The Story of American Short Line Railroads with ASLRRA President – Chuck Baker
Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). Together they discuss the story of the American short line railroads including their origins, their near demise due to regulations and increased trucking, their re-birth after deregulation, their significant role and impact on the U.S. economy, the effect of a government shutdown on the industry, and much more. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!
KEY POINTS:
- The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 58 countries around the world, on 38 podcast platforms!
- Although growing up in Baltimore, MD., Mr. Baker is a graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX.
- Prior to becoming President of the ASLRRA, Chuck was a lobbyist specializing in government affairs in Washinton, DC for 15 years representing railroad clients before the Federal Government, including Congress & administrative agencies such as the DOT,FRA, STB, DHS & TSA.
- Don and Chuck discuss what criteria determines a Class 1 railroad.
- A short line railroad’s role is to be the “First Mile, Last Mile” provider to local and regional businesses and communities, working in conjunction with Class 1 railroads.
- While there are 6 Class 1 railroads in the U.S. (UP, BNSF, CSX, NS, CN, and CPKC), there are 603 short line railroads.
- Short line railroads are a great American success story, employing 17,800 employees nationwide, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.
- Chuck shares his opinion on the effect of a government shutdown on the railroad industry.
- The ASLRRA offers its members not only advocacy, but also training, grant assistance, disaster preparedness, education funds & industry scholarships, environmental initiatives, webinars, industry events, and more.
- If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.americanrailroading.net
https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com
https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast
Chuck Baker
ASLRRA President
Mr. Baker joined the American Short-Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) as President in February 2019. In the 15 years prior to joining the ASLRRA, Chuck was a Partner at Chambers Conlon & Hartwell (CC&H), a lobbying firm based in Washington, DC. specializing in government affairs management, representing transportation clients before the Federal Government, including Congress and Administrative Agencies such as DOT, FRA, STB, DHS & TSA. While at CC&H Chuck represented clients such as the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (where he also served as President), the ASLRRA, the One-Rail Coalition, the American High-Speed Rail Alliance, the American Railway Development Association, Genesee & Wyoming, Herzog Contracting Corp, and more.
Chuck has significant experience in freight rail, passenger rail, rail transit, and rail industry contractor and supplier legislative and regulatory issues, and he currently serves as a Board Member of the Short-Line Safety Institute and Chairman of the Board of the One-Rail Coalition.
Mr. Baker is a native of Baltimore, MD, and a graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX. with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Policy Studies. Chuck lives on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC with his wife Sarah and two daughters Nora and Lila.