Before the Railcar Leaves: Track Inspection, Protection, and Rail Safety in Grain Operations
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. What happens after a railcar leaves your facility? For most of us, it's easy to think our responsibility ends once the paperwork is complete, the railcar is loaded, and it's released onto the track. But that's really where the journey begins. That railcar may travel hundreds of miles across the country, passing through neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and communities before reaching its destination. Every switch that's thrown, every inspection that's performed, every wheel that's checked, and every decision that's made at your facility contributes to the safety of everyone along that route. It's a responsibility the grain industry carries every single day. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training for GEAPS, sits down with two respected railroad professionals from Northern Plains Rail Companies—Steven Fry, Assistant Director of Safety, Training & Operating Practices, and Noel Christensen, Superintendent of Training & Operating Practices. Together, they bring more than seven decades of railroad experience to an engaging conversation about the critical role grain facilities play in rail safety. Rather than focusing solely on regulations, this discussion explores the why behind rail safety. You'll hear why routine track inspections matter, what effective track protection really means, where facilities most commonly fall short, and how strong operating practices can prevent incidents before they happen. The conversation also examines how the commodities being shipped can influence regulatory expectations, why understanding railroad operating rules is just as important as knowing your facility's procedures, and how ongoing employee training builds a stronger culture of safety. Whether you're responsible for operations, maintenance, engineering, safety, environmental compliance, transportation, or facility management, you'll leave this episode with practical ideas you can put to work immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: Why every railcar leaving your facility carries a responsibility beyond your property What effective track inspection should include—and what facilities often overlook The purpose and importance of track protection Common rail safety risks found during facility inspections How different commodities can change regulatory expectations Why employee training and operating practices are essential to safe rail operations The habits that distinguish high-performing facilities Practical "Start, Stop, and Continue" recommendations to strengthen your rail safety program Rail safety isn't simply about compliance. It's about protecting employees. Protecting equipment. Protecting your operation. And protecting every community a railcar passes through after it leaves your facility. Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.
