NRC chairman's column: Change is constant, leadership is a choice

The railroad industry is not just evolving; it’s being reshaped. That message resonates with many in the railway industry, including leaders who shared engineering and capital presentations at the NRC Annual Conference in early January. Transformative change — and more changes to come — was a dominant theme.

That message came through from the very beginning of the conference when Norfolk Southern Railway Vice President of Engineering Ed Boyle put it plainly: “Nothing stays the same. You either get better or get worse.” His challenge — to embrace change and “lead the way” — conveys what many in our industry already know. Planned and unplanned change is now the norm. How we respond to it will define our success.

Member ‘superstars’ lauded

During the conference, we heard from one railway leader after another about anticipated changes and higher standards for their own crews and job-site partners. We heard appreciation for past partnerships and pleas for continued collaboration to change for the better.

A highlight of the conference occurred when we were introduced to superstars among our membership during the presentation of special awards. These winners led the way and achieved exemplary results, in part by successfully navigating and addressing change in our industry.

• Small Project of the Year — A joint venture of Herzog Contracting and Stacy Witbeck (HSW) won this award for its work to construct the Terminal Island Wye Track Realignment Project at Pier S and Pier T, the largest container terminal at the Port of Long Beach. The joint venture delivered this 18-month, $19.7 million intermodal rail yard expansion project ahead of schedule and without a safety incident. HSW self-performed the track realignment and built 4,000 feet of siding track to connect two ends of the terminal facility by rail in coordination with active train operations.
• Innovation in Technology and Process — FTS Tools LLC has won this award for its SpikeTee Spike Setter Tool, an alternative to setting a spike with a hammer and hand. FTS reports this new innovative tool is easy to use, efficient and reduces risk of injuries. FTS developed the tool in response to requests from two Class Is to help avoid cutting spike accidents.

As chairman of NRC, I see this moment as both a responsibility and an opportunity. Our industry has the talent, experience and ingenuity to meet what’s ahead, but only if we are willing to adapt, collaborate and hold ourselves to higher standards than ever before.

Over the next two years, NRC will continue to focus on strengthening collaboration with our railroad partners and ensuring that we are supporting our members so they are positioned to succeed as expectations continue to rise. That will require engagement, accountability and a willingness to challenge ourselves.

I want to thank outgoing Chairman Joe Daloisio for his leadership and significant impact during his term. He has left the NRC well positioned for what comes next.

Change is already underway and more is coming. The NRC intends to be at the forefront of that change to help our members to not just respond, but to also lead.

“Change is constant. Leadership is a choice.”

Curtis Bilow, NRC Chairman
The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association Inc.
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