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December 2025
The divisive rhetoric and behaviors that plague our society are disturbing. The government shutdown and polarization among officials at all levels trickle down to our neighborhoods, to social media and even to family dinners. These bad actions have real consequences that hurt us in the short and longer term.
For the most part, that type of vitriol and division has bypassed the rail industry. That’s not to say we aren’t hard-headed, and we always agree. But railroaders inherently understand the implications of our interconnectedness. It’s not just important that we find ways to get along; it’s a necessity for our growth and survival.
The saying “A rising tide lifts all boats” aptly describes the rail industry. Obviously, the mode is not a fit, but the idea that a positive climate for rail benefits all participants. We’ve all seen countless times throughout our careers that when one player in our industry is struggling, the pain is felt across the entire rail network.
Our higher calling in our industry — how we come together to help each other — makes me incredibly proud. The positive examples of our unity across our industry should be a model for everyone to exemplify.
You need look no further than to members of the NRC, a U.S. trade association that advances the mutual interests of railway contractors and suppliers, for inspiring stories of cooperation and support. Our association and our member companies work together throughout the year to help one another and others.
One obvious area is during extreme weather events and accidents. Although Hurricane Helene pummeled the Southeast, particularly North Carolina, in September 2024, Class I and short-line railroads and their contractors and suppliers responded immediately to protect human life and worked tirelessly well into 2025 to rebuild track and restore service to affected lines. They coordinated equipment mobilization and shared resources to provide a rapid response. This type of teamwork has been repeated across the country in many other emergency situations.
Leaders from NRC member companies answered the call when asked to represent our industry’s interests with elected officials. Whether testifying in Washington, meeting with members of Congress as part of Railroad Day on the Hill or hosting officials at facilities and project sites, NRC members took a stand to drive legislative and regulatory improvements and secure funds to strengthen rail infrastructure. These efforts benefit not just the rail industry but the entire nation.
The NRC Board and committee members, most of whom work for competing companies, volunteer countless hours and collaborate to achieve our mission to improve safety and strengthen performance among all our members. They coordinate our annual railroad equipment auction which in turn funds new safety resources. They research and evaluate sustainability trends to help our members prepare for and comply with evolving standards and reporting requirements. They mentor and recruit veterans to work in the industry with suppliers and contractors. They highlight exemplary performance — in project management and operations, innovation in technology and processes, in field supervision, and in safety — to promote widespread improvements.
The NRC also draws more than 1,400 industry leaders together at our annual conference to learn, network and advocate for our industry. Our collaboration is extraordinary. Year after year, these industry change agents gather together, challenge each other, share lessons learned and new safety initiatives, and develop game plans to enhance our own performance and our industry as a whole. We demonstrate that we are stronger and successful when we are united and working toward a common goal. There is still time to join us and add your contribution. The NRC 2026 Conference will be held Jan. 7-10, 2026, at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida.
I am grateful for our industry and the forerunners who work hard to avoid verbal and behavioral derailments that lead to vulnerability and failure. Let’s recommit to engage and grapple with tough issues and situations. Let’s join together to invest in an incredible, interconnected industry that elevates all of us to higher standards.
“We aren’t just in this industry. We are this industry.”
Joe Daloisio, NRC chairman The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association Inc.80 M Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003202-715-2920nrcma.org info@nrcma.org
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