NEARS Hits It Out of the Park Once Again!

(By Dennis Wilmot)

What happened? 

We kicked off the festivities on Wednesday, April 9th with the NEARS TopGolf Extravaganza, blessed with perfect weather, a rare treat for April in Baltimore. The Joseph & Eileen Gearin Networking Reception followed, surrounded by vendor tables showcasing their latest offerings. 

NEARS provided a platform for candid, open, and challenging conversations from the shipper side, featuring insights from Farrukh Bezar (Managing Partner, Littlejohn & Co.), Didi Caldwell (President & CEO, Global Location Strategies), Peter O’Malley (VP Corporate Relations, American Sugar Refining, Inc.), Todd Tranausky (Logistics Procurement Manager, American Styrene), and Ken Sanchez (President/CEO of Chesapeake Specialty Products). 

Representing the carriers were Dan McLaughlin (AVP M&S Operations, Union Pacific) and Brian Hammock (VP State Government Affairs, CSX). Kenneth Mannka, Executive Vice President of Operations at Nexxiot, shared how technology is finally bringing the rail industry the real-time visibility enjoyed by most other transportation media. 

And as always, NEARS included the world-renowned, ever-popular, and highly anticipated Tony and Jason Show (FC) with Tony Hatch (Principal, ABH Consulting) and Jason Seidl (Managing Director Industrials, TD Cowen). 

Here are some of my takeaways from last week:

Format That Works

One of the smartest choices NEARS made was blending traditional presentations with fireside chats. Data and abstract concepts are sometimes difficult to digest without something tangible to look at. By giving speakers the option to lead with visuals and then pivot to open conversation, the combination struck a perfect balance between information and accessibility.

The decision to forgo a podium was another subtle but impactful improvement. It helped make the discussions feel more collaborative and inclusive. Everyone on stage felt like a participant in a larger conversation.

The Growth Conversation: Still Waiting

For decades, Class I railroads have talked about growth, and while pockets of market-specific expansion have occurred, the industry still hasn’t produced meaningful overall gains. Will it ever happen?

Likewise, the promise of improved service, driven by better metrics and advanced technology, has been a recurring theme for years. And yet, as shipper-heavy panels discussed this topic, it became clear that the rail industry still has a long way to go before these promises translate into tangible, consistent success.

The Railroads’ Reputation Challenge

One of the most common things I hear is that railroads remain complex, bureaucratic, and difficult to deal with. Despite some hopeful tones and new initiatives, none of the conversations I attended that changed that impression.

Technology: The Bright Spot

Certainly, one highlight is that everyone agrees that the technology now exists and can be deployed to give the visibility to rail shipping that is enjoyed by other transportation modes.

NEARS continues to impress by adapting its format, encouraging frank dialogue, and providing top-tier networking opportunities. While the rail industry’s longstanding challenges persist, it’s clear there’s a collective desire to move the conversation forward, and conferences like this are where it starts.

For more details about NEARS, visit www.nears.org.