REMSA Supplier Showcases at NAMRC Class I Nights

REMSA is excited to announce our continued partnership with the North American Maintenance Railway Club (NAMRC). We kicked off the year in Kansas City in January with record-breaking attendance at the first ever NAMRC CPKC Night, and Omaha last week with a great event at UP Night. The Event attendees interacted with the Supplier Showcase's 11 exhibitors, and the NAMRC dinner featured presentations by Russell Rohlfsand and Paul Rathgeber.

One event remains in 2024: BNSF Night on May 23 in Ft. Worth.

Don't miss out: space is limited. Learn more and apply on our website.

The events :

3:00-4:00 p.m.: Event setup

4:00-6:30 p.m.: Supplier showcase open: attendees invited to visit exhibits during reception

6:30 p.m.: Showcase ends as dinner begins; exhibit tear down

Each space includes one (1) skirted 8' table and two (2) chairs, as well as one NAMRC dinner ticket.

If you have additional questions about these events, contact Heidi Baker at baker@remsa.org.

Washington Update

 Last week, President Joe Biden traveled to East Palestine, Ohio, to mark the one-year anniversary of the Norfolk Southern (NS) derailment. Biden last year ordered his Federal Emergency Management Agency to appoint a coordinator to oversee East Palestine’s long-term recovery efforts. He’s also tasked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with evaluating whether NS has followed through on its commitment to address any lingering threats to the town generated by the derailment. President Biden announced new research grants to study ongoing health impacts from the derailment. The grants will go to six research universities for studying the short and long term effects of the February 3, 2023 derailment. During the visit, President Biden also reiterated his support for the Rail Safety Act, which was introduced last year by Sens. JD Vance (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH). 

On January 25, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced close to $5 billion in grants to fund 37 projects through the INFRA and Mega programs. 28 projects were awarded over $2.9 billion through INFRA and over $2 billion was awarded to 11 projects through MEGA. INFRA (the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program) awards competitive grants for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas. The Mega Program (the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program) supports large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility or safety benefits. To read more about the FY2023-2024 INFRA Projects, please click here. To read more about the FY2023-2024 Mega Projects, please click here.

Additionally, DOT is offering $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for FY2024. Information on How to Apply for RAISE Grants is available on the RAISE website. This is one of the Department’s most popular programs in that it can fund a wide range of transportation planning, pre-construction activities, and capital projects. The RAISE NOFO is available here and the deadline for applications is 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2024.

On January 24, the Surface Transportation Board announced that it has adopted final rule to amend its emergency service regulations to provide immediate relief for shippers in certain situations. The final rule explains that the Board may act on its own initiative to direct emergency rail service and establishes an accelerated process for acute service emergencies. As a result from feedback the Board received informally from a large pool of stakeholders regarding inconsistent and unreliable rail service, the Board issued two orders mandating service in urgent situations. Among other processes, the final rule describes the procedures for petitioning the Board for expedited relief for service emergencies. To read more on the final rule, please click here.

Also on January 24, USDOT approved $2.5 billion in private activity bonds for Brightline West High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Project. The $12 billion, 218 mile, high-speed rail line will be a fully electric, zero-emission system and will primarily run along the I-15 median with trains capable of reaching at least 186 mph. The project once completed, with trains capable of reaching 186 mph, would cut the trip to two hours (the same trek by car runs roughly four hours). “Building a high speed rail corridor from Las Vegas to southern California will drive economic investment and opportunity across the region,” said USDOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “Residents and visitors alike will benefit from access to a fast and sustainable travel option that better connects key cities.” As note, USDOT previously approved a private activity bond allocation of $1 billion for Brightline West in 2020, bringing the total allocation for this project to $3.5 billion. In December, USDOT also awarded a $3 billion grant from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the Nevada Department of Transportation for the project. 

Betsy Hobby, CEO, United Glass

How did you get started in the rail industry?

In 2012, during my third year in business, I was eager to grow and looking for opportunities everywhere. One day, I noticed that all the equipment that CSX was running on the tracks had a lot of glass. So, I stopped and spoke to the crew to see if I could help with any glass needs. They responded positively, but with a catch - they needed the work done that night because they were leaving in the morning. I accepted the challenge and worked all night with my business partner and husband, cutting, sanding and installing the windows in their work equipment.

We were thrilled to have had this opportunity, but had no idea where it would lead. The T6 with CSX, with whom we have developed a strong relationship over the years, exposed some possibilities that were disguised as their problems. They were overly impressed with the service we provided through the night during their "off hours" and said they had struggled to get glass replaced in the past. They wished we were "all over". That was the beginning of many sleepless nights, blood, sweat and tears from my husband, myself and our team. But, now we are "all over" and serve the entire country.

What do you love most about your job/the rail industry?

Without a doubt, it's the people. From the big Class 1 RR companies to the contractors in the industry, we have formed close relationships with many individuals who are important to us. They welcomed us with open arms and genuinely cared about our success. I've never been in an industry where our customers and colleagues have been our best salespeople until now. The guidance, help, and support that Landon and I have received from the industry is truly special. We're grateful for it, and we try to pay it forward by helping others wherever we can.

I also love that our business was built around the needs of the industry. We identified problems, and solved them. I believe that to be successful, it has to be a win-win situation. We're proud of the services and products we provide and welcome the challenges that come with paving a new path. We're the only company that offers what we do on such a large scale, but we're still a small company that cares about our customers and not just the numbers. So many wonderful things have come from this approach. For example, we've been able to offer our rural South Carolina employees the opportunity to travel across the US and see things they likely never would have otherwise. We've also helped employees find better opportunities after leaving us, and we're proud to have been a positive stepping stone in their lives. There's just so much good that comes from working together that it's hard to pick just one thing. I trust in God to guide my path, and I'm thankful for what He has accomplished through me and my company. I know that we've only just begun.

What do you find yourself doing most in your downtime? Hobbies outside of work?

My husband Landon and I have five children who love horseback riding, barrel racing, golf, softball, and anything fun. We love to spend our free time with them and our large extended family. I am one of 13 kids, and we have 21 nieces and nephews, with one on the way. We absolutely love being "Aunt Bees" and "Uncle Landon." Although Landon may rank golf as his favorite activity, family is ultimately our happy place

How do you define the “future” of rail? Where do you think the industry is headed?

I believe that the future of the rail industry looks positive. With the advancements in technology and AI, there is the potential for growth in both freight and passenger transportation. I am excited to witness the progress and daily efforts to operate more safely and efficiently. At UGS, we strive to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and continuously analyze, implement and test our strategies. Sometimes, we make multiple changes to ensure that we get things right. We have learned that in order to remain the best, we must adapt and change quickly.

What do you enjoy most about being part of REMSA?

Oh goodness, the events for sure. The comradery and going back to my original statement, the people, you are all just the best. 

Interested in being featured in an upcoming Mainline and on REMSA's social media? REMSA is looking for members to feature as the member of the month! Whether you are a seasoned railroader or new to the industry, REMSA will share your story and recognize your company across our digital channels. Email Trade Shows & Marketing Manager Heidi Baker at baker@remsa.org to apply today.

REMSA's Grassroots Program connects our association's membership with members of Congress to host tours and site visits of company facilities and ongoing projects. It's a terrific way to showcase the positive impact that your company has in the local community, while also building strong personal relationships with your elected representatives. This program highlights REMSA members' products and services throughout the industry and to members of Congress, which helps to advance REMSA's legislative agenda in Washington.

If you are interested in hosting a grassroots event at your facility please reach out to Mike McGonagle at mcgonagle@remsa.org. Download and share the the new REMSA Grassroots Events flyer to learn more.

Welcome New REMSA Members

K&K Systems, Inc: Railroad Crossing Warning Lights for commercial properties