OmniTRAX honors short lines for safety culture, performance in 2018

OmniTRAX Inc. yesterday announced recognition for individual and team performances in 2018 at the company's recent national leadership meeting in Denver.

The meeting reviewed 2018 performance and the company's plan for growth in 2019. Last year was a record year for the company, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Shuba said in a press release.

"At the same time, we know there may be some difficulties ahead in the economic landscape and the event also helps us shape our strategy to take advantage of hidden opportunities within those challenges,” he said.

The company recognized OmniTRAX short lines and regionals for safety, safety culture and railroad of the year.

Railroad of the Year — presented to the railroad with the most outstanding performance based on marked improvement in the culture of safety while achieving significant growth — went to the Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railway. The railroad achieved a 25 percent year-over-year increase in carloads and nearly a 20 percent increase in revenue, Brownsville & Rio Grande's last reportable derailment was more than 16 years ago.

OmniTRAX presented its Culture of Safety Award to Bryce Anderson, general manager of the Nebraska, Kansas & Colorado Railway, for operating the railroad without a reportable derailment for more than seven years. The railroad handled 60 percent more carloads than forecast in 2018.

OmniTRAX also presented its Energy Solutions Terminal of the Year award to the terminal in Cotulla, Texas, which used precision transload techniques to handle more than 1.3 million tons and finished 2018 with a best-in-class operating ratio of 21 percent.