Mid-November Push: Safety, Savings, and Service

Sean Ireland

Good morning, Thanksgiving is almost at our doorstep. So, I hope everyone’s thinking about turkey, but—more importantly—let’s focus in on what we need to nail down before that holiday stretch. Right out of the gate, I want to talk about safety. Last week, we launched the roll-by safety blitz, which, honestly, was spot-on timing with winter peeking around the corner. We saw three non-reportable injuries and one that was, unfortunately, reportable, so we’ve still got work to do. Most of those were falls from heights while riding equipment. This is something I can’t stress enough: safe mounting and dismounting is absolutely critical, especially in these cold, slick months.

Sean Ireland

And I know I keep harping on it—if you caught our last episode, you know falls and human factors have really been pressing on us lately. But here’s something new: come December 1st, we’re putting our foot down on entraining or detraining moving equipment whenever we’ve got ice or snow—or if you’re wearing anti-slip footwear. That train’s gotta come to a full stop before you hop on or off. Don’t wait until it's policy—start talking about it now in your Job Safety Briefings and Exposure Reduction Discussions. That way, we aren’t playing catch-up when it’s time for operational testing.

Sean Ireland

So let’s stay sharp: keep pushing for those one riding equipment and one switch tag operational test per day—every shift. Don’t forget, we still need to follow up on those 28 folks who’ve had critical rule operational test failures since October 1st. If someone’s not getting the message, circle back and make sure they know this stuff is first priority. Also, managers—remember your two record reviews a week. It’s a good way to have honest conversations about securement and expectations. Quick thanks to our Safety leaders: Zach, Thomas, Roger, Juan, Alex, Mark—you guys are on it, and I appreciate your effort blending JSBs, ERDs, all of it. Alright, let’s stay warm, stay alert, and watch each other’s backs as we roll into this weather.

Sean Ireland

Now, sliding right into costs—because let’s be real, this time of year, every dollar counts. Throughout winter, especially with travel getting risky, we’re doubling down on cutting taxi or cab deadheads. If you’re in a spot where you can use Amtrak or one of the other passenger lines for crew moves instead of putting someone in a van, do it. It’s safer, plain and simple, and the math’s on our side—about $700 a move, and that adds up fast. I mean, would you rather be on the interstate in a snowstorm or on a passenger train with a cup of coffee? Easy choice, right?

Sean Ireland

Overtime—yes, it’s back on my mind. We’re reviewing daily, and here’s what we’re trying to fix: those little pockets where we’ve got, I don’t know, one crew running up 10 minutes overtime while another is just waiting around. That’s not productive, and honestly, it’s like throwing money out the window. Every minute is real cost—we’ve talked about this before, but it bears repeating. Cumberland, special nod to your team; you folks cut overtime by 15% by controlling crew swap. That’s the kind of innovation we need. If we can do that region-wide, imagine what we save not just in dollars, but in sanity for everyone stuck working long shifts.

Sean Ireland

Managers, keep digging into your jobs—yard shifts at 8 to 8 and a half hours, locals at 10 to 10 and a half. There’s always room to trim just a little more. I know it’s nitty-gritty, but a few minutes here and there adds up in a week. So, keep your eyes peeled for those overlaps, and let’s set each other up for a smoother ride. Oh—and don't forget recertifications before the end of the year. We can’t afford to lose anyone to a paperwork miss. If they aren’t wrapped up by December 31st, they’re off the roster. That’s not a spot we want to be in, especially with the holidays.

Sean Ireland

Switching tracks here—let’s tackle service. Honestly, last week, our CSD numbers slipped, so we gotta keep tightening up both the local plans and how quickly we move cars through terminals and yards. Those 32-hour dwell cars can’t be the standard. Look for places where a little hustle—just a shift in the game plan—gets those cars out sooner and makes our customers’ lives easier. One thing I want us looking at: missed car connections. Every one is lost time, lost dollars, and a ding to customer trust.

Sean Ireland

As we plan for Thanksgiving, here’s what’s happening: we’ll annul all industrial yards and locals where the customers are off that day. Only production jobs run on Thanksgiving. Customer Service is gonna send out a full list Monday, and I need all annulments in by end of day Friday. This isn’t just about taking a breather—it’s about focusing our resources where they’re actually needed, keeping the operation moving without burning energy chasing empty work.

Sean Ireland

Quick shoutout—new MTOs who just graduated in Atlanta: Shane Baker, Stephen Polkinghorne, Matthew Bruce, Charles Buckley, and Aren Calhoun, plus Hayden Gioielli.

Sean Ireland

Alright, that about wraps up this Sunday’s message. We’ve got tough weather, tight timelines, and a lot of moving pieces, but you all have proven week after week that we can handle whatever comes. Let’s focus, keep each other safe, and push for smarter, sharper operations as we roll up to the holiday. I’ll catch you all next week for another check-in. Stay safe out there, and thanks for everything you do.