Washington, D.C. —
Our Rail Champions initiative is a simple but powerful idea: the people closest to freight rail—whether through work, community, or personal passion—are often its most compelling advocates. A few months ago, we launched an essay contest to elevate those voices and spotlight the diverse ways rail impacts communities across the country.
We invited Americans to share their local perspectives on freight rail—how it supports jobs, drives economic growth, reduces roadway congestion, and advances sustainability. The responses revealed genuine passion and thoughtful insight. From railfans to small business advocates and environmental stewards, the authors spoke to the varied and powerful connections people have with rail.
Today, we’re proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Rail Champions Essay Contest.
First Place: Denise Pallarito, Otsego County, MI
Denise’s reflection on Otsego County’s enduring connection to freight rail offers a view into how freight rail sustains both large industries and local businesses, creating growth and opportunity. We also appreciated Denise’s description of the train whistle echoing through town as both a nostalgic reminder and a symbol of ongoing progress. As the first-place winner, Denise will receive an original piece of Rail Champions artwork by railroad artist Adam Hansen.
“For local businesses—both large and small—the rail system is a lifeline…From supporting manufacturers to aiding small-scale enterprises, the freight rail system plays a crucial role in maintaining the economic vitality of the region.”
Second Place: Cathy Oldham, LaGrange, KY
Cathy brought a railfan’s heart and a community-minded perspective to her essay, highlighting how personal passion intersects with public benefit.
“For those of us of the ‘railfan persuasion,’ we scurry to trackside at the sound of an approaching train… However, the much broader issue is the economic, infrastructure, and environmental benefits that accrue to the greater good of the community.”
Third Place: Bruce Bousquet, Jewett City, CT
Bruce’s submission blended wit and insight to paint a clear picture of the everyday benefits freight rail can bring to communities in Connecticut and beyond.
“Imagine a future where freight trains handle the heavy lifting, reducing truck traffic, cutting congestion, and—bonus—making our roads safer. It’s not just good for commuters; it’s great for Connecticut’s air quality and my blood pressure.”
Read All Winning Essays
1st Place
Written by Denise Pallarito
I'm a rail champion because of the rich historical aspect of industry.
Otsego County’s historical connection to freight rail has been a cornerstone of its development, shaping both its economy and identity. During the 1800s, railroads brought prosperity to the area, linking it with the southern parts of Michigan. Freight trains transported essential goods northward while hauling raw materials southward, creating a dynamic exchange that fueled growth and opportunity. This convenient and efficient transportation system established a lasting legacy, making Otsego County an integral part of the state’s trade and industry network.
Over the decades, freight rail has adapted to meet the changing demands of commerce. Most recently, it has been utilized to transport new vehicles from auto manufacturers into the area. The whistle of the trains, audible throughout the community, serves as both a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era and a testament to the county’s continued relevance in modern logistics. The sound is symbolic—a connection to history and a sign that the region remains vital to Michigan’s economy.
Currently, freight rail in Otsego County moves essential goods such as oil, lumber, scrap metal, and newly manufactured cars. These commodities are distributed across Northern Michigan, supporting various industries and businesses. By providing an efficient alternative to road transportation, freight rail significantly alleviates the pressure on highways. This not only reduces traffic congestion but also minimizes wear and tear on infrastructure, making it an environmentally friendly and economically advantageous option.
For local businesses—both large and small—the rail system is a lifeline. It ensures the timely delivery of raw materials needed for production and facilitates the distribution of finished products to broader markets. From supporting manufacturers to aiding small-scale enterprises, the freight rail system plays a crucial role in maintaining the economic vitality of the region.
The enduring presence of freight rail in Otsego County highlights its adaptability and importance. It bridges the past and present, linking the community’s rich history with its modern economic aspirations. As trains continue to roll through the county, they remind us of the interconnectedness of commerce, history, and progress. Otsego County’s partnership with freight rail is not just a relic of the past—it is a dynamic and ongoing story of growth, innovation, and resilience.
2nd Place
Written by Cathy Oldham
The sight of two CSX GEVO's lugging a trainload of Ford vehicles is a familiar sight for those of us in the Louisville, Kentucky area. Louisville is home to two huge Ford assembly plants, manufacturing the heavy- duty F- Series truck, as well as the Excursion, Escape, Lincoln Navigator, and other SUV's. Ford's economic presence in the area is tremendous, injecting an estimated $4.3 billion annually into Louisville's economy, employing nearly 8,000 between the two plants. Moreover, Ford accounts for almost 5% of Kentucky's GDP.
It is difficult to imagine that these two automobile assembly plants could function without the availability of railroad transportation. In fact, that availability was one of the reasons that Ford chose the Louisville area in the first place. As someone who describes herself as a lifelong railfan, I can recall the late 1960's when Ford announced it was building the Kentucky Truck Plant on Louisville's eastern edge. Ford stressed to the L&N Railroad that reliable and dependable, "on demand" rail service was a non-negotiable requirement. I recall L&N having to make some sweeping operational adjustments in order to meet Ford's stringent demands.
Without rail transportation, one can easily argue that Ford's manufacturing presence in Louisville would not exist, creating a massive hole in Louisville's (and Kentucky's) economy. However, the ramifications extend beyond economics. Railroad support of Ford's Louisville operations has a major impact upon area infrastructure. For every trainload of Ford trucks departing from Louisville via CSX, it can be argued that 125 truckloads of finished product have been removed from our area's highway system. By doing the math, one could surmise that approximately 500 additional trailer trucks would be added to our roadways each day if rail transport was unavailable. Such an uptick in truck traffic could bring gridlock to our already congested interstates, to say nothing of higher highway maintenance needs, already competing for limited state dollars.
Another community benefit of rail transportation is cleaner air. In an article by RSI Logistics, it is asserted that a train can move one ton of freight 470 miles on one gallon of fuel. The article further states that a truck would use 134 gallons of fuel to accomplish this same task. While these metrics may seem rather extreme, it is indicative that rail transportation is much more environmentally friendly than its motor carrier competitors. Therefore, those trainloads of Ford trucks emanating from Louisville infuse considerably fewer pollutants into our atmosphere than trucks would. For that matter, a trainload of any cargo has the same benefit.
For those of us of the "railfan persuasion", we scurry to trackside at the sound of an approaching train of Ford trucks, or any other cargo. Intently, we inspect the locomotives to determine what model they are; we scan the freight cars, particularly jubilant when we see one with "fallen flag" markings; and we relish to know how many cars were in the train. Such is the nature of our hobby. However, the much broader issue is the economic, infrastructure, and environmental benefits that accrue to the greater good of the community. It seems to me that these are benefits that our community has overlooked for far too long.
3rd Place
Written by Bruce Bousquet
Freight Trains: Reviving Jewett City, One Rail at a Time
Freight trains aren’t just the best part of my life—they’re the unsung heroes of Jewett City, Connecticut. Sure, they might not have the glamor of a Tesla or the speed of a jet, but who else can haul the weight of hundreds of trucks while looking this cool? That’s right—no one. Yet, the tracks through Jewett City aren’t what they used to be.
Back in the day, these rails were the lifeline of our community, and the massive rail yard in the western part of the state was a buzzing hive of activity. Now? That rail yard’s about as active as a dial-up modem. And while the trains still rumble through town, it’s not the steel symphony it once was. But there’s hope! If freight rail traffic grows, we could breathe new life into these tracks—and finally give our highways a break. I-95 could use it. Have you been stuck in that traffic? It’s like a slow-moving parking lot, except with more honking.
Imagine a future where freight trains handle the heavy lifting, reducing truck traffic, cutting congestion, and—bonus—making our roads safer. It’s not just good for commuters; it’s great for Connecticut’s air quality and my blood pressure.
And let’s not overlook the environmental superhero status of trains. These things are fuel-efficient beasts, using up to 75% less fuel than trucks. That’s like replacing your gas guzzler with a bike and still making it to work on time. Fewer emissions, healthier forests, and more birds singing in the morning. What’s not to love?
Economically, freight rail is a game-changer. It connects our small towns to big opportunities, giving local businesses a competitive edge. Every train that chugs through Jewett City is a moving jobs factory—engineers, conductors, warehouse workers, you name it. It’s like watching a parade of opportunity roll by, except instead of candy, it’s carrying timber and grain.
So here’s the deal: freight trains aren’t just relics of the past; they’re the engines of the future. Revitalizing the tracks in Jewett City isn’t just about nostalgia (though who doesn’t love a good train whistle?); it’s about building a smarter, greener, and less congested future. Plus, let’s be honest—nothing says “cool” like a giant steel beast rolling through town, reminding everyone it’s still the king of the road… or rails.
The next time you’re stuck in traffic, dreaming of a world where trucks take a backseat to trains, remember this: freight rail is ready to save the day. All we have to do is get on board.
Honorable Mentions
We also want to recognize the following contributors for their standout essays and passionate support of freight rail:
- Brittini Knox
- “Freight rail benefits the state’s economy and also plays a crucial role in reducing our environmental footprint and improving quality of life.”
- Michael Kirk
- “Ever since it came through Waupaca, WI in 1871, the railroad has played an important part in the growth of the community.”
- John Tackett
- “By investing in modern rail infrastructure and embracing the environmental and logistical benefits of rail transport, College Park can continue to thrive as a key player in the transportation and logistics sectors for years to come.”
- Bruce Guinn
- “Railroads are really great. I have loved railroads since before I was 8. And, that was a long time ago.”
- George Spidel
- “I am a rail champion because railroads serve my community, I observe and respect them, and one day I am going to work on a railroad. I am a rail champion.”
- William Snyder
“In my memory, I read, Bowling Green,
the station name where we’ve stopped,
where I’ve been awakened by wheels
and brakes and couplers, knocks
and creaks of slowing, of stopping, sighs…”
- Alex Nagel
- “I am a Rail Champion because I have had a great love for railroads and the railroad industry since I was a very young boy growing up in my hometown of Edgewood, IA on the Milwaukee Road’s branchline between Paralta and Jackson Jct.”
- Lucas Leighton
- “Without railroads in northern Maine we would loose what little industry we have left, since rail attracts businesses.”
- Bill Crumrine
- “Of course, one can become fascinated by the diesel locomotive low rumbling sound, but that chuggin’ huffin’ puffin’, belching smoke can mesmerize the train in anyone.”
- Matthew Muir
- “Freight trains remind us that progress and tradition can coexist. They connect communities by moving goods, but they also connect generations by creating shared experiences and memories.”
- Cody Woods
- “Freight rail is not just about transporting goods; it’s about sustaining livelihoods, ensuring businesses thrive, and fostering a sustainable future.”
Each participant will receive an exclusive Rail Champions hat in recognition of their contribution to the movement.
This contest was more than a writing competition—it was a reminder that rail policy is personal. It’s about history, opportunity, clean air, quality infrastructure, and strong local economies. We are deeply grateful to everyone who shared their stories and perspectives.
As we continue our 2025 advocacy efforts—especially in engaging a new Congress—these voices will help shape the future of rail in America.
Get involved and become a Rail Champion today.
