STEEL, SWEAT & HEART

Railroading isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. Across the industry, dedicated individuals from all walks of life have found purpose, opportunity and lifelong careers on the tracks. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, here are just a handful of stories of real railroaders who love their jobs.

At 62, Anthony Taravella pursued his lifelong dream of railroading after a military career and 24 years at SAIC. After being laid off, he volunteered at a railroad museum before joining BNSF as a conductor. Now 69, he encourages others to follow their dreams at any age.

Drummond Lyons joined CN after realizing the 9-to-5 work life wasn’t for him. Hiring on with 19 other teammates — whom he fondly refers to as his “litter mates” — Lyons values the connections he has built in his railroading career, the high pay, and the ability to make a real impact in the everyday lives of Americans.

Brad Howell began his CSX career 20 years ago in Waycross, Georgia, following in the footsteps of his father, a former diesel mechanic. Later, he discovered his great-grandfather’s railroad career and, at a family reunion, heard stories from his great-uncle about their family’s deep railroad ties.

When Samantha left the military, she struggled to find a place where she truly felt she belonged. Now a conductor trainee in Kansas City, she’s excited about the future as she begins her railroading career.

J’Raud Mock never imagined working for the railroad until attending a job fair through the BeSuccessful program. Seeking stability, he joined Union Pacific and aspires to become a locomotive engineer and buy a home for his mother.

Douglas Bonner comes from a railroad family and started his career before graduating high school. One of the biggest things he enjoys about his job is the teamwork it takes to ensure safety through daily operations.

LATEST RAIL INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

• Rail Volumes Stabilizing: January saw the first carload increase in five months, with intermodal surging 10.3%, driven by strong consumer demand. However, industrial shipments remain weak, with coal and metals declining while chemicals and grain continue to grow.
• Manufacturing Recovery: U.S. manufacturing is expanding for the first time in over two years, potentially boosting demand for rail-hauled industrial goods like metals, machinery and chemicals if the trend continues.
• Economic Uncertainty: While consumer-driven intermodal and construction shipments are strong, inflation, tariff concerns and trade policy shifts could impact future rail growth.

SMALL BUSINESS IMPACTS

Founded in 1912, Kuiken Brothers supplies residential and commercial building materials, serving contractors and homeowners in New Jersey. Receiving over 500 rail cars annually, the company reduces truck traffic and fuel use while ensuring a steady material supply through five rail-served locations and a major Newark expansion.

☝ Check out the video above to hear first hand why freight rail is essential to their success.

CSX has closed Baltimore’s historic Howard Street Tunnel for reconstruction, aiming to modernize the 8,700-foot tunnel and enable double-stack intermodal service along the I-95 Rail Corridor. A key milestone was reached on February 1 with the removal of rail spikes, marking the next phase of work. Set for completion in late 2025, the project will increase vertical clearance, address obstructions between Baltimore and Philadelphia, and enhance connectivity to key Midwest markets.

INDUSTRY READS

Wall Street Journal
Powell Says Fed Doesn’t Need to Rush on Rate Cuts

FreightWaves
Trump Tariffs See Retailers Boosting US Container Imports

Transport Topics
DOT Secretary Duffy Outlines Highway Bill Priorities

Roll Call
Rail Accuses Truck Industry of Coasting on Highway Tax ‘Subsidy’

JOC (Subscription)
North American Intermodal Would Escape Tariffs largely Unscathed: Analyst

RealClear Markets (Opinion)
Trucks Need To Pay More For Their Use of U.S. Highways