American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

06/12/2026

Welcome to new member Tiger Transfer!

Tiger Transfer, LLC is a BNSF designated Certified Site and Premier Transload Facility located in Upton, Wyoming on the double-mainline BNSF Black Hills Subdivision. The facility includes approximately 50,000 feet of rail built to mainline power specifications and nearly 400 acres of shovel-ready property available for expansion.

http://www.tigertransfer.com/

06/11/2026

The location's right next to the rail line. Should be easy to connect them and set up service, right?

Actually, no.

The "straightforward plans" are not always as they seem in the freight rail world. But short lines can figure out how to make it work. That's what ASLRRA member Kanawha River Railroad did when it worked with customer Alpha Metallurgical Resources to establish service to a new coal mine in Pax, West Virginia.

The project required new rail infrastructure, new locomotives and a plan to navigate physically challenging terrain with only one place for trains to pass each other.

The result? AlphaMet was able to build a new mine and bring the community new jobs and valuable economic growth -- without relying on the estimated 30,000 trucks it would have taken to move 1.2 million tons of coal. This new business will increase Kanawha River Railroad's annual carloads by 50% and revenue by 40%, and the railroad plans to hire up to 10 new team members to support this effort. Watco

Want to read the full story? Check out our ASLRRA Member Spotlight in this week's issue of our e-newsletter Views & News: https://www.aslrra.org/news/views-and-news/views-news-061026/

06/10/2026

Welcome to new member North Louisiana & Arkansas Railroad!

North Louisiana & Arkansas Railroad (NLA) is owned by the Robbins family and has been operating since 2012. NLA primarily serves regional agricultural communities in Southeast Arkansas and Northeast Louisiana.

06/10/2026

Help our industry get a new freight rail locomotive emoji!

Don't get us wrong, we love the old one -- 🚂. It's classic and timeless, 10/10 no notes. BUT, if you had a total glow-up would you want your work to keep using your old headshot? Probably not.

Today's freight locomotives are totally technology-forward. They're quiet. They're fast. They run cleaner than ever. It's time to have an emoji that captures these decades of modernization!

Our friends at GoRail are leading the charge to have the Unicode Consortium add an updated emoji. Support this effort by signing their petition here:

The only train emoji we have is a steam engine. But today’s rail system runs on modern freight trains that power the global economy. It’s time that changed.

06/08/2026

Welcome to new member Interactive Rail!

Interactive Rail delivers practical, hands-on training that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world railroad operations. Developed and taught by active railroad professionals, their solutions range from immersive 3D eLearning to in-the-field track inspections. By focusing on how the industry actually works, they provide high-quality field services and training that maximize the value of your workforce investment.

https://www.interactiverail.com/

06/05/2026

Yesterday our SVP, Safety, Regulatory, and Environmental Policy Jo (second from right) took a quick trip to New York for a site visit at ASLRRA member New York & Atlantic Railway.

She, SLSI Executive Director Tom Murta (second from left) and a team from transportation technology company Newport Sensors were at NYA as part of a Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) research project. Always cool to see our staff working with our members on the front lines of safety.

06/05/2026

Welcome to new member John Burns Construction Company!

Founded in 1906 and based in Westmont, Illinois, John Burns Construction Company is a self-performing general contractor specializing in complex infrastructure projects across the rail, transit, utility, and telecom sectors. Serving clients throughout Illinois, Texas, and the Midwest, the company combines a close-knit family culture and growth-minded leadership with large-scale capabilities to deliver safe, reliable ex*****on in demanding environments.

https://jbcco.com/

06/04/2026

Most scenic, most patriotic -- our members continue to hit it out of the park!

Congratulations to ASLRRA member holding companies R. J. Corman Railroad Group and Watco for being named two of America's Most Patriotic Companies in 2026!

They were chosen based on evaluations in multiple categories including support for military personnel and veterans and corporate social responsibility.

TBH we feel like proud parents. We're so honored for the opportunity to work on behalf of amazing organizations like these.

Newsweek is proud to partner with Plant-A Insights Group to present America’s Most Patriotic Companies 2026.

06/03/2026

Good news? Bad news? We'll let you decide...

The deadline for the Federal Railroad Administration's CRISI grant program has been extended by three days, to June 25. You now have 72 extra hours to complete your application. See the updated NOFO here: https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/fy-2025-2026-nofo-crisi

Remember -- we've got multiple resources to help you cross the CRISI application finish line. These include:
👉 A CRISI grant application webpage: https://www.aslrra.org/member-resources/crisi-grant-application-information/
👉 Recorded webinars with FRA representatives: https://www.aslrra.org/education/on-demand-webinars/
👉 Member Discount Program Grant Writing Preferred Provider Colliers: https://www.aslrra.org/member-resources/member-discount-program/grant-writing-services/

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06/02/2026

Scenic train rides are THE BEST (in our humble opinion) and ASLRRA members offer some of the nation's top excursions according to USA Today's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.

Congratulations to all our members (or member-operated railroads) named in the top 10 for Best Scenic Train Ride!

Adirondack Railroad
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
Skunk Train
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Even if you don't live near one of these honorees, you probably have a tourist railroad in your area. This summer, consider a indulging in a picturesque train journey. They're amazing!

Enjoy beautiful scenery and an unforgettable experience on these 10 train rides, voted as the best by our readers.