Burlington Junction Railway Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY), a prominent Class III railroad, recently celebrated an impressive milestone—its 40th anniversary. This significant gathering took place at BJRY’s headquarters in Burlington, Iowa, and saw over 100 employees and their families come together to commemorate four decades of dedicated service in the rail transport industry.
The journey began in 1985, when Steve Hoth, a local attorney, and his wife JoEllen purchased a single locomotive and three miles of track. With only three employees, they set the foundation for what has now evolved into a thriving business. Today, BJRY operates over 250 miles of rail across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, employs around 100 personnel, and boasts a fleet of 50 locomotives serving 85 customers at 15 different locations.
Expansion and Commitment
One of the highlights of this anniversary celebration was the recent announcement from BNSF Railway, which recognized BJRY's inclusion in its Shortline Select Program. This exclusive program aims to enhance collaboration between BNSF and its selected shortline partners. With the creation of Shortline Select introduced in September 2024, BJRY is now positioned to share in BNSF’s growth and service commitment, providing its customers with expanded opportunities to reach a broader consumer base.
Peter Hoth, BJRY's Principal of Corporate Development, expressed excitement about the future, stating, "We continue to be excited about future growth at BJRY and how we can benefit the communities we serve. Our customers and Class I railroad partners are essential to that growth. We are dedicated to providing our 'white glove' rail switching services to our customers and transload partners."
Diverse Offerings
BJRY provides an array of services, including the management of various commodities ranging from wallboard and lumber to machinery and steel rebar. Their specialty services cater to the unique needs of their clients, including switching, transloading, and locomotive servicing. This versatility has been critical in establishing BJRY as a reliable partner for businesses that rely on rail transport.
As an operation celebrating 40 years, BJRY remains committed to its core principles while continuously adapting to meet the demands of the industry and its clientele. The railway has thrived through a blend of innovation and service excellence, making it a vital component of the transportation infrastructure in its operating regions.
Looking Ahead
As BJRY continues its journey, the company is determined to uphold its dedication to customer service while also exploring new growth ventures. The railroad has steadily expanded its operations and values the rich history and community connections that have contributed to its success.
For more information about Burlington Junction Railway, visit
www.bjryrail.com. The future looks promising for BJRY, and the company is eager to embrace the next chapter in its storied history of rail service.