American Railroading Podcast

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). Together they discuss a multitude of pending rulemaking and bills in Washington DC that will impact short line railroads and/or Class 1 railroads including 49 CFR, Part 246 regarding signal employees; the Surface Transportation Bill due to expire 09/30/26 and the pending Build America 250 Act that, if passed, would replace it. They also do a deep dive into the Railway Safety Act and its Sections including Inspections, Defect Detection Systems and Safer Tank Cars, their pros and cons; as well as short line railroading news, events 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 is ranked in the Top 5% of all podcasts in the world, now downloaded in 100 countries, on 45 different platforms!Don advised that the deadline to nominate your favorite U.S. Armed Forces veteran in the rail industry for the 2026 Honor our Heroes award is 09/14/26. Please send all nominees to [email protected] . Details are in the episode.Founded in 1913, ASLRRA proudly represents the entrepreneurial owners and operators of short line and regional railroads throughout North America. These approximately 600 small businesses play a vital role in the hub-and-spoke transportation network, often providing the first-mile/last-mile connection between farmers and manufacturers and the ultimate consumer.Congratulations to Justin Broyles, President & CEO of R.J. Corman for being named Chairman of the ASLRRA Board of Directors.The ASLRRA has a Veterans Engagement Award, given out to a railroad each year who supports veterans in the workplace and community, as well as attracts veterans through hiring practices.The short line industry has achieved a new safety record in 2025, according to data from the Federal Railroad Administration. ASLRRA announced that of the 418 member railroads that earned a 2025 “Jake Safety Award”, a record-breaking 371 short lines earned a “Jake with Distinction” for zero reportable injuries in 2025.In an article published August 13, 2026 at www.ASLRRA.org , it stated that the ASLRRA joined the American Association of Railroads (AAR) and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in comments supporting the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) proposal to rescind the rulemaking 49 CFR-part 246, regarding signal employees, in its entirety.Chuck gives his feedback on portions of the proposed Build America 250 Act, including grant programs and appropriations, as well as proposed increases in truck sizes and weights, and their potential impact.Don and Chuck review the Railway Safety Act’s 17 Sections, focusing on Section 105 for Inspections, Section 107 for Defect Detection Systems and Section 110 for Safer Tank Cars, which includes an accelerated Class 3 Flammable Liquids Phase Out Schedule to DOT 117J, 117P and 117R tank cars with an accelerated proposed deadline of 12/31/27.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshXhttps://www.enviroserve.comDon Walsh | LinkedInhttps://www.ASLRRA.orghttps://www.Boots4Troops.org

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA). Together they discuss the current state of the U.S. oil and gas industries; oil and gas pricing, how it is determined and by whom; the reason gas prices fluctuate state to state; the short-term and potential long-term impacts the closing of the Strait of Hormuz will have on the U.S. oil and gas industries due to the war in Iran; the reason why oil prices have increased, but not as high as projected; the very important role the rail industry plays in the oil & gas supply chain; the growth of both U.S. oil and LNG exports, how that helps U.S. allies and the potential impact on the rail industry; 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 is now ranked in the Top 5% of all podcasts in the world!Don shared how he met 4-time Super Bowl Champion and Army veteran who served and was severely injured in the war in Vietnam, Rocky Bleier of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the recent Boots for Troops, Boots and Suits Gala in Houston, TX where Rocky was the Keynote Speaker.Prior to becoming President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, Mr. Staples served in public service for many years including as a City Councilman, a Texas State Representative for District 11, a Texas State Senator for District 3, and as the 11th Texas Commissioner of Agriculture.The Texas Oil & Gas Commission is a statewide trade association representing every facet of the Texas oil and gas industry, including small independents and major producers.Todd and Don break down many myths about the oil and gas industries, starting with how oil and gas prices are determined, and not determined.Mr. Staples explains why he believes that U.S. Energy Security means National Security.Don and Todd discuss the continued war in Iran, the re-closing of the Strait of Hormuz, its impact on the U.S. oil and gas industries, and the potential impact on the rail industry.Todd explains the importance of oil and gas in our daily lives, and gives us incredible data that may surprise you!The Texas Oil & Gas Association has their own podcast called TXOGA Talks, hosted by their President, Todd Staples. Please check them out at www.TXOGA.org .If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshXhttps://www.enviroserve.comDon Walsh | LinkedInhttps://www.TXOGA.org https://www.RockyBleier.com https://www.Boots4Troops.org

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Captain Eric Carrero (U.S. Coast Guard ret.) – President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau. Together they discuss the many roles of the U.S. Coast Guard including port security, the recent and first ever Navy Fleet Week in Houston, the impact of the Greater Houston Ports on the U.S. economy, the short-term and long-term impacts on the greater Houston ports by the closing of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war in Iran, the very important supply chain relationship between the greater Houston ports and railroads, current and future port expansion plans and its potential impact on the rail industry, America’s 250th birthday, 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 87 countries, nearly 50% of the world!Don announced that nominations are now open for the 4th annual Honor our Heroes Award, sponsored by Boots for Troops in Tomball, TX. All nominations are due to [email protected] by 09/14/26.Prior to becoming President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau, Captain Carrero served 26 years in the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring.Founded in 1929 as the result of diverse public and semi-public agencies interested in furthering the development of the Port of Houston, the Port Bureau is a member driven, non-profit trade organization dedicated to the success of the port region.Captain Carrero discusses Houston’s recent and first ever Navy Fleet Week, why it’s so important, and the long-standing relationship between the greater Houston ports and the United States military.The Greater Houston Port Bureau hosts the number 1 U.S. port by tonnage, the largest container terminal on the Gulf, the number 4 cruise ship terminal in the U.S., and its economic impact is over $1.1 trillion dollars to the U.S. economy.Captain Carrero explains a technique used by Pilots passing one another in the Houston ship channel known as the “Texas Chicken”.Don and Captain Carrero discuss the importance of the relationship between the Texas ports and the railroad industry in the supply chain not only for Texas, but the entire U.S. as well as global markets.Last but certainly not least, Captain Carrero explains the short-term and long-term impacts of the Iran war, and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, on the oil and gas shipments to and from the greater Houston ports, as well as potential impacts on the rail industry as a result.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshXhttps://www.enviroserve.comDon Walsh | LinkedInhttps://www.TXGulf.orghttps://www.PTRA.com

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Betsy Cantwell – President of GoRail. Together they discuss the legislation pending in DC that will impact the rail industry such as the Railway Safety Act and overall Surface Transportation Bill. They do a deep dive into the current and impressive safety record of the rail industry, review all the programs GoRail offers to foster local community-based rail advocacy such as Rail Champions, as well as their Rail Grant Hub, accessibility to freight rail policy and data, 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 83 countries, nearly 50% of the world!Don announces the celebration of the podcast’s 3-Year Anniversary! Time sure flies!Since joining GoRail in 2015, Betsy has led the organization’s advocacy and communications strategy to build public and political support for freight rail, including earned media, digital campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and message development, aimed at making freight rail policy accessible and compelling to the communities it impacts the most.Per the GoRail website at www.GoRail.org, founded in 2004 on the principle that “all politics is local,” GoRail believes that direct input from constituents is the best way to communicate with elected officials. GoRail works with thousands of community leaders across the country to tell the local story of freight rail — stronger economies, more jobs and cleaner skies.Among all the data available on the GoRail Website is a link to “Check Data for Rail in Your State”, which not only provides the data and benefits of rail in your state, but also gives contact information for your state reps and each major railroad.Betsy gives her opinion on the potential pros and cons of the pending Railway Safety Act and Surface Transportation Act.2025 has been reported as the safest year on record for the rail industry, with improvements across almost every safety metric. According to the Association of American Railroads, Freight Rail Safety - Fact Sheet available at www.AAR.org , the overall train accident rate declined 14 percent year-over-year, while derailments, equipment caused accidents, and track caused accidents each fell to the lowest levels in the railroad industry’s history.In a press conference from March 13, 2023, former STB Chairman, Marty Oberman stated in part regarding rail safety: “The Bureau of Transportation Statistics documented last year (2022) that 94% of all hazardous materials spills occurred on truck and only 1% occurred on rail. So if you were trying to make sure communities all over the country are safer, you would want to move more of this material by train, rather than by truck”.Don encourages everyone to follow him on his LinkedIn page at Don Walsh | LinkedIn , and to review his article he published 05/21/26 titled “Railroads Helped Build America & New Policy will Shape the Future of Railroading”. If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX https://www.enviroserve.com Don Walsh | LinkedInhttps://www.GoRail.org https://www.AAR.org https://www.SERTC.org

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Dave Ronzani - Director of Railcar Regulatory Compliance for AllTranstek. Together they discuss the current state of tank car regulations with an update after the recent AAR Tank Car Committee meetings in Nashville, TN., including the status of PHMA’s proposed rulemaking HM-265 as well as their opinions of potential pros and cons; an open FRA Hazardous Materials Incident Investigation (HMII) regarding tank car angle valves; NAR’s (Non-Accident Releases); AAR CPC 1435 regarding tank car vacuum relief valves; docket T88.12 regarding tank car visual inspections; other “hot button” topics 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 82 countries around the world! Nearly 50% of the world!Dave has over 40 years of experience in Quality Assurance and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and holds an American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) Level III certificate in 7 NDT methods.Don gives an overview of AllTranstek, including their history of how and when they were formed.Mr. Ronzani discusses the different entities involved in tank car regulations and how their roles interact with one another.Dave explains what an FRA Hazardous Materials Investigation (HMII) is and how it can affect everyone involved in process, from the car owner to the car and component manufacturers, and everyone in between.Don and Dave discuss the pending PHMSA rulemaking HM-265 regarding the potential of taking away sole responsibility for tank car certificates of construction and shop certification for M-1002 and M-1003 from the AAR, and their opinions of potential pros and cons of the change.Mr. Ronzani discusses AAR CPC 1435 related to certain tank car vacuum relief valves whose AAR service trial wasn’t completed properly, what tank car owners need to do about them and by when.Don shares various best practices from real-life experiences he’s had.Dave’s biggest industry pet-peeve is…..You’ll have to tune in 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.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX https://www.enviroserve.com https://www.AllTranstek.com https://www.AAR.org