Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by
guest Chuck Baker, President of the American Shortline and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA).
Together they discuss a multitude of pending rulemaking and bills in Washington DC that will impact
shortline railroads and/or Class 1 railroads including 49 CFR, Part 246 regarding signal employees; the
Surface Transportation Bill due to expire 09/30/26 and the pending Build America 250 Act that, if
passed, would replace it. They also do a deep dive into the Railway Safety Act and its Sections including
Inspections, Defect Detection Systems and Safer Tank Cars, their pros and cons; as well as shortline
railroading news, events 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 is ranked in the Top 5% of all podcasts in the world, now
downloaded in 100 countries, on 45 different platforms!
• Don advised that the deadline to nominate your favorite U.S. Armed Forces veteran in the rail
industry for the 2026 Honor our Heroes award is 09/14/26. Please send all nominees to
info@Boots4Troops.org . Details are in the episode.
• Founded in 1913, ASLRRA proudly represents the entrepreneurial owners and operators of short
line and regional railroads throughout North America. These approximately 600 small businesses
play a vital role in the hub-and-spoke transportation network, often providing the first-mile/last-
mile connection between farmers and manufacturers and the ultimate consumer.
• Congratulations to Justin Broyles, President & CEO of R.J. Corman for being named Chairman of
the ASLRRA Board of Directors.
• The ASLRRA has a Veterans Engagement Award, given out to a railroad each year who supports
veterans in the workplace and community, as well as attracts veterans through hiring practices.
• The shortline industry has achieved a new safety record in 2025, according to data from the
Federal Railroad Administration. ASLRRA announced that of the 418 member railroads that
earned a 2025 “Jake Safety Award”, a record-breaking 371 short lines earned a “Jake with
Distinction” for zero reportable injuries in 2025.
• In an article published August 13, 2026 at www.ASLRRA.org , it stated that the ASLRRA
joined the American Association of Railroads (AAR) and American Public Transportation
Association (APTA) in comments supporting the Federal Railroad Administration’s
(FRA’s) proposal to rescind the rulemaking 49 CFR-part 246, regarding signal employees,
in its entirety.
• Chuck gives his feedback on portions of the proposed Build America 250 Act, including grant
programs and appropriations, as well as proposed increases in truck sizes and weights, and their
potential impact.
• Don and Chuck review the Railway Safety Act’s 17 Sections, focusing on Section 105 for
Inspections, Section 107 for Defect Detection Systems and Section 110 for Safer Tank Cars,
which includes an accelerated Class 3 Flammable Liquids Phase Out Schedule to DOT 117J, 117P
and 117R tank cars with an accelerated proposed deadline of 12/31/27.
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LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.americanrailroading.net
https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com
https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX
https://www.enviroserve.com
Don Walsh | LinkedIn
https://www.ASLRRA.org
https://www.Boots4Troops.org