Class I Briefs: UP, NS

Norfolk Southern representatives at Georgia Southern University’s 2024 Parker College of Business Gala.

Union Pacific (UP) announces new intermodal service, honors employees for outstanding public safety commitment, and is named Railroad Carrier of the Year by MODE Global. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) is honored with the Outstanding Corporate Partner Award by Georgia Southern University (GSU) and recognizes Billy Garris for 51 years of safe service.

UP

UP has announced domestic intermodal service between its Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal (IET) and Chicago Global 2.

The service will provide access from the Los Angeles Basin’s busiest warehouse district direct to the heart of the Chicago metro, supplementing existing service between IEIT and Global 4.

Service between IEIT and Global 2 will be available on April 1, 2024. Both IEIT to Global 2 and Global 4 will be available to all domestic COFC shippers.

Separately, UP honored conductor David Welch and Train Operations manager Vernon James with the 2023 Dennis G. Beachler Grade Crossing Safety Award for their “exemplary commitment to railroad safety and community outreach.”

UP’s Beachler Award is awarded annually to both a craft professional and management employee focused on community grade crossing safety. UP says it shares the same goal as its regulators, customers and the communities it serves—to safely deliver every carload. Employee volunteers focused on outreach and proactive education play a key role in this effort, the Class I said.

“The award reflects our dedication to keep rail crossings safe and protect the public and our railroad family,” David Welch said.

Since 2007, Welch has volunteered for Operation Lifesaver (OLI) to deliver rail safety presentations to Houston-area organizations, emphasizing pedestrian and driver vigilance around highway-rail grade crossings and railroad tracks.

“Identifying education opportunities may be as simple as reaching out to a trucking company along our route and setting up a rail safety presentation,” Welch said.

In Villa Grove, Ill., Vernon James is an active volunteer in UP’s Crossing Accident Reduction Education and Safety program, known as UP CARES. A qualified presenter since 2006, he has spoken to more than 10,000 youth at high schools, driver education classes and Boy Scouts of America meetings.

“It’s fulfilling,” said James, who joined UP 20 years ago as a conductor. “You only need to experience one crossing incident to know you don’t want to see another.”

James noted most students don’t break down the math—the weight of a freight train versus their car.

“You can often see the moment it clicks with them,” James said. “There’s a need to continuously educate.”

Welch echoes James’ enthusiasm for these “aha” moments, noting it’s important for the public to gain awareness of the blue and white emergency notification signs at each grade crossing.

“I love bringing rail safety directly to the public,” Welch said. “To be recognized as one of those doing extra to promote safety—with the public and our work family—is an honor.”

In related news, MODE Global, a third-party logistics (3PL) firm recently named UP as its Railroad Carrier of the Year through the company’s annual carrier awards program.

Awards are given across multiple categories to recognize the “invaluable contributions and time-tested relationships MODE has established with its carriers.”

The carrier awards are based on specific performance criteria, such as commitment to service quality, technological capabilities, customer service excellence, volume and revenue growth with MODE, as well as partnership criteria, such as collaboration, communication and competitive enablement.

NS

NS was recently honored with the Outstanding Corporate Partner Award by GSU during the Parker College of Business Gala in Savannah, Ga., “underscoring the exemplary commitment of organizations towards the advancement of GSU’s students, faculty and programs.”

Accepting the award on behalf of NS were Patrick Rickard, AVP Human Resources, and Michael Johnson, Market Manager and Parker College Advisory Board Member. Ashley Treadwell, National Account Manager and Parker College of Business Young Alumni Board Member, introduced Rickard and presented the award.

“At Norfolk Southern, we firmly believe in the power of education and the transformative impact it has on individuals and communities,” Rickard said. “That’s why we are committed to investing in Georgia’s next generation of leaders, by providing not only financial support but also invaluable opportunities for growth and development.”

Norfolk Southern boasts a significant representation of GSU alumni among its most diverse, top talent, ranking among the company’s top five alumni groups. Currently, 118 GSU Eagles are employed by NS, with more than 20 Eagles joining the company this past year. These employees, NS says, have helped fill critical roles both at its Atlanta headquarters and in field operations across its 22-state network.

“From hiring students as interns to recruiting recent graduates as employees, participating in career fairs and offering mentorship and guidance, our collaboration with Georgia Southern extends beyond the confines of a traditional corporate partnership,” Rickard continued. “It is a symbiotic relationship built on shared values and a common goal of fostering excellence in education and our workforce.”

Representatives from various departments of NS, including IT, Legal, Network Operations, Human Resources, Engineering, and Industrial Products, attended the gala.

Through its Safety RecognitioNS program, NS is celebrating railroaders who exemplify the Class I’s safety through their injury-free service record. “Their daily actions help ensure that we deliver safe, reliable and resilient service to our customers,” said NS.

Drawbridge Operator T.W. “Billy” Garris of Lamberts Point Coal in Norfolk, Va., has been recognized with 51 years of safe service. Below is a Q&A between Garris and NS.

Where did you start your career at Norfolk Southern and what do you do now?  
I was hired by the Norfolk & Western (N&W) as painter helper in 1972. My father was a machinist with the N&W and he encouraged me to apply. I got a raise of seven cents an hour but much better benefits. I was promoted to full painter after a couple of months. I was later asked to take a relief drawbridge operator job and work as a carpenter helper when I was not working at the bridge. I was later hired into a full-time position as a drawbridge operator. I’ve worked at either the Eastern Branch Bridge or the South Branch Bridge for over 45 years.  

Between my father and I, we have over 85 years of combined service to Norfolk Southern.

How do you work safe?
Coming to work on the railroad made me safe. Be as alert as you can. Concentration is very important. Be as focused as you can and listen to the railroad and other employees. You can always learn something.

What’s a typical day like for you?
As a Drawbridge Operator, I help move trains, cars, and maintenance people across the bridge. I talk on the radio, and I direct trains. I also help inspectors to do their job, so the bridge stays safe and operational. I’m here to help any way possible.

What’s the best part of your job?
I take a lot of satisfaction in doing my job in the most accurate and efficient way possible. I do that in my personal life, and I try to do it in my job.   

Why did you choose railroading as a career?
I didn’t plan it at all. I was happy working at a roofing and sheet metal company. My father suggested I apply to the railroad. I didn’t expect to be here 51 years. The time has gone by very fast. If you are happy doing something, time goes by very quickly.  

Favorite pastime outside of work?
I’m very involved with my family. I spend as much time as possible with my mother, my sons and my daughter, and my wonderful wife, Ginny. I look forward to coming to work. It’s been a great ride and I hope it doesn’t end any time soon.