Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Eric Starks, Chairman of FTR (Freight Transportation Research Associates). Together they discuss the pending $85 billion dollar Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger, the current status of the U.S. economy, an update on U.S. manufacturing and production including new railcar production, rail traffic, market trends and risks, a forecast for 2026 and much more. We also announce our 2025 Honor our Heroes Award winner! Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 57 countries around the world!
• The podcast continues to experience incredible growth in downloads and subscribers. 
• Mr. Starks is a graduate of Indiana University and was an Adjunct Lecturer at Indiana University, Kelley School of Business for 4 years, teaching MBA students Transportation and Distribution Strategy, and was instrumental in creating the Indiana University Transportation Board.
• Eric does a deep-dive into our current U.S. economy and GDP and gives us his opinion on whether or not they are where we expected them to be.
• Don and Eric discuss Tariffs, what their intended use is by the current administration, and whether or not they are providing the intended results.
• Eric gives his opinion of the pros and cons of the pending UP and NS merger, and they discuss the recently announced BNSF and CSX partnership.
• Don and Eric do a thorough review of current rail traffic, velocity, dwell times, commodity and car type trends, and more.
• You don’t want to miss Eric’s 2026 forecast!
• Our 2025 – American Railroading Podcast - Honor our Heroes Award winner is……You’ll have to listen to the end of the episode to find out. 😊
• If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.enviroserve.com 

https://www.ftrintel.com 

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this Fun Rail Excursions episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Mary Jo Naschke, Director of Marketing for the Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston, TX. Together they discuss the history of Galveston as a major port city in a young and growing United States in the 1800’s and the vital importance the railroad played in Galveston and beyond in the southwest United States. They also go through all the wonderful exhibits at the museum, the education offered, the beautiful venues available, their upcoming events as the holidays approach, and much more. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 55 countries around the world!
• The podcast has experienced incredible growth in the last month, including a 200% increase in audio and video downloads!
• Founded in 1838, Galveston, an island port city in Texas, quickly became the major hub for trade and immigration for not only Texas, but the entire southwest United States.
• Galveston was the home of the first operating railroad in Texas, founded in 1850.
• After the devastating hurricane of 1900 that damaged nearly every building on Galveston island and took thousands of lives, the railroad bridge was the only bridge that remained standing that connected the island of Galveston to Houston.
• Founded in 1982 by Mary Moody, supported by the Moody Foundation, the Galveston Railroad Museum was created to preserve the history of railroading in Galveston and the effect it had on Texas and beyond.
• Don and Mary Jo go through all the wonderful exhibits, many of which are interactive; the education the museum offers all ages, which includes college internships; the venues on site for weddings, birthdays and corporate events; and the rail hotel which you can stay at on-site.
• The museum has several upcoming events which include ghost tours, The Ghostly Feather interactive mystery, the Rail Baron’s Ball which is an evening of fundraising that includes amazing silent and live auction items, and The Polar Express which actually leaves the station and requires pajamas and a love for hot chocolate.
• Please submit your favorite veteran of our U.S. Armed Forces currently in or retired from the rail industry for our 3rd Annual – American Railroading Podcast - Honor our Heroes Award, sponsored by our friends at Boots for Troops in Tomball, TX. by 09/12/25. Details given in the episode.
• If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review!

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.enviroserve.com 

https://www.galvestonrrmuseum.org

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Tom DeLafosse, SVP of Quality and Regulatory Compliance for Salco Products. Together they do a deep dive into tank car regulations, rulings and pending rulings such as HM-216b, HM-265 and HM-264, including the history of the industry before these regulations and rulings, the reasoning behind the creation of them, and their current as well as potential future impact on car owners, repair shops and shippers. They also take a brief moment to discuss the history of Salco Products and A. Stucki. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS:

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 53 countries around the world!
• The podcast has experienced incredible growth in the last month, including a 300% increase in audio and video downloads!
• Tom has 50 years of experience in the railcar industry in quality assurance, design, repair and inspection of railroad tank cars.
• Don trained under Tom for his Level II NDT certifications in 1998, shortly after he entered the industry.
• Today there are approximately 2 million registered railcars in the U.S. national fleet, of which 22% (or 440,000) are tank cars, all of which require HM-216b qualification at regular intervals.
• Tom and Don discuss the challenges tank car certified repair shops face today, and some of the potential causes for lengthy shop cycle times.
• Tom gives his very detailed thoughts on the pending ruling HM-265, as well as his opinion of the potential pros and cons.
• Don provides a final update from PHMSA on HM-264.
• Please submit your favorite veteran of our U.S. Armed Forces currently in or retired from the rail industry for our 3rd Annual – American Railroading Podcast - Honor our Heroes Award, sponsored by our friends at Boots for Troops in Tomball, TX. by 09/12/25. Details given in the episode.
• If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review!

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX

https://www.enviroserve.com

https://www.salcoproducts.com

https://www.stucki.com

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Kate Suprenuk, President of Leasing & Manufacturing at Union Tank Car (UTLX) & Procor. Together they discuss the current state of the new tank car market, the tank car leasing market, and they touch on the history of Union Tank Car Company, formed in 1891 by Standard Oil Company founded by John D. Rockefeller. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 52 countries around the world!
• The podcast has experienced incredible growth in the last year, including a 137% increase in video views on our YouTube channel!
• In 1891 the Union Tank Car Company (originally named the Union Tank Line) is formed by Standard Oil Company, to operate their tank car fleet.
• Tank cars have evolved greatly over the years from the first generation created in 1865, which was comprised of a flat car with two wooden barrels.
• Of the many factors affecting the new tank car market, interest rates are a major factor.
• The parent company of UTLX and Procor, Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is comprised of 11 industry groups and over 30,000 team members, 6,000 of whom are in the rail industry.
• The Marmon Motor Company won the inaugural Indy 500 in 1911 with the Marmon Wasp.
• You can now submit your nomination for our 3rd Annual – American Railroading Podcast - Honor our Heroes Award, sponsored by our friends at Boots for Troops in Tomball, TX. Details given in the episode.
• If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review!

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.enviroserve.com 

https://www.utlx.com 

https://www.procor.com

https://www.marmon.com

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Jeff Necciai, Chief Technology Officer of Duos Technologies, Inc. Together they discuss the importance of timely and accurate railcar inspections, how far railcar inspection technology has come over the last 25 to 30 years, how important railcar inspections are to safety, the role Ai is playing in the advancement of railcar inspection technology, and its ability to promptly communicate its findings. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
• When Don began inspecting railcars, paper and pencil were the standard inspection method of the day.
• Don was involved in early Beta testing of the first cradle to grave, real-time system for railcar repair facilities. 
• Jeff is listed on several technology-based patents and has contributed to articles for publications such as American Shipper, World Cargo News and the Journal of Commerce.
• Duos Technologies was founded 25 years ago, with its initial foray into the railroad industry involving surveillance technology.  
• Using Ai technology, the Duos Technologies - Railcar Inspection Portal can inspect railcars at operating speeds from 3 MPH to 125 MPH.
• The Duos RIP system can report findings within 60 seconds.
• Don states during his closing “My Two Cents” segment in part that improving railcar safety (via timely and accurate inspections) also improves security, asset downtime and overall costs.
• If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review!

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.enviroserve.com 

https://www.duostechnologies.com

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Denson White, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals, Pier 400 in the Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach, CA. Together they discuss the current state of the U.S. supply chain, the effect that trade wars and tariffs can have on it, as well as how lessons learned during Covid will help those in supply chain today, and the surprising year-to-date stats of U.S. carload and intermodal traffic. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• Don Walsh dedicates this episode to the loving memory of his niece, Dr. JaeLynn Bobbie Stewart. Love you J.B. 
• This is Denson’s 2nd appearance on the podcast. The first being Season 1, Episode 5 titled “Supply Chain – The Relationship Between Ports & Rail”. Be sure to go back and give it a listen.
• In 2024, APM Terminals completed a $73M rail expansion project at Pier 400 in the Port of Los Angeles, CA., which is projected to eliminate 1,200 truck trips per day by 2040.
• While intermodal railcars make up only 4% of the U.S. national fleet, 48% of all U.S. rail traffic is generally intermodal rail shipments.
• Intermodal freight transport is defined as involving the transportation of freight in an intermodal container, using multiple modes of transportation (i.e. ship, rail, truck and aircraft) , without any physical handling of the freight inside the container when changing modes.
• As discussed in Episode 3 of Season 3, the Government is the 800lb gorilla in the room, as they are always tinkering with things like regulations, taxes, interest rates and tariffs.
• Denson provides an insider’s viewpoint on how the current tariffs and pending trade war with China are already effecting U.S. ports and the overall supply chain.
• Don gives an update on PHMSA’s pending rulings HM264b and HM265 at the end of the episode after “”My 2 Cents”, so please stay tuned until the very end.
• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts worldwide! Tune in to hear and see why!
• If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review!

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.enviroserve.com 

https://www.APMTerminals.com 

https://www.UP.com

https://www.AAR.org

https://www.Trains.com

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this our 2nd Anniversary episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Tom Landstreet, Co-Founder of Trusco Investment Management. Together they discuss the current state of the U.S. economy post-Presidential election, and they do a deep dive into not only where our economy is today, but how we got here, how tariffs and other proposed methods or solutions may potentially help or contribute to inflation, and what this all can mean for the rail industry. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
• Mr. Landstreet is also Founder and CEO of N3L Partners, a strategic investment partnership that specializes in analyzing government policies, betting both with and against government, in a classic long/short structure, investing where policy meets price.
• You must have a good sense of humor to be able to handle the ups and downs of the U.S. economy and continual government policy changes.
• Dr. Arthur Laffer’s 4 Grand Kingdom’s of Marco Economics are Monetary, Fiscal, Trade and Regulatory.
• The definition of inflation is too much money chasing too few goods.
• Our national debt is at $36 trillion dollars, and the interest on the debt is $1.5 trillion dollars, or $2.3 billion dollars per day.
• President Trump’s proposed plan to improve the economy and reduce inflation is said to be like spokes on a wheel including reducing the cost of energy by increasing production, reducing government spending, reducing regulations and restrictions, and bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.
• Increasing the onshoring of manufacturing in the U.S. can be very beneficial to the U.S. economy and markets.
• LNG has been a strong U.S. market, and with the President’s removal of the ban on LNG exports and the pending ruling decision of PHMSA’s HM-264B by June 30, 2025 which could result in potentially allowing the shipping of LNG in rail tank cars, LNG could be a growing market for the U.S. economy and for the railroad industry.
• If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review!

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.aldonco.com

https://www.enviroserve.com 

https://www.truscomgmt.com 

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Patrick Fuchs, Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Together they discuss who the STB is, how and why the STB was created, and they do a deep dive into not only all the various functions of the STB, but also all the different ways in which the STB is a valuable resource to the rail industry. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
• Mr. Fuchs was designated as Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board by President Donald J. Trump, effective January 20, 2025.
• Among his impressive career accomplishments, Patrick worked on legislation to increase safety by addressing opioid abuse in transportation, with reforms enacted as part of the Support for Patients and Communities Act, enacted during the 115th United States Congress. 
• Founded in 1996, the STB is an independent federal agency that is charged with the economic regulation of surface transportation, primarily freight rail.
• Their primary functions are regarding rates, services, licensing, complaints and preemption. 
• The STB website at www.STB.gov is a tremendous resource including legal resources, litigation alternatives, an environmental review process, a railroad map depot and general assistance.
• More valuable resources that the STB offers are the Stakeholder Committees including the Railroad Shipper Transportation Advisor Council, the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee, the National Grain Car Council and the newly created Passenger Rail Advisory Committee.
• While the STB is made up of Republican and Democrat members, transportation is not political as we all want things to get from A to B, faster, safer and cheaper.
• The STB’s Rail Customer & Public Assistance Program (RCPA) at (202) 245-0238 offers to help solve problems in a confidential manner, in ways ranging from a simple answer to a phone inquiry, to lengthy informal mediation assistance.
• If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review!

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.aldonco.com

https://www.enviroserve.com 

https://www.stb.gov

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this, our first episode of Season 3, our host Don Walsh is our guest. Producer John joins Don on this episode and together they take us on a journey to review each of the podcast episodes from Season 2 along with a look behind the scenes and share thoughts not heard before on the episodes themselves. They also discuss audience feedback and their favorite moments from Season 2, after which Producer John then interviews Don, and they discuss his thoughts on where the industry is headed in 2025 and some hints on where the podcast is headed in Season 3. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode including episode videos and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
• More sponsors are coming on board in 2025! Become a podcast Sponsor today!
• Ai is making its way into railroading, including new technology to inspect railcars in transit.
• One way to determine if you’re far enough away from a hazardous situation, use your thumb.
• It can cost as much as $60,000.00 USD per year to maintain tank car repair certifications at just one facility.
• Did you know that guest, Professor John Doggett, once had his own nationally syndicated radio show?
• The U.S. Army Transportation Museum has over 7,000 artifacts and exhibits.
• 80%+ of interior lining and exterior coatings failures is due to improper surface preparation.
• When there’s an emergency at a railroad crossing, first thing to do is look for the little blue sign.
• The comment period for PHMSA’s pending ruling HM-265 has been extended to April 28, 2025.
• We hope you’re ready for an exciting Season 3 in 2025!

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.aldonco.com

https://www.enviroserve.com 

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this our first ever Christmas Special our host Don Walsh is joined by guests and Texas country music chart-toppers Payton Riley and Bubba Westly. Together they discuss the long history and connection between trains, music and Christmas, as well as sharing favorite Christmas songs and Christmas memories. Payton Riley and Bubba Westly also perform several live and unplugged songs on the episode including each of their own newly released Christmas songs. Tune in to this episode and enjoy some Christmas cheer! You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS:

The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!

There are over 800 known songs about trains.

The earliest known train song was copyrighted July 1st, 1828.

Trains are not only found throughout music but in movies as well, including Christmas movies like The Polar Express.

Country music and Christmas have a long history as well including songs like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, performed by country music artist and movie star Gene Autry.

Payton Riley and Bubba Westly play their favorite Christmas songs for us, as well as each of their own newly released Christmas songs.

Payton Riley proudly took home the title of “Young Artist of the Year” at the Texas Country Music Awards in both 2023 and 2024, and was recently honored at the iconic Grand Ole Opry with the prestigious 2024 Josie Award for “Young Artist of the Year” in the Young Adult Female category.

In 2024 Bubba Westly has achieved the #1 song in Texas radio with “Falling Star”, along with 4 consecutive Top 25 singles and being a finalist for the 2024 Texas Country Music Awards, Emerging Artist of the Year. Bubba is currently a semi-finalist for the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards, 2024 New Male Vocalist of the Year.

Both Payton and Bubba have exciting plans for 2025 including upcoming movie roles.

Everyone at the American Railroading Podcast wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Stay tuned for an exciting Season 3 in 2025!

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX

https://www.aldonco.com

https://www.enviroserve.com

https://www.paytonrileymusic.com

https://www.bubbawestly.com

https://trrma.net/