KANSAS, MISS. — Long Creek Railroad has been recognized with the prestigious Northern Short Line Growth Award, highlighting its exceptional growth and service in the rail industry.
The award was presented during the annual Business Development Conference hosted by CPKC – Canadian Pacific, Kansas City Southern in Kansas City on May 7.
"This is the first time that Long Creek Railroad was recognized for this award," said Adriaan Lievaart, president of the Long Creek Railroad Company board. "Long Creek Railroad was singled out as being exceptional in the growth area ... It's a prestigious award to be picked from that many companies."
The Short Line Growth Award acknowledges the remarkable increase in the number of cars that went on and off the line, a key indicator of growth for the Long Creek Railroad.
"Our growth was up 30 per cent last year," Lievaart noted. "More local area farmers are shipping grain by rail, the oil activity has rebounded in the last while, there's more activity on the frac sand side of it. And then also possibly, the reason that we were really busy was potential strikes. And people aren't trained. So we had a little more storage of potash trains."
The event in Kansas City brought together approximately 40 other short lines from both the United States and Canada.
"CP Rail has always had an event once a year where they get together with all the people that they do business with," Lievaart explained. "Usually, it's in Calgary, but this year, because CP merged with Kansas City Southern, they had their annual event in Kansas City."
Tara Struthers, Long Creek Railroad's business development manager, attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of the company.
"She participated in the meetings and the events they had there," Lievaart said.
The recognition from CPKC underscores the significant role that Long Creek Railroad plays in the transportation of goods in the region.
"We're providing transportation for the first and last mile of goods," Lievaart stated. "Sometimes there can be very lengthy dry spells, and you have to keep everything maintained and safe."
Lievaart expressed pride in the company's achievements and the hard work of its staff.
"It's exciting to receive this recognition. As president, and I know the board agrees, we are quite proud of our staff," he said.
The near future looks promising for Long Creek Railroad, with the growth trend continuing, Lievaart said.
"It seems to be remaining fairly busy," Lievaart observed. "It all depends on what kind of a year we have in the grain industry and if the oil activity continues."
The award serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Long Creek Railroad team.
"This is just a fine example of how if you put your nose to the grindstone, you can make things happen," Lievaart remarked.
