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 & Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). Together they discuss the story of the American short line railroads including their origins, their near demise due to regulations and increased trucking,  their re-birth after deregulation, their significant role and impact on the U.S. economy, the effect of a government shutdown on the 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 remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 58 countries around the world, on 38 podcast platforms!
• Although growing up in Baltimore, MD., Mr. Baker is a graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX.
• Prior to becoming President of the ASLRRA, Chuck was a lobbyist specializing in government affairs in Washinton, DC for 15 years representing railroad clients before the Federal Government, including Congress & administrative agencies such as the DOT,FRA, STB, DHS & TSA.
• Don and Chuck discuss what criteria determines a Class 1 railroad.
• A short line railroad’s role is to be the “First Mile, Last Mile” provider to local and regional businesses and communities, working in conjunction with Class 1 railroads.
• While there are 6 Class 1 railroads in the U.S. (UP, BNSF, CSX, NS, CN, and CPKC), there are 603 short line railroads.
• Short line railroads are a great American success story, employing 17,800 employees nationwide, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.
• Chuck shares his opinion on the effect of a government shutdown on the railroad industry.
• The ASLRRA offers its members not only advocacy, but also training, grant assistance, disaster preparedness, education funds & industry scholarships, environmental initiatives, webinars, industry events, and more.
• 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.ASLRRA.org