KCS, for the long haul (and Christmas, too)
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefKansas City Southern’s 2017 sustainability report, “For the Long Haul: Delivering Prosperity, Valuing People, Protecting the Planet,” was created “to clearly communicate why our sustainability priorities are important to our business,” according to President and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer.
The 2017 report highlights:
- Diversity of KCS’ board of directors and the directors’ commitment to “honor the rights of all individuals to be treated with respect and dignity,” which led to strengthening KCS’ Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy.
- Strategic advantages of KCS’ cross-border rail network and innovative Rail Unified Cargo Processing Center, helping to reduce delays and enhance security at the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Creation of new Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) group to enhance KCS workplace safety and health.
- Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation progress.
- New and award-winning KCSM Security Operations Center dedicated to the security of KCS freight, people and facilities in Mexico.
- Decrease in employee attrition rate to 6.6%.
- Increase in employee training hours by approximately 55%.
- Increase in donations from employees and The KCS Charitable Fund by approximately 23%.
- Increase in fuel consumption reduction target by four million gallons.
- Reduction of energy intensity ratio and water consumption.
- Inclusion of a new biodiversity and land management section.
KCS’ 2017 sustainability report “follows the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) latest standards for disclosing governance, economic, social and environmental topics,” the company said. “These standards provide for the disclosure of measurable data and specific information related to sustainability. For the 2017 report, we increased our reporting of stakeholder priority material topics.”
“We believe that responsible business practices are essential to supporting the KCS vision, values and culture, as well as building and maintaining accountability, trust and strong relationships with our stakeholders,” said Ottensmeyer.
The report is available for download HERE.
KCS sets Holiday Express Schedule
In related corporate social responsibility news, KCS on Sept. 6 announced its schedule for the 18th annual Holiday Express train, which will stop in 22 communities in eight states on 27 dates. At each stop, visitors can board the train, visit with “Santa and his elves” and tour the interior of three cars of the festive six-car train. Each event is free and open to the public.
The KCS Holiday Express has a charitable component. During the past 17 years, the project has raised more than $2 million to purchase gift cards, which are donated to The Salvation Army at each scheduled stop (see schedule below). These gift cards are used to purchase warm clothing and other necessities for children in need in the local community.
KCS says the Holiday Express “was built on the tradition of the Santa Train, which ran on a segment of the network bought by KCS in 1997. In 2000, a group of warm-hearted KCS employees noticed that the Santa Train was the only Christmas some kids had, and that some kids did not have essential items like coats, hats and gloves, so they committed to elevating the project. In 2001, volunteers transformed a retired freight train to the experience that communities throughout KCS’ U.S. service territory enjoy today.”
Led by KCS’ Southern Belle business train, the Holiday Express train includes Rudy, described as “a smiling tank car”; a flat car carrying “Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village”; a “gingerbread boxcar”; an “elves’ workshop”; the “reindeer stable”; and a “little red caboose.” Each car is dressed in lights.
“KCS is proud to continue this long-standing tradition of bringing joy to communities throughout our network with the Holiday Express train,” said Pat Ottensmeyer. “This project brings people together, helps build relationships in the community and supports our corporate vision and values.”
