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/

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Eamonn Patrick, Transportation Specialist, Standards and Rulemaking, for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Together they discuss who PHMSA is, what PHMSA does, and they do a deep dive into several pending and proposed rules including HM-264 regarding the shipping of LNG by rail tank cars and the recent HM-265 docket issued 10/28/24 regarding the proposed removal of sole delegated authority from the AAR Tank Car Committee for the approval of tank car designs and Quality Assurance Programs. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. 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!
• PHMSA is divided into two parts, the Office of Hazmat Safety which focuses on hazmat shipments made by rail, highway, air and vessel; and the Office of Pipeline Safety.
• There are 1.2 million hazmat shipments by all modes of transportation daily.
• Hazmat shipments in the U.S. arrive at destination safely 99.99995% of the time.
• PHMSA’s focus is to create regulations that address any safety issues that are present in each mode of hazmat transportation in the U.S.
• PHMSA is also a resource including offering grant programs for first responders.
• As a part of the Department of Transportation, PHMSA sometimes receives mandates for rule makings directly from Congress.
• The proposed changes to the current rail tank car design and QAP processes in HM-265 is meant to mirror the current regulations regarding Highway tanks.
• Any questions you may have regarding the safe transportation of hazardous materials can be addressed by calling the DOT Hazmat Info Center at (800) 467-4922.
• Stay tuned for our next episode!

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.PHMSA.DOT.gov

https://www.FederalRegister.gov

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Crystal Blasius, Director of Safety Investigations for Amtrak. Together they discuss the importance of everyone following safety guidelines when around trains with a focus on railroad crossings. They also discuss Operation Life Saver and some of the scenic trips you can take on Amtrak. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. 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!
• Crystal served our country in the U.S. Navy as an FC3, Fire Controlman 3rd Class.
• She began her career in railroading in 2008 as a Conductor for the DM&E railroad.
• Her current role as Director of Safety Investigations for Amtrak reminds her a bit of CSI.
• There are approximately 78,000 customers making trips on Amtrak daily.
• Crystal’s opinion of one of the greatest challenges in railroad safety is communication.
• A train approaching a railroad crossing at an average speed of 59 mph will take a mile to stop.
• In the event of an emergency at a railroad crossing, call the number on the blue & white sign on the crossing post and give them the crossing number which will indicate your exact location.
• The 2024 Honor our Heroes Award winner is..Crystal Blasius!
• Stay tuned for our next episode!

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.oli.org 

https://www.amtrak.com 

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Nigel Bennett – Treasurer for the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) in Union, IL. Together they discuss the history of the 100-acre Illinois Railway Museum, their history, vast and expansive exhibits, extensive libraries, educational opportunities, and amazing seasonal events for the whole family to enjoy. Also, at the end of the episode Don is joined by co-founder, president and CEO of Boots for Troops – Jimmy Rogers to announce the 2024 – Honor our Heroes award winner! Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. 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!
• Nigel was born and raised in England where during his teenage years, steam was the most common locomotive power source on British railways, not unlike the locomotive in Harry Potter.
• The Illinois Railway Museum was founded in 1953, but the railroad history on the site goes back much further than that.
• Their Pullman library and collection are so extensive that the Pullman Historical District and Trust utilizes the IRM as a resource.
• Exhibits at the IRM include their model railroad exhibit, freight train exhibit, post office gallery, full size railcars, locomotives and even buses, totaling over 500 railroad related exhibit items.
• In addition to the wonderful exhibits, visitors can also ride all kinds of trains while there including those powered by steam locomotives and more modern electric trains and trolleys.
• The seasonal events at IRM are many, including the upcoming Pumpkin Train in the fall, the Happy Holiday Railway and Steam Department Benefit at the Sanfillipo Estate. 
• Anyone interested in the IRM can purchase their tickets, make donations and even sign up to volunteer via the IRM website at www.IRM.org .
• The 2024 Honor our Heroes Award winner is……
• Stay tuned for our next episode!

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.irm.org 

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Tim Schaffer – Regional Sales Manager for PPG Industries. Together they discuss the importance of railcar coatings, along with a deep dive into the overall paint and lining processes, including everything from surface preparation and training to the finished product. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• Don dedicates this episode to the memory of his mentor, Joe Schieszler Sr., founder of Rescar Companies and AllTranstek, who passed away July 29, 2024.

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

• Don shares his first experience blasting a railcar.

• Improper surface preparation results in over 80% of all coating and lining failures. 

• Surace contamination can include something as simple as handprints and sweat.

• The primary reasons to apply an interior lining to a railcar are product purity and corrosion protection.

• With the amount of coatings and lining options available, it’s best to consult with a coating’s expert and/or manufacturer to determine which is best for your intended use.

• Employee blast and coatings training is a must and can be achieved from resources such as coatings manufacturers and many local community colleges.

• Without the proper equipment, providing a finished coatings product that meets all requirements will be challenging, if not impossible.

• The annual Honor our Heroes Award is back for 2024, so please submit all nominations by 09/13/24. Details of how to nominate a veteran for the award are included in the episode.

• Visit our online store for all your fall hoodies, caps and sweatshirts!

• Stay tuned for our next episode!

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.ppg.com 

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Joseph “Sepp” Scanlin  – Museum Director for the U.S. Army Transportation Museum. Together they discuss the long relationship between the U.S. Army Transportation Corps and the American railroad industry going back to pre-Civil War days, as well as the U.S. Army’s use of railroading all over the world. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. 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 is a New Gold Sponsor aboard!
• “Sepp” is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with 21 years of service to his country, prior to becoming the Museum Director of the U.S. Army Transportation Museum.
• The U.S. Army Transportation Corps is involved with 5 other areas of transportation in addition to railroading.
• West Point was created as an engineering school, and many went into the railroad industry after serving their country, as they still do today.
• During World War II, it was common for the U.S. Army to utilize railroad shops for manufacturing and training purposes to assist with the war effort, including hospital trains.
• The U.S. Army Transportation Corps has transported all kinds of modes of transportation, including elephants.
• More recently, as with the war in Afghanistan, the U.S. Army Transportation Corps has become advisors versus operators.
• The U.S. Army Transportation Museum has over 7,000 artifacts and exhibits. 
• The annual Honor our Heroes Award is back for 2024, so please submit all nominations by 09/13/24. Details of how to nominate a veteran for the award are included in the episode.
• Stay tuned for our next episode!

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://transportation.army.mil 

https://transportation.army.mil/museum/index.html