The
Dispatch The newsletter for Watco
March 2022
Table of Contents Safety Anniversaries __________________________________________________________________________________ 3 Damien Cantrell’s Leadership Paves Way for Team Success __________________________________________ 4-5 Rail Safety Trainers Rely on Decades of Railroad Experience _________________________________________ 6-7 Winter FREEZE _____________________________________________________________________________________ 8-9 Watco’s MID-Ship Sidesteps Container Shortage __________________________________________________ 10-11 How to Order Customized Watco Gear ________________________________________________________________ 12 New Arrivals _________________________________________________________________________________________ 13 Be the Difference ____________________________________________________________________________________ 13 Team Member Anniversaries _______________________________________________________________________ 14-15
Highlights
Dependent scholarship deadline approaching Graduating high school seniors who are eligible dependents of Watco team members, apply today to earn a $500 scholarship. Apply online before March 31, 2022
2 The Dispatch | March 2022
On the Cover
The Tulsa Port of Catoosa Marine Terminal team in Oklahoma performed a unique heavy lift on February 28. They helped launch the SV Seeker, a 75-ton boat that a Tulsa man built in his back yard. The launch was successful and the vessel is on its way downriver toward the Gulf of Mexico. Photographer - Jay Benedict
Safety Anniversaries
February 1 – Bronx Dedicated Terminal (NY) – 7 years February 1 – Brooklyn Dedicated Terminal (NY) - 7 years February 1 – Roanoke Transload Terminal (TBT) (VA) – 7 years February 3 – Port of Vicksburg (MS) – 1 year February 4 – Linden Dedicated Terminal (NJ) – 2 years February 6 – Fryburg Dedicated Terminal (ND) – 1 year February 15 – Port Arthur Dedicated Terminal (TX) – 7 years February 16 – Columbus Transload Terminal (TBT) (OH) – 7 years February 19 – Austin Western Railroad (TX) – 2 years February 23 – Timber Rock Railroad (LA, TX) – 6 years
March 2022 | The Dispatch 3
Damien Cantrell’s Leadership Paves Way for Team Success Watco team member Damien Cantrell isn’t afraid of taking on a challenge. In fact, he embraces the opportunity to put his leadership skills to work. It’s a work ethic that takes him places — five Watco locations in 10 years, to be exact. Cantrell welcomes each change. He said, “Helping people and improving the business keeps me going. That’s why I go wherever Watco needs me. I’m grateful for the opportunities to work on many different teams. To my family, thank you for supporting me every step of the way.” Cantrell’s compassion and vision make him a valuable leader wherever he serves. Take these examples.
4 The Dispatch | March 2022
After starting at the Birmingham Terminal Railway (BHRR), Cantrell joined the Alabama Warrior Railway (ABWR) in 2015. As trainmaster, he implemented several safety measures to improve workplace conditions. His efforts proved long-lasting. The ABWR has since received multiple Jake Safety Awards from the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. As general manager of the Louisiana Southern Railroad (LAS), Cantrell led clean-up efforts following a devastating flood that damaged most of the railroad. Together, the team worked around the clock to repair the tracks, offices, railcars, locomotives, and other equipment in 14 days. His next stop took him to Michigan as general manager of the Grand Elk Railroad (GDLK). After a homeless camp took up residence near the GDLK line, he worked with local government officials to move camp residents to a safer location. Now at Greens Port in Houston, Texas, Cantrell serves as Assistant Vice President of Rail and Liquids. Watco Sales Manager Jeff Linville credits Cantrell for taking a railroad approach to this former steel mill turned full-service terminal. “Damien is the epitome of the Watco way, “Linville said. “He never looks for a way to say no to an opportunity. Instead, he always finds a way to say yes.” Since joining the Greens Port team in 2019, Cantrell has turned the terminal’s stagnant storage business into a thriving rail operation handling 45,000-plus carloads per year. Cantrell’s dedicated efforts do not go unnoticed. Last month, Railway Age recognized him as a Fast Tracker. This annual award recognizes industry professionals under the age of 40 who positively impact the rail industry and workplace. Cantrell is the first to recognize that his achievements are not his alone. It’s a team effort. He said, “I’m nothing without my team. I’m here to provide a vision and support them along the way. They do all the hard work. The award and recognition truly belong to those men and women.” Cantrell thanks each Watco team member who he’s worked with over the years. He’s grateful for the support and mentorship of Steve Coomes. P.J. Forbes, Garrett Bolyard, Jimmy Patterson, Brad Walker, and Tracy Wright for sharing their knowledge and support. Jason Ford, Anthony Hoyte, and Justin Mead for their leadership and dedication at the ABWR, as well as Blake Smith, Brett Norris, Juddy Rogers, Randy Chaney, Michael Crosslin, and countless others at the LAS for their dedication to restoring service after the catastrophic flood. The late Jason Stout and his mechanical team on the GDLK for their support and hard work. Travis Wiley, Ashton Speckman, Pedro Barron, and Jeff Linville for their eagerness to dive in headfirst during the transformation of Greens Port to what it is today. Lastly, the many other valued team members in support service roles like customer service, dispatch, people services, safety, locomotive support, purchasing, and others that make everything possible for the teams in the field.
March 2022 | The Dispatch 5
Rail Safety Trainers Rely on Decades of Railroad Experience Pictured (l-r): Rail safety trainers (l-r) Kenny Peters, T.D. Dawson, Lucas Conrad, and David Bailey.
The Watco Safe Performance Center (SPC) provides safety instruction for locomotive engineers and conductors, team members working in maintenance of way, and those working in railcar repair, as well as other safety and leadership training for all of Watco. In the first in a series of Dispatch articles since the center’s recent expansion, we’re introducing the trainers in the rail safety group. 6 The Dispatch | March 2022
“We have a very diverse staff with a lot of experience,” notes Travis Herod, senior vice president of environmental health and safety. “We have a really, really strong team here with experience and drive that’s off the charts.” Lucas Conrad, senior rail safety manager, has worked at the center for seven years. On Conrad’s team are safety managers, T.D. Dawson, Kenny Peters, and David Bailey. Lucas Conrad Conrad is a 13-year industry veteran who teaches ground school for newly hired conductors. He joined the safety team in 2015 as a regional safety manager and stepped into his current role just a few months later after almost seven years as a conductor, engineer, and trainmaster at the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad. Besides training team members at the SPC, Conrad also helps produce the center’s training materials, which includes helping develop the resources to satisfy the Federal Railroad Administration’s requirements under its Part 234 Minimum Training Standards rule. Like Conrad, Dawson and Peters came from Watco railroads to the training center. As newcomers to the safety center, they are currently floating between the conductor and engineer classes to learn the training material. Later, each will have a primary class to teach, while also being able to step in and help with the other class if needed. Bailey trains primarily locomotive engineers.
T.D. Dawson Dawson joined Watco in 2014 as an engineer on the Birmingham Terminal Railway. His roles have been trainmaster, designated supervisor of locomotive engineers, and now manager of rail safety. He began his railroading career in 2006 with the Birmingham Southern Railroad. He had several roles and while he was a locomotive engineer, he assisted in the training of new team members. Later, as a trainmaster, he oversaw the training of team members on the book of rules. Dawson also had the opportunity to get Class I experience, working for two years as a road foreman of engines and a terminal trainmaster for Norfolk Southern. Kenny Peters A 12-year railroader, Peters’ experience includes eight years as a conductor, engineer, and trainmaster with CP and two Genesee & Wyoming railroads: Arizona Eastern Railway and the Kyle Railroad. He joined Watco in 2017 as a Wisconsin & Southern Railroad trainmaster prior to transitioning to the SPC in November 2021. David Bailey Bailey joined the SPC in 2021 after 25 years with CSX. He brings a variety of experiences to his training role: as a conductor, engineer, yardmaster, remote control operator, road foreman of engines, trainmaster, general car foreman, service center manager, manager of mechanical, and manager of train operations. Last year, 335 team members trained at the SPC. Herod says they’re on track to train 500 in 2022. March 2022 | The Dispatch 7
Are you up for the challenge?
Winter FREEZE runs NOW through March 31, 2022! The Watco safety team selected the second group of Winter FREEZE (Following Rules Every Day Ensures Zero Errors) safety award winners. Thank you to these nine team members for recognizing these hazards and taking preventative action before they became incidents. Name: Eric Vail, railcar mechanic Location: Coffeyville, Kansas, Repair and Maintenance Terminal Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: The team member identified a leaking propane tank on a powered industrial truck and immediately shut off the gas and replaced the cylinder. The replacement was found to be leaking as well. Solution: The vehicle was removed from service until the line could be replaced, preventing a fire hazard.
in service, Burns identified an excessive amount of bearing grease on the race of the bearing. Further inspection identified a damaged seal. Solution: The seal was repaired before the train left the location, potentially preventing a serious derailment. Name: Aaron Day, railcar mechanic Location: Coffeyville, Kansas, Repair and Maintenance Terminal
Name: Richard Burns, railcar mechanic
Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: Day noticed someone had returned a power washer to inside the shop on a pallet with a can of gasoline beside it, creating a fire hazard.
Location: Dallas, Texas, Mobile Railcar Repair
Solution: The gasoline can was moved and properly stored in a flammable liquids locker.
Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: While building a train to put 8 The Dispatch | March 2022
Name: Christopher Walther, utility team lead Location: Tioga, North Dakota, Dedicated Terminal Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: Walther discovered a contractor inside the closed building with their vehicle running while trying to thaw system valves they were repairing. This created a potentially hazardous low-oxygen atmosphere that could have resulted in asphyxiation. Solution: Walther used Stop Work Authority, the contractor vehicle was removed from the building, and the contractor received additional instruction on safety rules. Name: David Alvarado, unloader Location: Bayway, New Jersey, Dedicated Terminal Safety Suggestion/ Near Miss: Alvardo was performing a dual verification inspection on a hazardous material tank car waiting to be unloaded. He found the side stencils did not match the top stencils, creating uncertainty of the actual railcar number and commodity. Stop Work Authority was used to clarify the car number and commodity. Solution: The car number was verified and corrected, preventing a potentially hazardous situation. Name: Aaron Awbrey, clerk in charge Location: Greens Port, Houston, Texas, Stevedoring Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: Awbrey noticed there was a portion of fence leaning near the foul of an active railroad track. This presents a
Name: Chris Bollin, conductor Location: Alabama Southern Railroad, Tuscaloosa, Alabama Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: Bollin identified a frequent walking area with inadequate lighting and suggested using solar lighting to illuminate the area. Solution: The leadership at the Alabama Southern Railroad is currently sourcing lighting to address this issue. Name: Nathaniel Burke, location manager Location: Toledo, Oregon, Switching Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: Burke determined that a railroad bridge walkway appeared to have been tampered with, creating an unsafe condition and potential fall hazard. Solution: The customer worked with the railroad to correct this significant safety concern. Name: Neal Ward, roadmaster Location: Baton Rouge Southern Railroad, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: Ward suggested that because of the complex nature of the large rail yard, numbering the switches in the yard would be beneficial. This would provide for more accurate switches and be safer for the younger workforce and outside contractors. Solution: All switches in the yard have been numbered.
close-clearance hazard to the train crew and potential for equipment damage. Solution: The leaning fence is being corrected. March 2022 | The Dispatch 9
10 The Dispatch | March 2022
Watco’s MID-Ship Sidesteps Container Shortage A cascade of events, starting with a worldwide pandemic, has caused a system-wide container shortage, and Watco’s MID-Ship Logistics (MSL) unit has a back-to-basics solution. Before cranes were invented for loading and unloading containers from huge vessels built to carry them, much cargo was placed in crates and handled in breakbulk vessels. And that’s exactly what Watco is able to offer customers through MSL. MSL offers total transportation and cargo handling solutions for bulk, breakbulk, containers, liquids, and project cargo. “We are helping customers that traditionally bring cargo in containers,” said MSL President George O’Connor. O’Connor said his team finds the right breakbulk vessel owners and ports that are qualified to receive and handle the cargo and that have the necessary transloading equipment. They engage the stevedoring company to discharge the ship, the catching company or trucker to receive the cargo and bring if off the port, and the warehousing facility to receive and sort the cargo. “We provide a logistics service, leveraging the capabilities of multiple companies to deliver an integrated client solution,” O’Connor said. “We’re acting as a 4PL (fourth-party logistics provider), providing control tower type oversight to the whole operation, selected providers, and monitoring service and throughput.” O’Connor said the breakbulk ships work for container freight. Their fixed cranes, box-shaped holds and multipurpose configuration featuring tween decks facilitate stowage of the cargo. The switch-to-breakbulk offering began to ramp up in early 2021 and “now it’s taken on a whole new life,” said O’Connor. “We are seeing very high demand for alternative means to import containers into the U.S.” He said the program is transporting primarily breakbulk aluminum and coiled steel. Key ports receiving the most volume are on the West Coast, in Longview and Vancouver, Washington; and Long Beach and Stockton, California. O’Connor spoke of West Coast ports as unique and emphasized MSL’s familiarity with these ports and knowledge of the right transportation-related contacts. He recalled recently talking to the director of the Port of Stockton. “He’s getting so many inquiries and telling me, ‘I don’t know what to do; I can’t support them all.’” O’Connor had the answer: “Call us. We have the ability to put the package together with all the pieces.”
March 2022 | The Dispatch 11
How to Order Customized Watco Gear 1.
Visit Watco Gear at watcogear.com.
2. At the top you will see several headers of items offered. Select the people icon on the far right of the top of the page. 3. From there, you will be asked to log in or create an account. If you are a Watco team member creating an account, please note this is not affiliated with SuccessFactors or any other Watco login. You will need to create a new account and password. Team members will need to enter their team member number when asked to receive discounted shipping or payroll-deduct your purchase. 4. Once signed in, feel free to browse all our products. Many apparel items can be customized. 5. To customize an item, select the product that you want. 6. After you’ve selected an item, a picture of it will appear along with several drop-down menus with options applicable to that item. Options include: • Color • Logo • Size • Add Flag to Back of Hat (hats only) • Watco Horizontal Logo Make 3D (hats only) • Quantity All options are customizable based on the colors and logos that are available. If an option is listed on the description, but not on the order choices, that particular color/size is out of stock. 6. Once you’re finished customizing your item, click Add to Cart. 7. If you want to continue shopping, feel free to do so. When you are done, go to your cart and select check out. 8. From there, provide your shipping address and payment information. For payment, enter your credit card information. Team members can also select payroll deduction. If you have any trouble during the ordering process, you can contact our vendor at info@centurymarketinginc.com or the Watco Marketing team at marketing@watco.com.
12 The Dispatch | March 2022
New Arrivals Hendrix Neshawn Holliman Madeline and Troyce Holliman announce the birth of their son, Hendrix Neshawn Holliman, born January 31, 2022. Hendrix weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 20 inches long. Madeline is the associate real estate property manager working out of the Overland Park, Kansas, office.
Time is ticking Be the Difference nominations accepted through March 31
watco.com/btd
March 2022 | The Dispatch 13
Team Member Anniversaries Congratulations to the following team members celebrating March anniversaries:
1 Year: David Bailey, Joshua Barnhill, Jimmy Branch, Melissa Castillo, Zachary Cavitt, Katia Chiri Flores, Rodolfo Crespo, Ursula Dacosta, Chase Daigle, William Diehl, Keith Donelow, Randy Eddy, Ismael Escobedo, Courtney Evans, Jailene Fierro, Ernest Gage, Arnoldo Garza, Michael Harmon, Noah Harper, Brian Harris, Ezekiel Hensley, Jose Hernandez, Peyton Herron, Michael Howell, Bryan Hughes, Paige Hunt, Jesse Jacobson, Rebekah Jeans, Lisa Jenkins, Christopher Kincaid, Sandra Kirkwood, Jessi Lacher, Eric Lavergne, Blake Laws, Zacharie Maynard, Rory McQuerry, Stanley Miller, Joseph Naab, Triston Parham, Joanna Perez, Matthew Pittman, Timothy Prather, Chelsea Rackleff, John Reinertsen, Danny Remedies, Scott Reyes, Jerry Risner, Shelby Roach, Kane Rockwell, Bryant Scallorn, Christopher Senecaut, Charles Smith, Joseph Smith, Cayd Snyder, Dewey Stafford, Mark Trosclair, Sherry Valdez, Rico Valle, Edward Verlanic, Kameron Woods, Victor Zarate
2 Years: Ervin Adams, Sergio
Cardenas, Aaron Carreon, Lisseth
Abarca, Marcy Sloan, Royce
Casco, Gregory Cooper,
Turner, Tim Wolfe
Lawrence Egbujor, Johnny
4 Years: Joel Armenta-Delgado,
Fonseca Jr, Sean Fuselier, Luis Granados, Sergio Guerrero, Derick Handegan, Tyarias Haynes, Paula Horne, William Horne, Richard Hutchison, Andre Jackson, Jeffery Jackson, Cedric Jones, Bernanbe Juarez Camey, Danielle MacKenzie, Derwin Malloy, William Martinez, Julio Melendez, Joe Munoz, Jose Najera, Victor Nerys, Romeo Olvera, Eliseo Ortega, Manuel Penaloza, Eric Perez, Darrell Phillips, Lindsey Phillips, Melvin Rodriguez, Joshua Roy, Nazim Russell-Elizee, Raphael Salinas,
Timothy Befort, Tanner Bond, Michael Catterton, Jordan Chamberlain, Linda Cisneros, Antonio Colunga, Talon Cook, Aaron Dean, Aaron Eriksen, Amanda Evers, Kyle Futrell, Jordan Garcia, Jeremy Horning, Laura Jagels, Katelyn Junyor, Gavin Laquet, Giles Olsen, Jonathan Pierangeli, Davis Rodriguez, Joseph Santucci, Walker Schrag, Montel Stanley, Dustin Tally, Justin Wooten
5 Years: Amy Andrews, Justin
Johnathen Smith, Maureen
Cunningham, Brent Eggers,
Solomon, Richard Sosa, Terri
Capus Hendrix, Bobby Irvin,
Spiller, Billy Starks, Danielle
Michael Jackson, Thomas
Turner, Jesus Vieyra Alvarez,
Kaczynski, William Lester, Kory
Gregorio Villa, Mario Villalobos,
Phillips, Victor Rainey, Joshua
Damon Washington,
Theis, Bobbie Wright
Jacob Weaver
6 Years: Maurice Acklin, Jake
3 Years: Jeronte Baker, Clarence Brindley, Jose Carrizales, Isaias Diaz, Edley Finning, Enrique Garcia, John Garrison, Nichole Grove, Benjamin Hasselbusch, Matthew Inman, Tristan Ivy, Skyler
Alvarez, Francisco Alvear, Irving
Mack, Devinaire Martinez, Bryan
Anguiano Torres, Gelman Aranda
Melgar, Carnell Minnifield, Dylan
Valladares, Aaron Awbrey, Joseph
Nesbit, Sara Peak, Jose Piedra,
Bell, Demas Benoit, Kirby Bilsland,
Alexander Potts, Francisco
Rodney Brown, Reene Bruce, Ted
Ramirez, Travis A Robertson,
Buchler, Vincent Caprini, Alberto
Richard Rockwell, Eduardo Sierra
14 The Dispatch | March 2022
Trace Azure, Bobby Baker,
Barefield, John Bates, Myles Black, Anwar Jenkins, Cameron Leighton, Delmer Lydick, Howard Noland, Jared Rahmn, Franklyn Roldan, Zachariah Wilson
7 Years: Zachery Barajas, Christopher Blackman, Gavin Burrell, Corey Corrick, Michael Dally, Joely Gath, Kenneth Green, Neil Heerdink, Benjamin Langan, Austin Norris, William Rowell
Team Member Anniversaries 8 Years: Cody Brooks, Rasheda
15 Years: Kelvin Banks, Mandi
Combs, Christian Gomez, Homer
Favalora, Paul Minnis, Christopher
Imel, Nathan Kuykendall, Victor
Noyola, Danny Sims
Prosolow, Jason Selzler,
16 Years: Stephen Brath,
Grover Wise
9 Years: Chance Adair, Bryant
Michael Colburn, Vincent Frazier, Marlin Garcia, Joe
24 Years: Bridget Liden 26 Years: William Carroll 27 Years: Fernando Almanza
28 Years: Mark Green,
Boatman, Travis Bost, Jerry Bruce,
Sandoval, Heather Sepulvado,
Steven Morgan, Billy Morris
Rene Cantu, Michael Hayden,
Gary Westphal
Miles Maher, Jerry Morris, Colin
17 Years: Patrice Audet, Adelita
29 Years: Mike Broussard,
Pinson, Jeffery Robertson, Corey Sepulvado, Cory Trowe
10 Years: Jacob Bagby, Brent Killian, Marc Massoglia, Brad Payne, Bradley Seideman, Wesley Smith, Jeffery White
11 Years: David Brown, Taylor
Barajas, Tyler Batley, Robert Boyd, Michael Galla, Brian Maxey, Kim Van Royen
18 Years: Kent Ainsworth, Brenda Caruthers, Charlene Huskey, Bartolome Marrero, Robert Martinez, Rocky Ramage,
Carter, Evaristo Corona, Richard
Kevin Watkins
Grant, Norman Jones
19 Years: Louie Albarado,
12 Years: Dustin Coester, Kyle
David Bullion, Corwon Davis,
Hittesdorf, Anthony Jones, Vicki
Frank Davis, Roger Easterling,
Langford, Mickel Reeves, Shelly
Andrew Frazier, Mario Garcia,
Rustad, Dean Schexnayder,
Arturo Guevara, Kenneth Lucht,
Kenneth Thomas, James
Ricardo Martinez, Ruben
Trammell, Cesar Valentin
Martinez, George Spencer
13 Years: Kenneth Cathell,
20 Years: James May,
Richard Chadwell, Timothy
James Napier
Largent, Gerardo Martinez,
21 Years: Robert Bradfield,
Bernardino Osorio Vargas, Johnny Rankin, John Rowland
14 Years: Tina Castro, James Maddux, Brett Norris, Judson Rogers, Eva Rokezewski, Lloyd Wilson
Herbert Lamkin
31 Years: George Kachmar 32 Years: Sherri Leport 33 Years: James Crawford, Michael Howarth
36 Years: Billy Eddington 38 Years: James Herman 39 Years: Steven Lowther 41 Years: Steven Lang 44 Years: Thomas Beverly 47 Years: Jerry Brown
Joshua Kramer, Brad Snow
22 Years: Edward Garcia, Andre Ledoux
23 Years: Sunil Bangari, Woodrow Jackson, Mark Krause, Robert Triebsch
March 2022 | The Dispatch 15
