VolkerRail Ltd’s Post

It's hard to believe that it's been a little over 60 days since I started here at R. J. Corman. I want to thank each and every person, internally and externally, that has gone out of their way to help me get settled and welcomed me into this new role. I want to share one thing that I've learned very quickly. I think people often believe that shortline railroads generally only work on small projects and have limited opportunities along their lines. Not the case! Despite having a smaller footprint than our Class I railroad partners, shortlines still compete on large economic development projects by marketing quality rail-served sites along our lines. I've seen multiple examples of this already in my brief time here. From a $100MM+ investment in Winchester, KY to a $800MM+ investment in Fayetteville, NC, customers are investing significant capital into facilities along R. J. Corman lines. This is great news for us and the communities/regions that we serve. At R. J. Corman, we're currently working with many of our economic development partners to update our rail site/building database. This will allow us to better respond to direct inquiries from rail users, as well as focus our efforts when it comes to site readiness initiatives. We all know that you can't land a rail customer if you don't have any rail sites to show them! I look forward to being able to share the finished product with everyone soon. In the meantime, please reach out if you'd like to discuss rail-served options along our lines or have any suggestions on potential rail-served sites that we should look into further. A lot of positive things happening here at R. J. Corman, so stay tuned for more updates! #RJCID #railroadeconomicdevelopment #sitereadiness #railsites

#MeetMetro - Christopher Cornwell has built an impressive career at Metro spanning two decades. Starting part-time during high school, Chris balanced his work at Metro with summers and weekends throughout college. His dedication continued post-graduation, alongside some time with the deep-sea union. Chris ascended through various roles, from superintendent to terminal manager, eventually becoming Director of Operations for the Gulf. His fortitude has been instrumental in Metro's success in the gulf region. Let’s hear more from Chris: Q: How did you get such an early start with Metro? A: My dad worked for Metro (Suderman) for 44 years before retiring so I have been on the docks since I was a kid. I would go with him any chance I could to see the trains, vessels, and spend time with him. Q: How has the industry changed during your career and how have you adapted to those changes? A: There have been many changes in the industry, safety being the biggest. While it has always been important in the industry, the positive changes in preventative measures, strict enforcement, defined SOPs have yielded great results. Q: Describe your terminals and the cargoes you handle. A: In Galveston, we manage bulk grain, fertilizer, military, steel, sacked cargo, cattle, explosives, various project cargo, and wind, our top commodity. In Houston, we handle bulk grain, slag, sacked cargo, lumber, steel, and other bulk and break bulk cargoes. In Corpus Christi, we primarily focus on bulk grain. Q: Have you ever had a project not go as planned? Countless. In this business it's common for things to not go as planned. Whether it’s a ship crane going down, a loading spout out for repairs, or a city department denying your permit, you have to expect the need for a plan B. If you’re lucky plan B gets it done and you don’t end up halfway through the alphabet. Q: What's the most innovative solution you've come up with to solve an issue? A: Two team efforts come to mind. First, in Galveston, we collaborated with BNSF to lease land and build a wind cargo laydown yard with rail siding, doubling our storage capacity and train call potential despite numerous challenges. Second, in Houston, we developed a custom inventory system with our IT team, operations, and a 3rd party consultant. This system, far superior to any available off-the-shelf, provides customers with 24/7 live inventory access and greatly improved our organizational efficiency, securing us a key customer and a competitive advantage with a 99.5% accuracy rate. Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of? A: It would have to be our success in handling wind cargo. When we started, we had no cranes, rail sidings, or knowledge of handling these components. We've grown to have 2 rail sidings designed for wind cargo (1 built by Metro, 1 by the Port of Galveston), 8+ cranes from 150 ton to 1000-ton capacity, several laydown yards, and a reputation of being the best when it comes to handling wind components. 

The topic of rail travel has been coming up more and more lately in Wisconsin, as well as the rest of the Upper Midwest region. Here is one small piece of news. A sign of other things to come in the City of Watertown, Wisconsin? #economicdevelopment #transportation https://lnkd.in/gPy2rYUh

"Why Railroads Are Still Important Today" is the title a program that I have been presenting to retirement communities and libraries in Lancaster County. As long time interpreter/volunteer at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, I have been happy to share my interest and background about railroads. In an era of planes and automobiles, perhaps we take railroads for granted. Railroads have long played a significant role in the history of our country. For the past 194 years, growth of our nation can be attributed, in large part, to the hundreds of railroads that crisscross the United States. Railroads provided economic opportunities, opened the West, developed towns and communities and were the primary mover of goods and passengers across the country until the era of the interstate highway system and jet transportation. Following the decline of railroads in the 1950s through the 1970s, railroads have since experienced a resurgence in their importance for both passenger and commercial (freight) service. This resurgence continues today. In this presentation we will explore the history and future of railroads and their importance in 21st Century America.

Last call to have your say! Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape the future of Port Wentworth. 📢 Share your thoughts and provide input on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan update before it’s too late. Visit https://lnkd.in/eeN7XV3b today and make your voice heard! #PortWentworth #ComprehensivePlan

The extension of Dauberman Road in Big Rock is now open. The newly extended road now runs from Keslinger Road to the north and connects to Granart Road to the south. This $26 million project extends Dauberman Road over Route 30 and the BNSF railroad lines, significantly enhancing the region's transportation network. Planning for the project began in 2008, and the construction phase took a year and a half to complete. This much-needed regional improvement is designed to enhance public safety, improve emergency response times, and increase accessibility for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The extension addresses long-standing transportation challenges in the southwestern part of Kane County. Key Benefits of the Dauberman Road Extension: Enhanced Emergency Response: The extension provides a grade-separated crossing over the BNSF railroad, eliminating delays caused by passing trains. First responders, including fire and paramedics, will now have quicker access to areas north of Route 30, such as Kaneland High School and surrounding communities. Improved Safety: The new road increases safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians who previously had limited options for crossing the BNSF railroad. Increased Connectivity: The project links the Village of Big Rock to the Village of Sugar Grove, improving overall transportation efficiency and system linkage in the region. Learn more about the infrastructure projects currently under review or construction by the Kane County Division of Transportation at the KDOT Website. #whykane #KDOT #roadimprovements

Another delivery (photo taken late last week on M1) requiring Clugston Distribution Services Ltd Special Movements Division's expertise. This division is headed up by Matt Dobson, and works nationwide from its base in Hull. The transportation of overly large loads across UK roads is a highly intricate operation that requires a blend of legal understanding, logistical expertise, and strong coordination among various stakeholders. The complexities involved necessitate a comprehensive approach to ensure that operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations, ultimately safeguarding both the transport team and the communities traversed. Clugston Special Movements has all the necessary expertise in the following crucial areas:- • Legal Regulations and Permits • Route Assessment and Planning • Co-ordination with Local Authorities • Traffic Management and Safety Measures • Equipment and Vehicle Specifications • Environmental and Community Considerations • Timing and Scheduling • Technological Advancements Next time you need an abnormal, or overly large delivery to be made, Clugston Special Movements should be your first port of call 01724 294933 #AbnormalLoads #HeavyHaulage #Logistics #SupplyChain #Transportation #Freight #ProjectCargo #OversizedTransport #UKLogistics #CargoTransport #HeavyTransport #LoadManagement #TransportIndustry #EngineeringTransport #WideLoad #HeavyMachinery #LogisticsSolutions #SafetyFirst #TransportPlanning #SpecialistTransport

🚛 Supporting Safer Roads Together! 🚦  At Essex Bulk Services, we understand the vital role road safety plays in protecting our team, partners, and the communities we serve. That’s why we are proud to stand behind Amanda Duffy FCILT at Duffy Logistics’ Road Safety Campaign, an initiative that champions safer practices on and off the road.  From our drivers to our office team, safety is always at the forefront of what we do. This campaign resonates with our core values by emphasizing:   ✅ Awareness: Promoting vigilance and safe driving habits.   ✅ Education: Sharing knowledge to empower drivers and other road users.   ✅ Collaboration: Partnering with industry leaders to build a safer road network.  Together, we can make a difference. Whether it’s through technology, training, or teamwork, we are committed to fostering a culture where safety isn’t just a priority – it’s a way of life.  Let’s drive towards a safer future. Join us in supporting this essential initiative by learning more and sharing the message of road safety first!  #RoadSafety #Teamwork #Logistics #EssexBulkServices #DuffyLogistics #SaferRoads 

🚂 Did You Know? 🚂 Hulcher Services Inc. has been a cornerstone of the railroad industry since 1963! With over 60 years of experience, they’ve become synonymous with excellence in railroad services and emergency response. But here’s something you might not know: Hulcher’s expertise extends beyond just railroads. They offer a wide range of services including environmental remediation, industrial services, and disaster response. Their skilled teams and advanced equipment are always ready to tackle the toughest challenges, ensuring that the railways—and the industries they support—keep running smoothly. Let’s appreciate the unsung heroes of the railroads who work behind the scenes to keep everything on track. 🚆✨ Have any interesting stories or experiences with Hulcher Services or the railroad industry? Share them in the comments below! Let’s get this conversation rolling! #Railroad #HulcherServices #IndustryHeroes #DidYouKnow

A quick one before the new year. The drivers involved in crashes captured here are real people with lives and loved ones. Road engineers who designed this particular road are also real people with lives and loved ones. The town planners who approved of a road to be here are real people with loved ones as well. Those whose responsibility is to erect relevant road signs are real people with loved ones. The first responders who frequently come for rescue at this bad spot are real people with loved ones at all. The question now is which of these categories of people do you belong to as a road safety professional? Are you part of the drivers' category that speed on roads they are not familiar with? Are you part of the road engineers who signed off roads without any care of the consequences of the constructed roads? Or are you a part of the category of town planners whose function is to approve any road even if it's going to lead to the death and maiming of many? Additionally, are you a part of the category of professionals who only design and erect traffic signs and signals without proper vetting if these signs are appropriate for the said road and if they will work or not? Or are you a part of the professionals whose only duty is to come for rescue even though it's tiring but you feel helpless because you know most of these crashes could be avoided if everyone involved did their part truthfully? In conclusion, It is about to be a new year. You can still make amends going forward. Do your job properly and with a clear conscience that your actions would make the road a better motoring environment for all. The ball is in your court. Every road user is counting on all road safety professionals for their safety on the highways. Thank you, and have a splendid & safe New Year ahead.