APRIL 2025
NEWSLETTER MONTHLY
ON-TRACK SAFETY
Featuring the St. Louis Project on Missouri Eastern Railroad (MER) – Jaguar Transportation
The On-Track Safety Division plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and coordination of railadjacent projects. Each day for a Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC) begins well before the arrival of the work group and often ends long after. RWICs are responsible for implementing the appropriate method of On-Track Safety to protect both personnel and train operations. Their duties include facilitating job safety briefings, monitoring site access, tracking rail movements within work limits, and maintaining constant communication with dispatchers, train crews, and project stakeholders. Their work ensures alignment between rail operations and project goals.
A standout assignment for the division was the recent pipeline project along the Missouri Eastern Railroad (MER), operated by Jaguar Transport. This marked the team’s first official project with Jaguar—a significant milestone. Despite joining midway through the job, CDL’s presence brought immediate safety improvements, including the identification of unreported hazards such as removed asphalt near the tracks. This early intervention underscored the importance of CDL’s role in protecting both railroad personnel and contractors, even when those on site may be unaware of the risks.
Over the course of roughly 25 days, the team faced various challenges including scheduling shifts, contractor-related delays, and even a nearby car accident that occurred just 150 feet from a morning safety briefing. Thanks to strong field leadership and administrative support—particularly from Jacquelyne Pierce— the project was completed without injuries or incidents. This outcome was a testament to team’s commitment to CDL’s core values: being Balanced, Accountable, and Resilient.
Ensuring safety in rail environments requires more than procedural knowledge—it demands the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain clear communication. While railroads prioritize safe freight movement, contractors often focus on efficiency. The On-Track Safety Division bridges these goals, providing guidance that promotes both safety and progress. Their consistent coordination with both external partners and internal teams like A.I. Leonard and Sean Clark’s Signal Projects reflects CDL’s collaborative and professional culture—one that continues to deliver safe, successful outcomes.
SPECIAL SHOUTOUT
JEFF
DUDLEY is doing a wonderful job leading this new division head on. Special thanks to him and all his hard work!
RAILROAD EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
CHRIS CUBBERLEY
With 3.5 years under his belt at CDL, Chris Cubberley has steadily climbed the ranks through dedication, adaptability, and a passion for problem-solving. Starting as a Railroad Signal Maintainer, he spent about a year and a half in the field before being promoted to Supervisor. After another 1.5 years of hands-on leadership, he took another big step last September when he was promoted to Northeastern Regional Director. His growth within the company reflects both his technical expertise and strong leadership capabilities.
In his current role, Chris is focused on training and mentoring new supervisors and signalmen—an effort critical to CDL’s long-term success and operational safety. His days are filled with calls, emails, and handson troubleshooting with field teams. From navigating technical issues to helping maintainers problem-solve in real time, his work ensures that CDL’s railroad operations stay safe, efficient, and on schedule.
Before joining CDL, Chris had an impressive and diverse background. He worked in coal mining with Amfire Mining, then transitioned to the railroad industry as a signal maintainer for Norfolk Southern. He later joined Axalta Coatings, where he worked in paint production. It was a conversation with a former coworker during the coal mine closure that led him to the railroad world—his friend became a conductor, while he pursued a path as a signalman.
For Chris, CDL has offered more than just a career—it’s provided job stability and steady work that has had a meaningful impact on his life. His favorite part of the job? Solving problems. Whether it’s a complex signal issue or helping a new supervisor build confidence, Chris is driven by challenges and the opportunity to help others grow. His journey is a testament to how resilience, hard work, and curiosity can lead to lasting success.
MARCH CORE VALUE COIN RECIPIENTS
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
Below are the current open positions. If you or someone you know is interested, please send Human Resources an email and submit resumes via: https://cdlelectric.com/careers/
Railroad Regional Director Indiana/Michigan
Railroad Signal Maintainer MI/WI Areas
Railroad Signal Maintainer OH/TX Areas
Solar Installer Technician Joplin, MO
Solar Electrician Joplin, MO
Journeyman Electrician Joplin, MO
Journeyman Electrician Pittsburg, KS
Journeyman Electrician Humboldt, KS
Journeyman Plumber Pittsburg, KS
HEAT - A MAJOR KILLER!
RECOGNIZING DANGERS, RESPONDING FAST
Your quick guide to staying safe in extreme heat
EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH
Risk of extreme head in 12-48 hours. Make a plan. Stay alert.
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING
Extreme heat event is happening or imminent. High risk to life.
HEAT + HUMIDITY = REAL FEEL
SYMPTOMS, FIRST AID & SAFETY TIPS
Heat Disorders
Key Symptoms
First Aid Tips
Sun Burn
Painful skin
Heat Cramps
Muscle pains
Move to shade and use aloe vera
Rest and drink water
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Heavy Sweating/ Weakness
Cool down and seek medical aid
High body temperature, confusion, or unconscious Call 911
HEAT SAFETY TIPS
• Dress Light: Wear light-colored, breathable clothing
• Hydrate Often: Even if you’re not thirsty
• Stay Cool: Air conditioned spaces reduce risk
• Skip the Alcohol: It is dehydrating
• Limit the Sun: Sunburns make heat worse
• Time it Right: Avoid outdoor activity midday
WELCOME TO THE SERRM I FAMILY
Serrmi is proud to welcome Modern Manufacturing to our growing family.
This strategic acquisition boosts our capabilities in custom aluminum and stainless-steel fabrications—strengthening our leadership in rail, utility, and transit infrastructure solutions.
Modern Manufacturing, headquartered in Eudora, Kansas, has built a strong reputation as a trusted provider of high-performance fabricated structures. With decades of experience, the company specializes in the production of signal bridges, cantilevers, enclosures, and equipment shelters—serving critical roles across the rail, utility, and transit sectors. Their focus on precision, reliability, and quality craftsmanship has made them a valued partner to major infrastructure projects.
Serrmi’s recent acquisition of Modern Manufacturing marks a strategic step in strengthening its vertically integrated operations. By bringing Modern into the fold, Serrmi gains not only expanded fabrication capabilities but also increased control over production timelines and enhanced delivery efficiencies. This integration supports Serrmi’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness in delivering custom-built infrastructure solutions.
The addition of Modern Manufacturing further reinforces Serrmi’s ability to serve a broad customer base with greater speed and precision. Modern’s long-standing relationships with Class I railroads and transit agencies, combined with Serrmi’s manufacturing footprint, ensure the company is well-equipped to meet growing infrastructure demands with smarter, faster, and more reliable solutions.
“This acquisition strengthens Serrmi’s position as a go-to provider of custom-engineered infrastructure solutions.”
- President & Vice President
LARRY & DUSTIN SEWARD
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
ED SNOW PRESIDENT, CDL CANADA
We’re excited to announce Ed Snow as the new President of CDL Canada — a proven leader whose experience, vision, and momentum are already shaping the future of our Canadian operations.
Ed brings a deep background across multiple sectors, with a history of driving results in complex, high-stakes projects. His strategic thinking, collaborative leadership style, and people-first approach are already strengthening connections across our teams and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
Under Ed’s leadership, CDL Canada is entering a new chapter — one focused on smarter solutions, elevated service delivery, and long-term partnerships. His steady guidance reinforces our continued commitment to investing in the people, performance, and relationships that set CDL apart.
We’re proud to have Ed at the helm and look forward to what we’ll accomplish together.
WORK ANNIVERSARIES
Name Years
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY!
Thank each of you for your continued contributions to CDL’s core focus of Customer Satisfaction and your efforts to demonstrate CDL’s core values: Safety, People, Integrity, Accountability, and Excellence.
Your commitment to your professional growth is greatly appreciated.