Watco
Safety Anniversaries
February 1 – Houston Goodyear/Ingenia Switching (TX) – 12 years
February 1 – Bronx Dedicated Terminal (NY) – 10 years
February 1 – Brooklyn Dedicated Terminal (NY) – 10 years
February 1 – Chicago Heights Transload Terminal (IL) – 10 years
February 1 – Euclid Transload Terminal (TBT) (OH) – 10 years
February 1 – Roanoke Transload Terminal (TBT) (VA) – 10 years
February 1 – Willis Transload Terminal (TBT) (MI) – 10 years
February 3 – Port of Vicksburg (MS) – 4 years
February 4 – Linden Dedicated Terminal (NY) – 5 years
February 10 – Hammond Switching (IN) – 3 years
February 15 – Port Arthur Dedicated Terminal (TX) – 10 years
February 16 – Columbus Transload Terminal (TBT) (OH) – 10 years
February 19 – Jacksonville Repair and Maintenance Terminal (FL) – 1 year
February 28– Port of Pine Bluff (AR) – 1 year DID
Team members can access the benefit portal to find resources including...
401(k) information
Plan summaries
Single sign-on to Blue Cross Blue Shield and NueSynergy
• Team Member Assistance Program
...on Watco’s Benefitplace app or by selecting the Benefitplace tile on go.watco.com.
Building the Future: 2024 Infrastructure Investments
America has the most robust freight transportation network in the world, and it takes a lot to keep it running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Every day, Watco team members work to maintain the infrastructure that supports our economy.
Watco invests millions of dollars to keep operations moving safely for our customers and communities each year. Last year, we partnered with government agencies, customers, and others to maintain infrastructure and grow freight opportunities across our network. These are some of the major projects Watco completed in 2024:
Agawa Canyon Railroad (ACR) – The ACR deployed 10 solar-powered flood monitors along 200 miles of track. This technology monitors water levels on remote sections of the line and sends alerts during flood events. The project increases the safety of the team, tour train passengers, and freight.
Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) –
The WSOR opened a new 15,000-square-foot locomotive shop with a drop pit and 25-ton crane in Janesville, Wisconsin. The new facility expands the railroad’s repair and inspection capabilities beyond the original roundhouse.
Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (KO) – The KO completed the final phase of upgrades to its South Yard in Wichita. New switches, turnouts, ties, and rail were installed throughout the yard to streamline traffic flow where the railroad interchanges with two Class Is and the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad.
In addition, Bridge 334 on the WSOR’s Reedsburg Subdivision saw two of its major spans replaced, ten piers rehabilitated above and below the water level, more than 500 feet of its tie deck replaced, 1,200 feet of heavier rail installed, and more. This Lake Wisconsin crossing is a vital connection for shippers in the state.
South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL) –
The team completed various smaller improvements across the line, but the largest was the complete rebuild of the Union Pacific interchange and construction of an 8,000-foot siding in Oswego, Kansas. The new infrastructure will support traffic from Bartlett Grain’s new soybean crush facility.
Ringneck & Western Railroad (RWRR) – Team members and contractors spent a month repairing bridges, track, and crossings after monumental flooding. They dumped nearly 25,000 tons of ballast and drove steel sheeting to reinforce creek banks against future floods.
Composite Tie Installation – The Fox Valley & Lake Superior Rail System, Louisiana Southern Railroad, and Mississippi Southern Railroad installed 1,000 composite ties at strategic locations along their railroads as part of a pilot to increase track durability and sustainability.
Stillwater Central Railroad (SLWC) – The SLWC demolished and rebuilt a 312-foot, 23-span timber bridge near Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Both approaches were filled and built up, making the new concrete structure only six spans and 162 feet. The new structure will be more resilient to flood and fire damage and is better suited for the demands of modern railroad traffic.
Verdigris Southern Railroad (VESO) – The VESO joined Watco in 2024 to provide service within the Port of Inola in Oklahoma. More than 4 miles of new track were built to connect the port’s customers to Union Pacific.
Glendale Terminal (AZ) – The terminal completed the construction of a new 900-foot rail spur. The additional railcar spots allow the team to better meet customers’ volume demands and transload freight more efficiently.
Watco Greens Port (TX) – The terminal added a Liebherr LMH550 Mobile Harbor Crane to its docks. The new crane unloads cargo from vessels 20% faster and its reach means the team doesn’t have to move docked vessels during discharge.
Port Birmingham (AL) – The team and local partners collaborated to build a 25,000-square-foot warehouse at the marine terminal. It’s also served by Watco’s Birmingham Terminal Railway. The structure is ideally positioned to serve the region’s steel customers.
Alabama Southern Railroad (ABS) – The ABS updated their hot-box detectors. This technology ensures the team is aware of any issues with railcar bearings as it moves freight through populated areas.
There are many more projects that are still underway or getting ready to kick off in 2025. More bridge replacements, new rail, safety features, technology improvements, and growth projects are on tap. Investing in our infrastructure is an investment in our team, customers, and communities, and shows that we’re committed to safely improving every day.
How to Plan Ahead for Retirement
Are you investing enough for retirement? If you feel behind, you’re not alone. A recent report shows more than half of working Americans share the same concern.
Whether you need help planning, are on track, or find yourself somewhere in between, Watco offers many resources to help you prepare for the future.
Watco’s 401(k) plan, administered by BOK Financial, provides you with two investment options starting on Day 1 of employment: a traditional pre-tax plan and post-tax Roth plan.
Which option is better? It depends. With the traditional plan, contributions aren’t taxed until you’re eligible to make a withdrawal. Contributions to the Roth plan are already taxed, so withdrawals are tax-free once you reach retirement age. The good news is you can choose to participate in one or both of these plans, as well as adjust your contributions at any time.
According to Corbin Knollman, a BOK financial advisor who helps manage Watco’s retirement plans, it’s important to contribute as much as possible to get the full company match. Watco matches 50 cents for every $1 up to 10% of your compensation. For example, if you make $50,000 a year and contribute 10%, Watco will match $2,500.
“My advice is to put as much as you can afford into your 401(k),” Knollman said. “The goal is to meet Watco’s match of 10%, but anything is better than nothing. If you aren’t in the position to contribute 10% today, consider increasing it by a percentage after you receive a merit increase.”
For questions or help planning for retirement, Knollman is here to help at no cost to you. Contact him at cknollman@bokf.com or (913) 905-6242 to schedule an appointment.
Other valuable financial planning tools can be found through the Team Member Assistance Program administered by Lucet. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions, helpful articles on retirement planning, and calculators to help you forecast and reach your financial goals. Visit eap.lucethealth.com and enter company code Watco to access this free resource.
Three Ways to Enroll in a Watco 401(k) Plan
1 Register at startright.bokf.com
2 Call a Start Right Participant Services Representative at (800) 876-9557.
3 Complete the Quick Enrollment Form and send it to benefits@watco.com
Team Members for a Day
After weeks of preparation, Lakeside School fourth-grade students Levonta’e Payton and Alex Miller were proud to represent Watco at this year’s Just Imagine Kansas event on January 31 in Pittsburg. Each year, the students simulate the economy of their local community by “working” for area businesses. They even elect a governor, have police and a postal service, and earn money from their jobs to spend at other businesses at the event. Other students, the sponsoring companies, parents, and members of the community are welcome to attend.
Nearly two dozen Pittsburg-area businesses supported this year’s Just Imagine Kansas, including restaurants, healthcare, banks, and more. Watco’s student workers manned the booth in shifts, talking with those who stopped by about Watco and “selling” various Watco promotional items.
Levonta’e Payton and Alex Miller talk with a community member about Watco at Lakeside School’s Just Imagine Kansas on January 31.
Pictured L-R: Drew Martin, Levonta’e Payton, Alex Miller, and Jay Benedict
Watco Lands Two on ‘Women of Influence’ List
Carla Ewing SVP of Service Assurance
Laura McNichol SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer
Progressive Railroading recently named its inaugural list of Women of Influence in Rail, and those honored include Watco’s Laura McNichol and Carla Ewing.
“Progressive Railroading looked for influence in leadership, mentorship, sustainability, and more,” said Watco Chief Executive Officer Dan Smith. “Carla and Laura fit the bill in multiple categories as far as their impact at Watco.”
Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources show women historically are underrepresented in rail transportation. Women of Influence in Rail and similar recognition programs represent the possibilities for women in railroading and can be a source for inspiration, something each of Watco’s honorees underscored.
“Working with the Watco team has allowed me the opportunity to learn and grow through the years,” said Ewing, who’s been with Watco since 2008 and today serves as senior vice president of Service Assurance.
“I want to be able to provide those same opportunities to others within the industry.”
McNichol joined Watco 2017 after more than a decade in the industry. In her role as senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, she leads Watco’s government and industry relations and sustainability efforts.
“Perhaps recognitions like Women of Influence in Rail allow younger individuals to visualize what they could also achieve in our great industry,” she said. “For me, I recall reading about Judy Petry, who ultimately became the President of Farmrail, when she was on the cover of Progressive Railroading in 2009. I recall thinking how cool she was based on the profile written about Judy, even though I had never met her. As luck would have it, Judy became a really good friend and mentor for me.”
The Women of Influence in Rail will be featured in the March issue of Progressive Railroading magazine and honored during a virtual event in March.
Team of 12 Keeps Operations on Track During Winter Storm
Winter Storm Enzo brought frigid temperatures, ice, and snow to parts of the South, stretching from Texas to Florida earlier this winter. Meteorologists called it a once-in-a-lifetime snowstorm, with severe weather conditions forcing the closure of roads, schools, and some businesses.
Despite the challenges that a storm of this magnitude can cause, the Watco team at Freeport Industrial Rail was prepared. Just six months earlier, the team worked through another natural disaster — a hurricane.
General Manager Ricky Martinez said, “The storm was coming, but we still needed to find a way to serve our customer. We quickly assembled our team to stay overnight, purchased the necessary supplies, and reviewed our emergency response plan.”
A team of 12 volunteered to stay for 48 hours to spot and move railcars for this particular customer. Supplies secured ahead of time included gloves and snow removal equipment. Cots and air mattresses were set up to ensure everyone had a place to rest during their off time.
Assistant Manager Filimon Gonzalez helped coordinate mealtimes for the alternating shifts, preparing eggs and bacon for breakfast, hot dogs for lunch, and hamburgers for dinner. To pass the time off-duty, team members played board games.
Gonzalez said, “The team morale was excellent. Operations were slower than normal because of the weather, but everyone stayed safe and was happy to be there.”
Yardmaster Arturo Montemayor agrees. He said, “I was there for the hurricane and the winter storm. Both weather events brought their own challenges, but we still showed up and kept operations running for this customer.”
Scholarship Applications Due April 1
Have your high school seniors apply today to earn to earn a $2,000 scholarship.
To be considered they must be: An eligible dependent of a Watco team member In good academic standing
Planning to attend a post-secondary institution within one year of graduating high school Find the scholarship application here. Questions? Email watcogives@watco.com.
1 Year:
Team Member Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following team members celebrating March anniversaries:
Trey Arceneaux, Syvauna Ball, Walter Buncom, KamRon Combs, Louis Cooper, Emily Cordes, Levi Cowdrey, Victor Cumner, Gino Curry, James Day, Jack Delfs, Yasmin Donvenekham, Anthony Eccles, Roosevelt England, Mario Evans, Kevin Fank, David Ford, Michael Ford, Kevin Frampton, Michael Fried, Rodrigo Funes, Myron Gunter, Jordan Harris, Shane Heape, Douglas Hernandez, Jason Hill, Edward Hornbeck, Jaden Jaeger, Cameron Johns, Blake Kramer, Jacob Lira, Melody McCullah, Enrique Mercado, Dan OHare, John Patterson, Kindrah Pauly, Brent Peral, Evan Pereyra, Hayden Phillips, Joshua Riddle, Jerry Settles, Peyton Shipp, Garrett Smith, Phillip Steele, Bryan Steinberger, Tyler Stringer, Nicholas Tipton, Talikavili Tuakoi, Michael Turner, Torrey Veach, Logan Wall, Caleb Webb, TeAjah Wilson, Walter Wolf
2 Years:
Dixon Aderhold, Erlin Aragon, Wayne Blackshire, John Brunk, Madison Bryant, Matthew Bullock, Kendal Davis, Eduardo De La Torre, Connie Dodd, Jessica Dues, Wendy Feltman, Jeremy Gannan, Bradley Gardner, Sergio Gomez Jaime, Nathan Goodwin, Elijah Green, Pascual Guajardo, Trelon Harris, Austen Hayden, John Hensley, Paul Hernandez, Salvador Hernandez, Logan Hoggle, McKenzie Hood, Michael Hoying, Kiren Johnson, Stephen Jones, Heather Lang, Dustin Larsen,
Nicole Ledford, Jason Lindsey, John Lorenz, Matthew Machell, Ragan Maldonado, John McBride, Ebenezer Nwogu, Zane Perry, Nicholas Petrie, Hunter Post, Pierce Rambow, Joshua Sahagun, Cinthya Salinas, Lenardo Sanchez, Nolan Sheridan, Alexandre Simoes de Lacerda, Justin Skarohlid, Riley Stacey, Corbin Steadman, Zachary Taylor, Samantha Torres, Jesse Tunoa, Anthony Warn, Jaret Willoughby, Christopher Yarber
3 Years:
Anthony Arceneaux, Rex Aultman, Joshua Beaudry, Lucas Bellamy, Zachary Boehme, Shawn Cotter, Chad Crosswhite, Kodi Dean, Marcos Dominguez, Cortnie Escobedo, Linda Galvan, Cameron Gregg, Jonathan Grimes, Dustin Hall, Grant Harris, Jacob Hollins, Joshua Hyde, Dustin Jensen, Wayne Lawrence, Alondra Lozano, Damien Mason, Sean McCarthy, James Moser, Paul Mounter, Gary Parsons, Francisco Rojas Zuniga, Elizabeth Ross, Saul Salazar Botello, Brandon Schuh, Dorothea Stroup, Christopher Sutton, Kelly Troy, Bradley Varcoe, Corey Warner, Jeremy Williams, Maverick Wilson, Desiree Winegarner, Elijah Witte
4 Years:
Melissa Castillo, Katia Chiri Flores, Delina-Rae Christoffersen, Rodolfo Crespo, William Diehl, Randy Eddy, Ismael Escobedo, Jailene Fierro, Michael Howell, Rebekah Jeans, Jamaih Joseph, Eric Lavergne, Partner Lolohea,
Zacharie Maynard, Triston Parham, Joanna Perez, Chelsea Rackleff, Kane Rockwell, Bryant Scallorn, Christopher Senecaut, Allan Spain, Dewey Stafford, Edward Verlanic
5 Years:
Gelman Aranda Valladares, Aaron Awbrey, Reene Bruce, Ted Buchler, Vincent Caprini, Alberto Cardenas, Lisseth Casco, Radhiah Dutczak, Lawrence Egbujor, Johnny Fonseca Jr, Sean Fuselier, Luis Granados, Derick Handegan, Paula Horne, William Horne, Andre Jackson, Cedric Jones, Bernanbe Juarez Camey, Danielle MacKenzie, Derwin Malloy, William Martinez, Julio Melendez, Joe E Munoz, Jose Najera, Victor Nerys, Romeo Olvera, Eric Perez, Lindsey Phillips, Melvin Rodriguez, Joshua Roy, Richard Sosa, Terri Spiller, Danielle Turner, Jesus Vieyra Alvarez, Gregorio Villa, Mario Villalobos
6 Years:
Clarence Brindley, Jose Carrizales, Isaias Diaz, Enrique Garcia, Nichole Grove, Benjamin Hasselbusch, Matthew Inman, Tristan Ivy, Michael Lawson, Devinaire Martinez, Bryan Melgar, Dylan Nesbit, Sara Peak, Hunter Perryman, Francisco Ramirez, Travis Robertson, Richard Rockwell, Eduardo Sierra abarca
7 Years:
Joel Armenta-Delgado, Bobby Baker, Tanner Bond, Linda Cisneros, Antonio Colunga,
Team Member Anniversaries
Talon Cook, Aaron Dean, Kyle Futrell, Jordan Garcia, Jeremy Horning, Laura Jagels, Katelyn Junyor, Jonathan Pierangeli, Davis Rodriguez, Joseph Santucci, Montel Stanley, Dustin Tally, Justin Wooten
8 Years:
Amy Andrews, Justin Cunningham, Brent Eggers, Capus Hendrix, Bobby Irvin, Michael Jackson, William Lester, Craig Murray-Smith, Kory Phillips, Joshua Theis
9 Years:
Jake Barefield, Myles Black, Anwar Jenkins, Delmer Lydick, Howard Noland, Jared Rahmn, Franklyn Roldan, Zachariah Wilson
10 Years:
Zachery Barajas, Christopher Blackman, Gavin Burrell, Corey Corrick, Michael Dally, Joely Gath, Neil Heerdink
11 Years:
Cody Brooks, Rasheda Combs, Christian Gomez, Homer Imel, Nathan Kuykendall, Grover Wise
12 Years:
Chance Adair, Bryant Boatman, Travis Bost, Jerry Bruce, Rene Cantu, Michael Hayden, Jerry Morris, Colin Pinson
13 Years:
Jacob Bagby, Brent Killian, Marc Massoglia, Brad Payne, Bradley Seideman, Wesley Smith, Craig Sutherland
14 Years:
Taylor Carter, Evaristo Corona, Richard Grant, Norman Jones
15 Years:
Dustin Coester, Anthony Jones, Vicki Langford, Shelly Rustad, Dean Schexnayder, James Trammell, Cesar Valentin
16 Years:
Kenneth Cathell, Richard Chadwell, Timothy Largent, Gerardo Martinez, Bernardino Osorio Vargas, Johnny Rankin, John Rowland, Dan Smith, Jon Stonehouse
17 Years:
James Maddux, Brett Norris, Judson Rogers, Lloyd Wilson
18 Years:
Paul Minnis, Christopher Noyola, Danny Sims, Guadalupe Villarreal
19 Years:
Stephen Brath, Michael Colburn, Marlin Garcia, Joe Sandoval, Heather Sepulvado, Gary Westphal
20 Years:
Tyler Batley, Robert Boyd, Michael Galla, Brian Maxey
21 Years:
Brenda Caruthers, Charlene Huskey, Bartolome Marrero, Rocky Ramage
22 Years:
Louie Albarado, David Bullion, Corwon Davis, Frank Davis, Roger
Easterling, Andrew Frazier, Mario Garcia, Arturo Guevara, Kenneth Lucht, Ricardo Martinez, Ruben Martinez, George Spencer
23 Years: James May
24 Years: Joshua Kramer
25 Years:
Edward Garcia, Andre Ledoux
26 Years: Sunil Bangari, Woodrow Jackson, Mark Krause, Robert Triebsch
27 Years:
Tim Langlois, Bridget Liden
29 Years: William Carroll
31 Years: Mark Green, Steven Morgan
32 Years: Herbert Lamkin
34 Years: George Kachmar
36 Years: Michael Howarth
41 Years: James Herman
42 Years: Steven Lowther
