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March 5, 2024

Tech Talk – The Advantages of Embracing Technology in Rail with John Schmitter of RailState

Tech Talk – The Advantages of Embracing Technology in Rail with John Schmitter of RailState
Season 2

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh, is joined by guest John Schmitter, co-founder and CCO of RailState based in Quincy, MA. Together they discuss the advantages of embracing and utilizing modern technology in the railroad industry, including sharing some stories of how far technology has come in railroading, and where there are still some needs. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

  • The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% Globally!
  • The podcast has now been downloaded in 34 countries! 
  • There are Platinum, Gold, and Silver Sponsorships available for the podcast.
  • The American Railroading online store is live!
  • Don shares his experience of having to create handwritten railcar inspections and BRC estimates on mobile railcar repair callouts and discusses how far technology has come.
  • John gives his thoughts on some technological advances he’s seen in his 40 years in the industry.
  • The Railroad industry invests a lot of capital in technology each year, despite not being regulated to do so.
  • Other modes of freight transportation in the U.S. such as shipping, air and ground have greater access to network visibility than the railroads currently do.
  • John feels that having greater visibility to the entire railroad network can help shippers, government agencies, ports and terminals, commodity brokers, and even first responders.
  • Be sure to listen to Don’s new closing statement for each episode called “My Two Cents”.

 

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net/ 

https://therevolutionrailgroup.com/ 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.railstate.com 

John Schmitter Profile Photo

John Schmitter

Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer

John is a graduate of Penn State University with a Master of Business Administration degree, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Northeastern University. John began his career in Transportation 40 years ago, a significant portion of which has been spent in the railroad industry. Prior to Co-Founding Rail State in 2019, John's background includes being President of KEP LLC, Vice President of Business Development at DTE Rail Services, Managing Director of Metals & Ores at Southern Pacific Railroad, Intermodal Market Manager and Trainmaster at Conrail, and he has held several marketing and sales positions in the Intermodal and LTL (Less Than Truckload) trucking industries. John is a frequent guest speaker and class instructor at rail industry conferences and seminars. John has two grown daughters and lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife Pat where he enjoys skiing, golf, biking, and watching the Denver Broncos.