James, G&W’s assistant vice president of talent management, with a focus on relationship-building and communication.
“We’re not just training for compliance,” says Hutcheson. “We’re investing in being better leaders and creating a stronger safety culture.”
Pavick and Hutcheson credited SLSI’s team, local managers and employee volunteers for making the program a success.
Manager of Safety and Compliance Avery Dotson leads a classroom training session.
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) has added G&W’s Vice President of Compliance and Training John Angel as it’s seventh board member.
The institute conducts safety culture assessments at regionals and short lines, provides hazardous materials training to railroads and first responders, and offers leadership skills development training to short line industry constituents.
“I am honored to be contributing to an organization that is charged with and successfully advancing the safety culture of the short line railroad industry,” said Angel in a press release. “Each tool or training program the industry can provide to help ensure that every railroader comes home safe each and every day is time and effort well spent.”
Ohio Central Railroad (OHCR) Assistant General Manager Carle Tucker, second from left, and Manager of Safety and Compliance Avery Dotson, right, discuss locomotive features with members of the Zanesville, Ohio, Fire Department.
OHIO VALLEY DIVISION SEES GROWTH FROM KEY CUSTOMERS AND TRACK UPGRADES
The Ohio Valley Division showed strong performance through the first quarter of 2025, driven by new and expanded customer movements, according to Travis Smith, assistant vice president of sales and marketing for the division’s railroads.
On the Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY):
• North Star BlueScope Steel has begun shipping steel coils from Delta, Ohio, to the Heartland in Terre Haute, Indiana. The move is routed via IORY and CSX.
• Cargill is moving soybeans from Bloomingburg, Ohio, to Gainesville, Georgia. The route runs via IORY through Springfield and Norfolk Southern (NS).
• Nova Steel is moving steel coils from ClevelandCliffs in Burns Harbor, Indiana, to Delta, Ohio. The move is routed via NS and IORY.
OHIO VALLEY DIVISION
Above: North Star BlueScope Steel in Delta, Ohio
Below: Steel coils
Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern Railroad (CFE) hauls continuous track for improvements.
Around G&W
On Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern Railroad (CFE), Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI), CFE’s largest customer, remains a key driver of growth – generating a 10% year-over-year increase in revenue for the railroad. Based on current volume, CFE’s primary steel and iron products market is projected to grow by more than $1 million in incremental revenue this year.
Smith also notes the recent completion of a federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI)-funded track rehabilitation project on CFE’s Decatur Subdivision, an important line between Fort Wayne and Decatur, Indiana. The upgraded segment serves Bunge, CFE’s second-largest customer. The project brought track speeds up from 10 mph to 20 mph and included the installation of 10,400 ties, 14 miles of continuously welded rail (sourced from SDI in Columbia City), full tie plate and spike replacement, and a new Digital Track Monitoring System (DTMS) switch. The improvements already have resulted in enhanced train velocity, with further safety and customer benefits expected.
Smith notes that CFE’s Engineering Department played a central role in managing the project and maintaining high safety standards. As of May 23, the team had gone 1,789 days reportable injury-free while inspecting, maintaining and constructing 315 miles of right-of-way across the railroad.
For Smith, the combination of customer growth and infrastructure investment positions the division for continued success in 2025.
NORTHEAST DIVISION
SERVICE SYNCED UP FOR NEW CUSTOMER
A new customer being served by New England Central Railroad (NECR) and Providence and Worcester Railroad (PW) provides even more increased opportunity, says NECR and PW’s Director of Sales and Marketing Jason Birkel.
Bitumar Inc. is a privately owned company specializing in the production of liquid bitumen that is used in asphalt blends for road paving and the roofing industry. NECR and PW began serving this customer, which is expected to move 350 carloads of its product annually for the New England market, in April.
Birkel believes there’s room for growth, given the customer’s investment in Rhode Island’s Port of Davisville, where they soon will open a new facility that will be served by switch carrier Seaview Transportation Co. Seaview, which will deliver loads to Bitumar and pull empties to deliver back to PW, interchanges with PW at North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
The primary origin for Bitumar will be the Montreal area. Canadian National (CN) will deliver to NECR at St. Albans, Vermont. NECR will get the loads to PW in Willimantic, Connecticut, and PW will deliver to Seaview at the Port of Davisville.
“Our goal is to drive more density on our lines and use multiple G&W railroads wherever possible,” says Birkel. “This is a growth market for our New England railroads.”
The new business also fits well with NECR’s present business portfolio that includes propane, lumber and automotive. Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing Ed Foley says Bitumar is part of a marketing design and operational plan that allows the Northeast Division to expand its service offerings by extending its reach through sister railroads. In this case, CN is able to extend its reach into Rhode Island by using NECR to PW routings and service design.
“It takes a lot of hard work to sync two operating teams, enabling the Northeast Division to bridge these bitumen cars from Canada to Rhode Island seamlessly,” says Birkel. “Hats off to the operating teams on both NECR and PW.”
Bitumen is used in asphalt blends for road paving and the roofing industry.
G&W CANADA LANDS SECOND OPERATION IN ALBERTA
This spring, G&W’s Canada Division secured a new industrial switching contract with Heartland Petrochemical Complex in the Alberta Industrial Heartland.
The contract establishes G&W’s second operation in the Alberta province and western Canada after launching Red Deer Railway (RDR) on December 1, 2024. (G&W has had a presence in four eastern provinces – Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec –since 1997, with the acquisition of Quebec Gatineau Railway and Huron Central Railway.)
“This milestone reflects the dedication of our team and the continued confidence our partners have in our vision,” says G&W Canada’s Rick McLellan. “We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to sharing more news about our expansion plans in western Canada.”
Around G&W
PAS DIVISION
PAS SHOWS REMARKABLE GROWTH SINCE 2023
Pan Am Southern (PAS), operated by G&W’s Berkshire & Eastern Railroad (BERX), recorded 18% year-over-year growth in traffic from 2023 to 2024. Building on that momentum, PAS already is trending ahead of plan in 2024 and expects another 12% increase in traffic for the year.
“Our growth has been driven by improvements in operations and a strong focus on service,” says Jim Speed, director of sales and marketing. “We’ve addressed key challenges and are seeing results across the board.”
PAS operates over 414 miles from Ayer, Massachusetts, to Rotterdam Junction, New York, with connections to three Class I railroads — CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS) and Canadian Pacific (CP) — and eight short lines.
G&W took over operations of PAS on September 1, 2023, under a third-party agreement with joint owners NS and CSX. The line is now operated by BERX.
In 2024, PAS saw 12% carload growth and 23% intermodal growth, totaling an 18% increase in overall traffic.
Targeted investments in and a consistent focus on infrastructure and employees have paid off.
“We’ve made significant progress in reducing slow orders and improving track conditions,” says Speed. “Transit times are better, and customers are responding to the improved service.”
Key commodities moved by PAS include automobiles; propane and other hazmat; farm and food products, such as wheat and food oil; and municipal and construction waste.
Speed credits several leaders for their contributions, including Division Vice President Blake Jones for strengthening the safety culture, General Manager Jerry Lewandowski for improving service, and Director of Engineering Blake Gullett for leading infrastructure upgrades.
“Our operating call each morning starts with safety,” says Speed. “We then talk about how to deliver better service. That’s what drives growth.”
Traffic is growing for Pan Am Southern (PAS), operated by G&W’s Berkshire & Eastern Railroad (BERX).
Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway (TPW) and Illinois & Midland Railroad (IMRR) are supporting major wind energy projects in Illinois and Indiana through specialized transload operations for some of the industry’s biggest names.
The projects, handled in partnership with GE Vernova and Vestas, involve the transport and unloading of massive windmill components, such as blades and motors.
According to Jon Algeo, director of sales and marketing for the Upper Midwest Division, these moves not only support renewable energy but showcase the railroads’ ability to deliver flexible, customerfocused solutions.
Above Top: Cranes unload windmill blades at Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway’s (TPW) East Peoria Yard.
Directly Above: TPW and Illinois & Midland Railroad’s (IMRR) crews operating Class I power thanks to run-through agreements, pull windmill components.
Around G&W WINDMILL PROJECTS
BRING BIG OPPORTUNITIES TO TPW AND IMRR
The first location, on TPW in East Peoria, Illinois, is a smaller-scale project that came together quickly thanks to strong coordination with Landwehr, the crane operator.
“We put a solution in place to serve a timesensitive opportunity,” says Algeo.
The East Peoria yard team is handling trains of windmill blades that are offloaded onto trucks for final delivery.
A second train is pending permit approval from state agencies, which regulate the complex movement of these oversized loads.
The second project, located at IMRR’s Havana Yard, represents a longer-term success.
“It used to be a coal facility. Now it’s a wind transload yard,” says Algeo. “We own the property, and it’s ideal for this work.”
The square layout makes it easier for cranes to maneuver, and the site has ample clearance for handling large components. IMRR expects to move 1,500 carloads of windmill parts through Havana in 2025 alone.
The third site, at TPW’s Hoosier Lift in Remington, Indiana, is being developed to handle additional windmill traffic.
Originally designed as an intermodal ramp by a previous operator, the facility is well-positioned thanks to its proximity to concrete pads for cranes and trucks.
About 1,100 carloads are planned for the site.
In each case, the parts originate in Texas, Colorado or New Mexico and move via Union Pacific before interchanging with TPW or IMRR. Algeo credits the operating teams for supporting the projects while maintaining regular service.
“This work supports sustainability and builds relationships with companies such as GE,” he says. “It’s good business for our railroads and for G&W.”
A train hauls freight at TPW’s Hoosier Lift in Remington, Indiana.
CENTRAL DIVISION
‘GAME-CHANGER’ PROJECT UNDERWAY ON RCPE
A major upgrade on Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad (RCPE) is underway.
“It’s going to be a game changer for us,” says General Manager Ryan Englebright.
Once the project is complete, the speed limit over the easternmost 130 miles of RCPE’s PRC Subdivision will increase from 10 to 25 mph. This will boost efficiency significantly, as crews will be able to complete round trips between either Pierre or Rapid City and Philip, South Dakota, instead of staying in Philip overnight. Additionally, the upgrades will enhance safety over the line by decreasing potential track defects and thereby lowering derailment risk.
The project includes the entire 163 track miles between Pierre and Rapid City, South Dakota.
“This line is the only rail link connecting much of western South Dakota to the national freight rail network, making it a lifeline for local industries and the rural economy,” says Assistant Vice President of Engineering Jason Sims.
As part of the upgrade, 80,000 timber ties, 11 mainline turnouts, and four new combination defect detector systems will be installed. Work at more than 100 crossings will also occur. There also will be upgrades to 121 bridges, which allow the railroad to run railcars filled to 286,000 pounds (the present limit is 263,000-pound capacity).
Once the project is complete, the speed limit over the easternmost 130 miles of RCPE’s PRC Subdivision will increase from 10 to 25 mph. This will boost efficiency significantly, as crews will be able to complete round trips between either Pierre or Rapid City and Philip, South Dakota
While pre-project processes began in early 2023, the work is expected to run through the end of 2026. Presently, construction is being done on the rail relay phase.
This project is funded in part by a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the Department of Transportation with additional support from the State of South Dakota.
“Without the grant funds, it would take 20-plus years to complete the upgrades with RCPE’s normal budget,” says Sims.
Englebright thanks Sims, Assistant General Manager Mike Kellar, Pierre-based Roadmaster Tyler Van Asperen, Rapid City-based Roadmaster Jeff Blachford and Manager of Bridges Chad Rundell for their ongoing contributions to the project.
SOUTHWEST DIVISION
KINSLOW TAKES ON NEW CHALLENGE
Lynn Kinslow, who will soon reach his 22nd year as a railroader, has been promoted to trainmaster for Kiamichi Railroad (KRR).
“We are proud to congratulate Lynn on his well-deserved promotion,” says Assistant General Manager Spencer Wheatley. “His knowledge and dedication have left a lasting impact on Kiamichi Railroad. This promotion is a testament not only to his professional growth but also to the respect he has earned from his peers throughout the years. We are confident he will continue to lead with passion and share his knowledge to inspire his colleagues.”
Formerly a conductor and locomotive engineer, Kinslow says that he is excited to take on a new challenge with new opportunities and expand his knowledge of the rail industry.
“Our people are great to work with and are knowledgeable,” says Kinslow. “I am taking this job to guide, support all crafts, teach and make this an even safer place than it was yesterday.”
He adds that he looks forward to collaborating with KRR’s strong group of managers to further enhance operations.
“Safety is my main concern,” says Kinslow. “I want everyone to go home as they come to work.”
He has, thus far, had an injury-free career.
In addition to safety, Kinslow will focus on clear and continuous communication with customers.
AMID
SAPT CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS INJURY-FREE
On April 20, Savannah Port Terminal Railroad (SAPT) celebrated five years injury-free.
General Manager Su Son attributes this milestone to the team’s transparency in communication, clear understanding of the jobs they perform each day and a commitment from all employees to always put safety over production.
“I am confident our employees do an outstanding job communicating and stopping to hold additional job briefings when work conditions change,” he says. “We continuously coach each other on the importance of being aware of your surroundings and of reporting everything that looks or feels out of place.”
Over the past several years, the Port of Savannah has become America’s fastest-growing port, and that growth has made port operations, including SAPT, a busy endeavor.
“Staying safe for five years alongside the port’s and Savannah’s overall growth is truly remarkable,” says Son. “The SAPT team spent countless hours familiarizing themselves with new track layouts, power control systems and new operating plans as the port expanded.”
SAPT threw a celebration for this milestone during June Safety Month.
“I am very proud that everyone has learned and retained new information and took ownership of their individual contributions to safety,” says Son. “Their commitment to stick through big changes undoubtedly contributed to the team’s success.”
From left are Kiamichi Railroad (KRR) Trainmaster Lynn Kinslow; his daughter Kyla; his wife of 20 years, Johnna; and his eldest daughter, Jena Rae.
GULF DIVISION
BAYL TRAINS HEROES
The Bay Line Railroad (BAYL) recently hosted the Panama City Fire Department for three days of training at the railroad’s locomotive shop in Panama City, Florida.
The 75 firefighters who attended learned about different locomotive components, particularly those related to the electrical and fuel systems and the engine compartment. They also practiced multiple methods of shutting down a locomotive. Training included a general overview of air brakes, how to apply them in an emergency and the importance of applying them once locomotives are shut down.
“We also talked through different methods of removing someone from a locomotive in an emergency and how first responders can best utilize their tools to get someone through a narrow doorway,” says General Manager Jason Alquist, who led the training with Chief Mechanical Officer David Nunnery.
Alquist adds that it’s important to establish and cultivate a relationship with first responders and the community.
He commends the firefighters for their professionalism, being engaged and asking great questions. He also thanked them for coming to the aid of an employee who had a medical emergency just as training was concluding.
Next up, Alquist is planning CPR and First Aid training.
Above: The Bay Line Railroad’s (BAYL) Chief Mechanical Officer David Nunnery (on locomotive) instructs firefighters.
Below: The Bay Line Railroad (BAYL) invites first responders for training.
A group of first responders at the training pose with The Bay Line Railroad (BAYL) General Manager Jason Alquist (bottom row, third from left) and BAYL Chief Mechanical Officer David Nunnery (bottom row, far right).
Around G&W
COASTAL DIVISION
GC BEGINS HAULING CARS FROM HYUNDAI’S SAVANNAH PLANT
This March, after several years of collaboration and anticipation, Georgia Central Railway (GC) began hauling finished electric vehicles from Hyundai’s state-of-the-art vehicle and batterymanufacturing plant just outside of Savannah at the 2,900-acre Bryan County Megasite.
“It’s exciting to see production up and running,” says Trevor Wilhelmy, assistant vice president of sales and marketing for GC and other G&W railroads in the American Region. “Over the past few years, we’ve demonstrated that GC’s focus on safety, flexible short line service, communication and overall efficiency will be critical to the ongoing success of Hyundai’s Savannah plant.”
COASTAL DIVISION
GC HONORS VETS
Georgia Central Railway (GC) acquired two Dash-8 locomotives in 2024. With both engines set to get a fresh paint job, the team decided to use the occasion to honor military veterans.
“We wanted to do something special,” says General Manager Joe Underwood.
One of the locomotives has a new camouflage theme that was introduced at many G&W locations last year.
The paint job was completed in May after three weeks of work at GC’s locomotive shop in Lyons, Georgia.
Locomotive Engineer Zane Williams operated the engine on its first day of service after the refresh. People he passed took notice, he notes – with one passerby even saluting the locomotive.
The other locomotive will be painted in the G&W heritage theme that was rolled out in 2024 for the company’s 125th anniversary.
Over the past two years, GC had been hauling aggregate materials to support the construction of the facility and the ensuing growth of the immediate area surrounding the plant.
Fast forward to today, the plant could eventually produce up to 500,000 vehicle identification numbers (VINs) annually, with the goal of shipping more than half of the outbound vehicles by rail.
Georgia Central Railway (GC) hauling auto racks to Hyundai’s Savannah plant.
JOE UNDERWOOD
GC-533 sports a special new paint job to honor military veterans.
PACIFIC DIVISION
CORP READY FOR INFLUX OF NEW CUSTOMERS
It’s the dawn of a new era for Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad (CORP). The railroad began operating Eugene Yard, including blocking, for Union Pacific (UP) on May 3.
The move adds 22 customers to the CORP ledger and more than 9,000 annual carloads.
CORP’s familiarity with the operation lends itself to “keeping the yard fluid and offering excellent short line customer service,” says General Manager John Bullion.
Plans to hire 23 people across all crafts have gone well.
“We’ve been in the business for 30 years and have a seasoned workforce,” says Bullion. “These veteran employees have been valuable in training the new hires and getting them qualified.”
He believes the customer base can grow and that G&W can use this case as a model for operating other Class I yards.
“We have a great partnership with UP,” says Bullion. “They have helped us through the process.”
The CORP will operate on nearly 28 miles of track. Main commodities include forest products and paper, grain, propane and scrap metal.
Around G&W
It’s not just your local mail or package carrier who braves all kinds of weather. Pictured here is Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad (MNA) Mechanical Manager Matt Farmer, riding out the heavy and persistent rains that much of our footprint has experienced this spring.
Address Service Requested
Let’s Continue to Work Safely Every Day at G&W!
Thank you for your contribution to upholding G&W’s commitment to operate safe railroads every day. In recognition of this commitment, we will hold a third annual pickup truck giveaway at the end of this year.
Two winners will be selected from a pool of eligible frontline employees in good standing to receive a new pickup truck.*
This vehicle giveaway is a meaningful way to show our pride in and appreciation for our frontline employees who show up and work safely every day in the spirit of our Core Values.
