BNSF names Kiamichi Railroad ‘Shortline of the Year’

Kiamichi is a Class III shortline serving Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, interchanging with BNSF in Madill, Oklahoma. A subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming, Kiamichi was recognised for its commitment to safety, service, growth, investment and velocity.

“Kiamichi’s employee safety record, including an impressive injury-free streak, is a testament to their focus on safe rail operations,” said Merril Lieb, Assistant Vice President, BNSF Shortline Development. “The railroad has also made significant investments in their infrastructure that led to a 300% growth in their carload business with BNSF.”

Since 2012, Kiamichi has improved much of its 265-mile line to handle 286 000-lb. loads of traffic, including upgrading 150 miles of track and investing more than US$35 million. With BNSF, Kiamichi worked to capture market share in aggregates, fluff pulp and coal.

“We are a customer-focused railroad and have worked diligently to help our existing customers grow while bringing more businesses to our rail line,” said Ryan Englebright, Kiamichi’s General Manager. “We have seen growth in transload facilities and attracted a new steel mill.”

BNSF also recognised Richmond Pacific Railroad Corp. (RPRC) for its commitment to safety and customer service. Operating out of Richmond, California, RPRC has a seven-year injury-free safety record, has upgraded rail, and increased capacity to facilitate additional business. The entire RPRC locomotive fleet has also been upgraded with modern power, which increases fuel efficiency and decreases their environmental footprint.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/rail-barge/22102018/bnsf-names-kiamichi-railroad-shortline-of-the-year/