Volume 32, Number 2, 2026
GW INTERCHANGE
America 250 Celebrations Across G&W’s Footprint Also: • GEXR Mock Derailment Exercise • CAGY Expands Service • New Transload on CORP
PHO T O B Y LAUR I E NI VI SO N
Table of Contents Features
ASLRRA Awards 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Around G&W National Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 American Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Volume 32, Number 2, 2026
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 © 2026 Genesee & Wyoming Inc. All rights reserved. Recycled paper. Genesee & Wyoming is committed to using resources wisely. Cover: Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad’s (BPRR) Liberty Bell locomotive sits atop a bridge as Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 stops briefly on its coast-to-coast tour in Buffalo, New York. P H O TO BY LA U RIE N IVIS O N
The terms “Genesee & Wyoming,” “G&W,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer collectively to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
BPRR’s “America 250 Years” Locomotives “Meet” UP’s Big Boy No. 4014 Steam Engine in Buffalo On Tuesday, June 9, the team at Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad (BPRR) got a chance to witness history and create memories for years to come as Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 steam engine arrived in Buffalo, New York, as part of its coast-to-coast tour in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Arriving around 3 p.m. on Norfolk Southern’s tracks along BPRR’s Buffalo Creek Yard, Big Boy briefly stopped for employees to take photos and video with BPRR’s two America 250 Years locomotives – featuring a bald eagle and the Liberty Bell – tied down on a bridge above, creating a unique opportunity to showcase railroading’s past with today’s hardworking freight locomotives. Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. Weighing 1.2 million pounds and measuring 133 feet long, it was originally built in 1941 to haul heavy freight over steep mountain grades. The Big Boy cross-country tour travels from California to Pennsylvania and back to Wyoming through July.
From the CEO
G&W team members,
Michael July 1, 2026
P HO T O BY J UD D B ON E
This year, July 4th takes on an even greater significance as the United States celebrates its semiquincentennial (try saying that five times fast) – or put simply, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In honor of this milestone, G&W has rolled out commemorative locomotives on a handful of our U.S. railroads. These special designs feature some great icons – such as the Statue of Liberty on our oldest railroad, Providence and Worcester (PW), in Massachusetts near Plymouth Rock; the faces of Mount Rushmore on our Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad (RCPE), which runs through the Black Hills of South Dakota; and on our Arizona Eastern Railway (AZER), the famed Jupiter locomotive, which met with Union Pacific’s locomotive #119 in May of 1869 at Promontory Summit to mark the completion of America’s first transcontinental railroad. You may also notice a few others across our footprint – all of which have been carefully chosen based on their location in relation to great events, people or symbols of American history. Ohio Central Railroad’s (OHCR) America 250 locomotive has already made a significant journey traversing Ohio as part
of the state’s America 250-Ohio celebrations (which also saw the unveiling of a special locomotive honoring our long-term partnership with Operation Lifesaver). You can read more about the April event that focused on the history of American transportation on page 6. And, as this issue’s cover shows, our Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad (BPRR), with a bit of planning and serendipity, had the opportunity to showcase its America 250 locomotive featuring the Liberty Bell when Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, arrived in Buffalo, New York, on June 9 as part of its cross-country tour in honor of the 250th anniversary. No matter where you are within G&W's footprint, I hope you agree that these are pretty special engines and moments for our industry as a whole. With summer fully upon us, I want to remind you to stay safe and vigilant every day as injuries historically spike during this time. Thank you for continuing to do everything you can to keep us operating as safely and efficiently as possible.
G&W’s Ohio Central Railroad (OHCR) played a major role in Ohio’s America 250 campaign this April.
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A S L R R A AWA R D S 2 0 2 5 | C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S , G&W M E M B E R R A I L R O A D S !
68 JAKE AWARDS WITH DISTINCTION For Achieving Zero Injuries in 2025
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A S L R R A AWA R D S 2 0 2 5 | C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S , G&W M E M B E R R A I L R O A D S !
ASLRRA has announced that a record number of short line member railroads (418) have been honored as Jake Award Winners for better than industry-average safety performance. Moreover, 371, also a record, posted zero reportable injuries, according to FRA data in 2025. In addition, for the second year in a row, ASLRRA notes a reduction in the average injuries per 200,000 person-hours worked to 2.24, elevating the bar for earning a Jake Award ever higher.
13 JAKE AWARDS For Performing Better Than the Industry Average Injury-Frequency Rate (IFR)
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C A N A D A D I V I SI O N
MOCK DERAILMENT EXERCISE STRENGTHENS READINESS ON GEXR Emergency preparedness is not just a priority, but a responsibility. That commitment was on full display during a recent mock derailment exercise on Goderich-Exeter Railway (GEXR), bringing together a wide range of partners to test and strengthen coordinated response efforts. Held at the Kinburn Line crossing just south of Highway 8 in Huron County, Ontario, the exercise simulated a high-risk scenario: a vehicle striking a train, resulting in a derailment and the potential release of hazardous material. Designed to closely mirror realworld conditions, the exercise challenged responders to navigate a complex and rapidly evolving incident. To add authenticity, GEXR supplied both a train and operating crew. Railcars were staged to represent dangerous commodities, including liquid petroleum, sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid, with each representing unique risks. These elements required responders to accurately identify materials, assess hazards and apply the appropriate emergency protocols under pressure. The exercise drew strong participation from an array of organizations, including the Railway Association of Canada (RAC), County and Town of Goderich Emergency Management teams,
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Huron County Paramedic and Fire Services, and the Ontario Provincial Police. Adding another layer of realism, members of the Central Huron Secondary School Drama Club portrayed injured individuals, enabling responders to practice triage and medical care in lifelike conditions. Throughout the exercise, teams worked collaboratively to secure the scene, evaluate potential criminal activity and ensure public safety—all while managing multiple casualties and unknown risks. Responders reinforced the importance of maintaining safe distances, staying alert to potential train movement and recognizing that railcar contents may be hazardous and initially unknown. Communication and coordination proved critical. “The scenario required seamless information-sharing across agencies, careful adherence to railway safety protocols and effective use of identification tools for dangerous goods,” GEXR Superintendent of Operations Kerrie Urbanoski says. “These elements not only supported a controlled response during the exercise but also reflected the standards necessary in real-world emergencies.”
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“The scenario required seamless information-sharing across agencies, careful adherence to railway safety protocols and effective use of identification tools for dangerous goods.” — Kerrie Urbanoski, GEXR Superintendent of Operations
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G R E A T L A K E S D I V I SI O N
OHCR CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY IN VERY SPECIAL WAY G&W’s Ohio Central Railroad (OHCR) played a major role in Ohio’s America 250 campaign this April. The railroad provided two leading locomotives and operating services for The Buckeye Train, a two-day passenger excursion April 25-26 celebrating the role of transportation in both Ohio’s and America’s rich history. The first day consisted of an eight-hour roundtrip excursion from Columbus to Dennison, Ohio – with a three-hour break where participants could explore Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a national historic landmark and a site that served 1.3 million soldiers as a railroad canteen during World War II, and enjoy vendors, shops and restaurants in the town before making the trek back. The second day’s route ran from Newark, Ohio, to Dennison, where attendees, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and his family, got another chance of exploring the museum and town before returning. While the event flew by for all involved, it was one that took months of planning and preparation from every craft on OHCR’s part. “First and foremost, we started with planning to have special locomotives lead the train,” says Dan Pavick, vice president of G&W’s Great Lakes Division, which includes OHCR. “We had locomotives from our companywide fleet upgrade project that were due for painting, so we set two aside for this event – one to be painted in the military-appreciation design we rolled out in 2024 and one to be painted with a bald eagle in our ‘America 250 Years’ commemorative livery.” Next, Pavick assembled a crew for the day. Andy Novak, a 32-year OHCR employee who is injury-free, was appointed lead locomotive engineer and found it particularly meaningful to participate. “This one’s for dad,” Novak says. “I saw the Freedom Train with him during the Bicentennial in 1976. I remember us getting a commemorative coin that day. It’s been sitting in different dresser drawers of mine for many years, but it’s in my pocket this weekend as a way to have him with me.” Joel Wenger, a 20-year OHCR employee who is also injury-free, oversaw maintenance of way efforts leading up to the event. “We spent several days leading up to the event inspecting the entire route of the excursion with ultrasonic and geometry cars,” Wenger says. “And we also ran ahead of the train both days to ensure the event could be carried out safely and efficiently.” In the background, constant collaboration among Pavick, OHCR’s General Manager Tim Slusser, G&W’s Corporate Communications and Government Affairs teams, and the museum’s team, led by Executive Director Wendy Zucal, was taking place to lock down the schedule, logistics of running the train, special guest list and media coordination. Pavick and the museum also coordinated with the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Sugarcreek, Ohio, which provided several passenger cars for the two days as well as a steam locomotive from 1915 that was staged at Dennison Depot. 6 AroundG&W
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and his family
Ryan Wise and Andy Novak
“People really appreciate this sort of thing,” says Tim Sposato, mechanical manager for Age of Steam and previous OHCR employee, “and we have a good relationship with G&W to be able to get these steam engines out on the railroad when we can.” Novak operated this locomotive to Dennison the day before as well. He was assisted by Ryan Wise, current OHCR locomotive engineer who’s just shy of 14 years of service with the railroad. “Novak is really the expert on our team regarding Grant Geist steam engines,” Wise says, “but I’m going to try to learn as much as I can to try and take over when he retires. I’m really interested in the mechanics of steam engines. There are so many parts. It’s a really impressive piece of equipment!” Over the course of two days, nearly 1,800 passengers took a ride on this special train – with hundreds more lining up in towns across the route to see the commemorative locomotives and even making a day trip to Dennison itself. Among those who attended the event was Grant Geist, who worked at OHCR for 25 years before retiring in 2019. “I actually started in the steam program,” Geist says, “and retired running freight trains. It’s special to be back here for this and be back on the Ohio Central. It really tugs at your heart.”
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OHCR DEBUTS OPERATION LIFESAVER-THEMED LOCOMOTIVE Ohio Central Railroad (OHCR) was chosen as the home of a locomotive – number 2436 – designed to recognize G&W’s longstanding commitment to Operation Lifesaver (OLI). The special engine was unveiled in Dennison, Ohio, during preparations for Ohio’s America 250 celebratory passenger excursion April 25-26 that OHCR co-hosted. Since 1972, the nonprofit OLI has conducted public outreach around safely navigating railroad tracks and grade crossings. “I can’t think of a better way to make people realize that train tracks and crossings need to be approached with care to avoid injury or worse,” says OHCR General Manager Tim Slusser, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Ohio’s OLI chapter. “The engine’s bright yellow color is designed to grab attention, and the bold, simple message displayed along its side – See TRACKS? Think TRAIN! – is a powerful reminder that trains always have the right of way and that a moment of awareness can be lifesaving.” Each year, more than a dozen G&W employees who are authorized OLI volunteers dedicate time to teach school bus drivers, first responders, truck drivers and others about rail safety and also attend community events such as school fairs and festivals to raise awareness. Over the past decade, G&W OLI volunteers have participated in over 2,400 presentations and reached more than 350,000 people.
Top: OHCR’s special locomotives lead the passenger excursion to Dennison, Ohio. Bottom: OHCR and G&W team members pose in front of the 1915 steam locomotive at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum. P HOT OS BY J U DD B O N E A N D L A U R I E NIVIS O N
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NO R THE A ST A N D C A N A D A D I V I SI O N S
COLLABORATION ACROSS RAILROADS AND BORDERS DELIVERED CRITICAL WINTER SALT SUPPLY What began as a regional supply challenge became a textbook example of collaboration, creativity and execution across G&W’s Canada and New England operations. This past winter, Vermont municipalities faced tightening supplies of road salt as Northeast inventories were strained by severe weather and shifting national demand. With traditional suppliers constrained, Vermont Rail System (VTR) and G&W teams began exploring unconventional solutions to keep critical salt moving where it was needed most.
Port of Providence, Rhode Island
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That solution first arrived by sea, when a vessel carrying mined natural salt from Egypt docked at Waterson Terminals at the Port of Providence. Operations teams then coordinated a tightly choreographed transload, as salt moved directly from ship to dock and then just a few hundred yards by truck to a nearby rail siding. There, the material was loaded into railcars for the northbound journey – an efficient, fast turnaround process that minimized dwell and maximized velocity on a relatively short, highly competitive haul.
A key enabler of the move was equipment. G&W teams identified a dormant fleet of 21 covered hoppers on our St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad in Quebec that could be repurposed and sold to VTR to support the traffic. The sale was brokered expediently by G&W’s Doug Driscoll, Alexander Barfield and Mat Kelly, and cars moved quickly from Canada to New England for remarking, inspection and placement into service as empties to make their journey south to Providence. What had once been underutilized assets became the
N AT I O N A L R E G I O N
Around G&W PA S D I V I SI O N
FOR HOME DEPOT AND BERX, SAFETY IS GOOD BUSINESS
WATER SON TER M INAL SERVICES
New England Central Railroad (NECR) at Millers Falls, Massachusetts backbone of a new supply chain, immediately generating revenue for multiple G&W railroads. Just as critical was the seamless coordination across the G&W family. From Providence and Worcester to New England Central railroads and onward connections with VTR, commercial and operating teams aligned on rates, schedules and interchanges, and service expectations that allowed rail to compete head-to-head with trucking. “Keeping the move on short line routes proved essential and enabled favorable economics and the swift five-day transit time required to make the lane work,” says Jon Rudman, director of sales and marketing for G&W Northeast Division railroads. “G&W’s contiguous footprint through much of New England – and the route for this move – also helped.” The results were immediate and tangible for this phase. The first northbound moves were successful, with approximately 57,000 tons of salt from the initial vessel moving in roughly 450 carloads. With efficient car turns and disciplined execution, the opportunity now extends beyond a single shipment – potentially growing into 100,000 tons annually from multiple origins. “This project stands out not just for its commercial success, but for what it represents,” says Ed Foley, assistant vice president of sales and marketing for G&W Northeast and Canada Division railroads. “Sales, car manage-
When two managers from Home Depot attended a safety barbecue at Pan Am Southern/ Berkshire & Eastern Railroad (BERX) in April, they had the opportunity to meet the team that would be serving their new, 600,000-square-foot facility in Ayer, Massachusetts. Their chief concern? Safety. “From the initial shaking of hands, the focus was almost exclusively on safety and its importance to Home Depot,” says Jim Speed, PAS/BERX’s director of sales and marketing. “They were impressed with our record and the improvements we have made to the safety culture at BERX.” G&W brought a renewed safety focus when it took over operating Pan Am Southern in September 2023. “When BERX took over, there was no safety boot program on this railroad,” says Blake Jones, vice president of G&W’s Pan Am Southern Division. “People were
spiking rail…in tennis shoes and sweatpants. At one of our quarterly safety barbecues, we brought in a Red Wing boot truck. Every employee left with a free pair of boots.” In development since September 2024, traffic to the new Home Depot distribution center began in July. It will receive 16 carloads of lumber and other building products five days a week, totaling more than 1,200 carloads a year. For the Home Depot team, meeting the BERX team helped to alleviate their safety concerns. “They immediately focused on the safety aspects of the gathering and asked lots of questions about specific safety challenges,” says Speed. “It gave me the opportunity to stress that while safety is most important in just getting everyone home better than they came in, safety is also good business.”
ment, operations and partners across companies and borders came together to solve a real-world problem under tight timelines. It’s a win for customers, communities and the G&W network as well as a reminder of what’s possible when teams move decisively, think creatively and pull together.” The VTR team concurs. “This all happened quickly and economically,” says Joe Painting, VTR’s director of commercial rates and contracts. “From Providence, Rhode Island, to Vermont, we have a route that makes sense, a route that was put together with G&W’s help and a route in the form of rate factors that work. This is an excellent example of many like-minded people coming together to generate some rail business for all of us.” Genesee & Wyoming Interchange 9
O H I O V A L L E Y D I V I SI O N
IORY ADDS NEW CUSTOMER STEWART GLASS
An industrial site in Logan, Ohio, is taking on new life and new purpose with the arrival of Stewart Glass, a family-owned company bringing innovative solar glass production to the U.S. market. Stewart Glass purchased the former Logan Glass facility, originally a GE plant that once manufactured light bulbs, on April 8, 2025. Following their initial meeting with Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY) representatives in late May 2025, the company began an ambitious transformation of the site. What followed was a significant redevelopment effort. The facility was fully gutted, removing legacy manufacturing infrastructure and rebuilding critical components from the ground up. This included rebuilding part of the furnace system and constructing new cooling lines to support production. Within six months, the first railcar arrived to support the firing of the facility’s initial furnace, marking a key milestone in bringing the plant online. By March 2026, Stewart Glass was receiving its first commodity shipments to fill silos, and full operations were achieved in under a year.
Today, the facility operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, producing ultra-clear, anti-reflective solar glass. According to Andrew Stewart, Stewart Glass CEO, this plant represents a groundbreaking step forward as the “first production facility of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.” The production of this specific type of solar glass will represent 3% of the domestic market share.
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(Historically, 6,000 tons had been imported, since there were no other solar glass production facilities in the U.S.) For IORY, the project highlights the value of strong collaboration and customer partnership. While Stewart Glass independently handled all facility repairs and investments, the railroad played a key role in supporting the project’s operational success. Andrew Stewart commented that he was “pleasantly surprised” with the level of communication and commitment from the IORY team after initial hesitation about working with railroads. Looking ahead, additional growth is already on the horizon. Stewart Glass plans to add a second furnace line in early 2027, which is expected to double annual carloads from approximately 500 to 1,000. To support increased activity, IORY has also received approval to construct a new runaround track, a project scheduled for completion in September 2026 that will improve service efficiency for both Stewart Glass and nearby customers. With its combination of advanced manufacturing, growing rail traffic and community engagement, Stewart Glass represents not only a new customer for IORY, but also a meaningful addition to domestic solar glass production—positioning both the company and the railroad for continued growth.
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Around G&W U P P ER M IDW E ST D I V I SI O N & C G R A I L WA Y
HESR AND CGR PLAY VITAL ROLE IN NEW “AMERICA’S HARVEST” RAIL ROUTE This June, Huron and Eastern Railway (HESR) launched a new cross-border rail service to Mexico in partnership with Canadian National (CN), G&W’s CG Railway (CGR) rail ferry joint venture and connecting Mexican carrier Grupo Mèxico Transportes. Known as the America’s Harvest
The new route is anchored by HESR’s strong agricultural footprint in Michigan, which is one of the top dry edible bean-producing states in the U.S., and takes full advantage of CGR’s unique offering to bypass land routes and have freight move in stationary railcars on massive cargo ferries that journey between the Port of Mobile in Alabama to Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. “Much of that production is concentrated in the Thumb region,” says Mark Nagy, director of sales and marketing for HESR and other G&W Upper Midwest Division railroads, “where HESR serves a wide range of processing facilities. The service will primarily move black,
SHUTTER STOCK B Y NEW AFR ICA
Rail Route, the service will mark a significant expansion of HESR’s agricultural reach and create a seamless, end-toend rail solution more efficient than traditional routing for moving dry edible beans from Michigan origins into central and southern Mexico.
kidney, pinto and navy beans – products that align closely with both HESR’s longstanding niche market and Mexico’s growing consumer demand.” Bringing the route to market required nearly two years of close collaboration among HESR, CGR, CN and the two Mexican rail partners. “Cross-border rail shipping into Mexico presents unique regulatory, operational and commercial challenges,” says Tony Chavez of CGR, “so we worked together intentionally to minimize that complexity for customers. The result is a simplified offering with standardized rates and fuel surcharges, flexible billing options and the ability to move freight either end-to-end or segmented at the border.” From a network perspective, the route reflects a strategic alignment of each partner’s strengths. HESR provides efficient origins at the heart of bean production, CN delivers fast and reliable access to the Gulf, and CGR, supported by G&W’s joint ownership, serves as a critical connecting carrier. This routing offers significantly fewer miles than traditional direct rail options and bypasses congested border crossings such as Laredo while reducing dwell, transit time and overall execution risk. While no immediate changes to operating plans were required by HESR to support the launch, HESR has continued upgrading its boxcar fleet, replacing older 50-foot standard cars with higher-capacity equipment better suited for dry edible bean traffic and international service demands. “For HESR, the launch of the America’s Harvest Rail Route underscores its commitment to customer optionality and growth beyond domestic markets,” says Nagy. “Mexico represents a significant and expanding destination for U.S. agricultural products, and this new partnership enables shippers to reach those markets in a safe, efficient and cost-effective way. By bringing together trusted partners across North America, HESR is helping ensure that Michigan-grown products move confidently from origin to consumption markets well beyond the U.S.” Genesee & Wyoming Interchange 11
G U L F D I V I SI O N
WHITCOMB TRANSITIONS TO NEW ROLE AS CMO AT BAYL William Whitcomb has recently stepped into the role of chief mechanical officer for The Bay Line Railroad (BAYL). After earning his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license and completing avionics training at the National Aviation Academy in 2013, Whitcomb began his railroad career in 2014 as a diesel locomotive electrician with CSX. From there, he broadened his experience across both freight and passenger operations, working as a locomotive electro-mechanic in an industrial setting and later advancing into a foreman role supporting passenger rail operations for SunRail along the Orlando I-4 corridor. His journey with G&W began as director of mechanical for California Northern Railroad (CFNR), followed by a transition to his most recent role as director of mechanical procurement at G&W’s operations headquarters in Jacksonville. “My progression through the ranks of the Mechanical Department has always been both
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also helping to establish and strengthen lines of communication with vendors.”
Now as CMO, Whitcomb is focused on leading a key initiative: the Capital/Regional Locomotive Rebuild Program based at BAYL in Panama City, Florida. The program is designed
part of my long-term career plan and a personal goal,” Whitcomb says. “The experience I gained within the Procurement Department provided valuable insight into our vendor network while
to modernize and extend the life of locomotives through major mechanical and electrical upgrades. This includes everything from overhauling prime movers and installing EPA tier upgrade kits to rewiring locomotives and upgrading control systems—investments that improve reliability and efficiency for our operations. Whitcomb also remains grounded in what matters most outside of work. Based in Florida, he spends much of his free time with family, supporting his children’s activities and enjoying time together at the beach.
AMERICAN REGION
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SEVERAL SAFETY MILESTONES IN THE FIRST QUARTER
If there’s a word to describe the first quarter of 2026 within the Coastal Division, it would be “safe.” Four division railroads achieved injury-free milestones between January and March: • Wilmington Terminal Railroad (WTRY) observed two years on January 18. • Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad (CA) marked seven years on February 6. • South Carolina Central Railroad (SCRF) celebrated five years on March 22. • Carolina Piedmont Railroad (CPDR) hit three years on March 29. “I am extremely proud of the SCRF and CPDR teams for their safety success in the first quarter,” says SCRF and CPDR General Manager Tucker Wingerd. “Strong local leadership, combined with active engagement at all levels, plays a pivotal role in enabling our teams to operate at their full potential. Employees across both railroads take great pride in their work and remain deeply committed to maintaining a strong and sustainable safety culture.”
South Carolina Central Railroad (SCRF) Su Son, general manager of CA and WTRY, agrees. “I have always communicated to our folks that safety is not a goal but a mindset,” he says. “The greatest safety cultures exist when all team members commit to making the right decision, reporting the right concerns and always doing the right thing, especially when
no one is looking. Clearly, the CA and WTRY employees have done and continue to do that.”
G&W congratulates the 45 employees of these railroads for taking to heart our goal of operating with zero injuries every day.
Wilmington Terminal Railroad (WTRY)
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GULF DIVISION
CAGY EXPANDS SERVICE WITH STEEL DYNAMICS, SECURING LONG-TERM GROWTH Columbus and Greenville Railway (CAGY) has strengthened its partnership with Steel Dynamics (SDI) through expanded switching operations and a new long-term agreement that positions the railroad for sustained growth. Historically, CAGY handled switching in SDI’s south and west yards, while another operator managed their scrap yard operations. Under a new agreement, CAGY has taken over switching responsibilities in the scrap yard as well, awarding CAGY responsibility for all of SDI’s yard operations. “This agreement allows us to expand the scope of service we provide at Steel Dynamics and build on a strong, long-standing
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relationship,” says CAGY General Manager CJ Studstill. “By taking over additional switching responsibilities, we’re able to deliver more seamless operations across the entire facility while creating long-term value for both teams.”
This operational expansion reflects a broader commitment to supporting Steel Dynamics’ needs and improving efficiency across its facilities by delivering a more integrated service model. In addition to the expanded scope of work, CAGY has entered into a new long-term contract with Steel Dynamics that represents significant business growth and would add more than $1 million in annual switching revenue. The new agreement took effect March 15, marking the beginning of this expanded partnership and reinforcing CAGY’s position as a key service provider to Steel Dynamics.
AMERICAN REGION
Around G&W CENTRAL DIVISION
UTAH RAILWAY CELEBRATES MILESTONES IN SAFETY AND SERVICE Utah Railway (UTAH) is celebrating a series of significant milestones across its operations. Most notably, the Mechanical Locomotive Department reached 37 years without a reportable injury this April, while the Mechanical Car Department marked 24 years injury-free last November. These achievements highlight a sustained commitment to safe work practices over decades.
According to General Manager Jake Harrison, these milestones are the result of both disciplined processes and a shared sense of responsibility among team members. “Working with your hands in tight places is never easy,” he noted, pointing to the daily challenges faced by car repairmen and locomotive mechanics, including pinch points, potential cuts and electrical hazards. “To do this as long as we have without having a reportable injury is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work and pride our employees have in their job,” Harrison adds. Despite these risks, employees have maintained an unwavering focus on safety. Harrison credits this to a combination of consistent job briefings, “Take 5” risk analysis and a commitment to looking out for one another. “No cutting of corners…and pride in their job,” he says, are essential elements that help employees mitigate challenges and perform work safely. In addition to safety milestones, UTAH recently honored employees who have dedicated decades of service to the company. Four team members recently reached or surpassed the 30-year mark, a testament to their personal commitment at the railroad: Robert Sanderson – 31 years of service Dwayne Baughman – 30 years of service Jeff Hamilton – 32 years of service Wilfrido Tapia – 33 years of service Each of these employees was recognized with a commemorative model train, celebrating not only their longevity but also the impact they have made throughout their careers.
Locomotive Engineer Jeff Hamilton shows his model locomotive marking his 30+ years with Utah Railway.
Locomotive Engineer Robert Sanderson opens his model locomotive.
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P A CIFIC DIV IS IO N
SO U T H WE ST D I V I SION
CORP OPENS NEW CHOICE TERMINAL™ IN DILLARD
DGNO MARKS FOUR YEARS INJURY-FREE
Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad (CORP) expanded its customer service offerings this March with the opening of a new Choice Terminal™ facility in Dillard, Oregon. The terminal provides shippers without direct rail access a convenient way to move bulk commodities between railcars and trucks, extending the reach of CORP’s rail network into the surrounding industrial region. Located just off Interstate 5 and roughly an hour from the Oregon coast, the Dillard Choice Terminal is positioned to serve a wide range of customers. The facility can handle up to five railcars at a time and is equipped for CORP crews to unload and reload freight. In addition, the site includes a 20-car storage track and a small onsite warehouse that supports just-intime truck deliveries. “Dillard is a prime location for this facility,” says John Bullion, CORP’s general manager. “There’s a strong concentration of industrial customers nearby, and our proximity to I-5 gives coastal businesses another way to take advantage of rail service.” The terminal currently handles primarily lumber moved in centerbeams and boxcars, with the flexibility to adapt for other bulk commodities as customer needs evolve. CORP serves the facility once per day Monday through Friday, providing consistent and dependable service. “Customers using the Dillard Choice Terminal can expect the same focus on safety, reliability and customized service that defines CORP’s railroad operations,” says Javan Genc, sales and marketing manager for CORP. “With this new facility, CORP continues to create practical logistics solutions that help customers connect efficiently to the broader North American rail network.”
16 AroundG&W
On May 9, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad (DGNO) celebrated four years injury-free with employees and their families at a Frisco (Texas) RoughRiders baseball game. The railroad reached this important milestone in February, driven by a strong safety culture built on leadership, communication and accountability. Former DGNO Assistant General Manager (and current Kiamichi Railroad General Manager) Joe Newsom threw out the first pitch with his grandson at the game. The children of DGNO employees were also invited on to the field for games after the third inning. According to Newsom, the operation’s success starts with a unified leadership team and a shared commitment to safety as a Core Value. Open communication across crews and departments allows risks to be identified early, while thorough job briefings and proactive planning ensure hazards are addressed before work begins. “The team begins each day with a safety-focused call that includes all craft leaders,” Newsom says. “Team members are empowered to identify and resolve safety concerns.” Employees are encouraged to speak up, address concerns and use tools like the “Take 5” process to pause, assess risks and visualize outcomes before acting. Training, mentoring and employee engagement reinforce that approach. Team members are actively involved in identifying hazards and making safe decisions, creating ownership at every level. Just as critical is a learning mindset—near-misses and observations are treated as opportunities to improve, which strengthens processes over time. Newsom attributes the group’s success to building a leadership team that has the same goals and values. “This is a team that works together and supports each other,” he says, “creating an environment where team members take pride in their work.”
Former DGNO Assistant General Manager (and current Kiamichi Railroad General Manager) Joe Newsom and his grandson threw out the first pitch at the RoughRiders game.
AMERICAN REGION
Around G&W
Children of DGNO employees enjoy a day at a RoughRiders game.
Children of DGNO employees play games on the field after the third inning of the game.
Genesee & Wyoming Interchange 17
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. 20 West Avenue Darien, Connecticut 06820 Address Service Requested
The Ohio Central Railroad’s special locomotive See TRACKS? Think TRAIN! honors G&W’s long-term partnership with Operation Lifesaver.
U.S. Postage
PAID Portland, OR Permit No 5300