Hazardous materials move through the rail industry every single day—but what actually happens once those railcars arrive at a transload facility?

In this solo episode of The Switch Point Podcast, Joe breaks down the critical role hazardous materials play in industrial rail operations and why transload facilities carry some of the biggest safety and compliance responsibilities in the supply chain.

From explosives and corrosives to flammable liquids and radioactive materials, Joe explains how hazardous commodities are handled, what regulations apply, and why proper training, inspections, documentation, and safety culture can mean the difference between a successful operation and a catastrophic incident.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why hazardous materials are the backbone of the transload industry
• The difference between moving hazmat by rail versus truck
• The agencies that regulate transload operations, including FRA, PHMSA, EPA, OSHA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and more
• The responsibilities operators assume when offering hazardous materials back onto the general rail system
• Understanding explosive, corrosive, and other hazardous material classifications
• Real-world stories of chemical incidents and the lessons they teach
• Why quality hazmat training goes far beyond checking a compliance box
• The importance of proper railcar inspections, placards, emergency response information, and PPE
• Building effective security plans, spill response procedures, and safety programs
• How proactive compliance protects employees, customers, and your business from costly incidents and enforcement actions

Whether you manage a transload facility, supervise rail operations, oversee compliance, or simply want to better understand how hazardous materials safely move across North America, this episode offers a practical look at the systems, regulations, and responsibilities that keep people—and freight—moving safely.

Safety isn't just about following regulations.

It's about protecting your employees, your customers, your community, and the future of your operation.

The Axiom crew is growing, and this week on The Switch Point, it’s time to introduce some new blood.

In this Off the Rails episode, Harlee takes over the host seat alongside Axiom’s two newest team members: Jake, Inside Sales Representative, and Joe Butler, Enrollment & Outreach Coordinator. The two joined Axiom on the same day but came from completely different professional backgrounds—Jake from freight brokerage and sales, and Joe from education, museums, and public programming.

They break down what brought them to Axiom, their first impressions of the team, and what it’s actually like trying to learn the railroad industry from scratch. From navigating FRA regulations and figuring out bizarre railroad terminology to discovering just how passionate lifelong railroaders are about the industry, Jake and Joe share what they’ve learned during their first few months on the job.

Joe also dives into Axiom’s growing training and enrollment efforts and why introducing railroad careers—especially track inspection—to the next generation of skilled tradespeople could help build the industry's future workforce.

But this is Off the Rails, so things don’t stay serious for long.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Jake and Joe found their way to Axiom
• Their first impressions of the Axiom office and team
• Who intimidated them when they first started
• The biggest culture shocks of entering the railroad industry
• Learning FRA regulations and confusing railroad terminology
• Why railroaders will immediately know when you don’t know what you’re talking about
• Jake’s experiences making his first sales calls in the industry
• Joe’s mission to introduce more people to railroad career opportunities
• The personalities, inside jokes, and chaos of working at Axiom
• Who the crew thinks is funniest in the office
• Which coworkers they’d want as teammates on a game show
• Plenty of stories, tangents, and questionable conversations along the way

Between railroad history, career advice, awkward sales calls, office stories, and plenty of friendly shots at their coworkers, this episode gives you a chance to meet the newest members of Axiom beyond their job titles.

Because at Axiom, learning the railroad industry is one thing.

Surviving the office is another.

What happens to railroad track after it's removed? Is relay rail really as reliable as new rail? And how does someone go from banking to becoming one of the rail industry's most recognizable personalities?

This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Brandon "Spike Sandbolt" Straub of SRC Industries for an entertaining and insightful conversation about the world of relay rail, railroad materials, and building relationships in one of America's most specialized industries. From the origin story behind his unforgettable nickname to the misconceptions surrounding reclaimed rail, Brandon shares the knowledge he's gained from years in the business and explains why "used" doesn't mean "worn out."

Together, they discuss the grading process for relay rail, why industrial facilities can save money without sacrificing quality, the importance of preserving historic rail infrastructure, and how strong relationships continue to drive success throughout the railroad industry. Along the way, the conversation is filled with humor, personal stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people who keep America's rail network supplied.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Brandon "Spike Sandbolt" Straub found his way into the rail industry
• The surprising story behind the "Spike Sandbolt" nickname
• What relay rail is and why it's still a reliable option
• How reclaimed rail is inspected, graded, and reused
• Common misconceptions about used rail materials
• Why relationship-building remains one of the industry's greatest assets
• The value of preserving historic rail while meeting modern operational needs
• Lessons from transitioning from corporate banking into the railroad business

Whether you're responsible for purchasing rail materials, managing industrial track, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the people shaping today's rail industry, this episode offers practical knowledge, industry insight, and plenty of laughs.

Because sometimes the best way to understand the future of rail is by learning the history that's still supporting it every single day.

What separates a well-run transload facility from one that's constantly fighting delays, safety issues, and operational headaches? In this episode of The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Axiom Director of Operations Mike Thomason to break down what they see every time they walk into a new customer site—and why training is about much more than simply moving railcars.

Drawing from a recent training engagement in Alabama, Joe and Mike discuss the biggest mistakes they encounter at industrial rail facilities, from poor yard management and ineffective communication with Class I railroads to unsafe operating practices that can put employees and equipment at risk. They explain how proper training, leadership involvement, and standardized procedures can transform both safety and productivity.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What a proper transload training program should include
• The most common safety and operational mistakes seen at industrial rail sites
• Why communication—not equipment—is often the biggest safety risk
• How better yard organization improves efficiency and reduces delays
• The importance of red zone awareness, blue flag protection, and hands-on field training
• Why management involvement is critical to building a strong safety culture
• How stronger communication with serving railroads can improve operations
• Practical ways facilities can reduce turnover while creating a safer, more efficient workplace

Whether you're managing a transload operation, supervising a rail crew, or looking to improve your facility's safety and compliance program, this episode delivers practical, real-world lessons from professionals who have spent years working both sides of the railroad.

Because great rail operations aren't built by working faster—they're built by communicating better, training smarter, and creating systems that keep people safe while keeping freight moving.

This week on The Switch Point, the microphones are turned over to the original Axiom team as Vegas steps in to host a special Off the Rails episode featuring Tina from Accounting, Jess from Project Coordination, and producer Tom.

Together, the crew takes a trip back to Axiom's early days, sharing what it was like working out of the company's first tiny office, wearing multiple hats, figuring things out on the fly, and watching the business grow into what it is today. From hilarious office stories and unforgettable "oh no" moments to behind-the-scenes memories that shaped the company's culture, this episode is a celebration of the people who helped build Axiom from the ground up.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How the original team found Axiom and what they expected on day one
• Funny stories from the company's first offices and early growing pains
• Behind-the-scenes moments that almost became disasters
• The projects each team member is working on today
• How Axiom has grown while staying true to its culture
• The importance of teamwork, adaptability, and wearing multiple hats
• Office traditions, inside jokes, and the personalities behind the company
• Why every milestone feels earned after years of hard work

Whether you've followed The Switch Point from the beginning or you're just getting to know the people behind Axiom Rail Services, this episode offers a fun, lighthearted look at the friendships, memories, and teamwork that built the company.

Sometimes the best stories aren't about railroads at all. They're about the people who keep them moving.

We've officially hit 10 episodes of The Switch Point Podcast, and to celebrate, we're looking back at some of our favorite conversations, funniest moments, and biggest takeaways from the journey so far.

This special compilation episode features highlights from some of our most popular discussions covering rail safety, track inspections, compliance audits, rail security, railroad leadership, scale operations, company growth, and plenty of behind-the-scenes laughs from the Axiom Rail Services team.

You'll hear memorable moments from guests including Ron Lord, Karl Gansen, Tina, Vegas, Harlee, Jess, Tom, and more as they share real-world stories, industry expertise, and the experiences that have helped shape The Switch Point into the show it is today.

In this episode, you'll revisit:

• Why qualified track inspections are critical for industrial rail safety
• Real railroad near misses and lessons learned from the field
• The hidden security risks facing today's freight rail network
• How proper railcar weighing protects infrastructure and operations
• What goes into a professional rail compliance audit
• Building a stronger safety culture through leadership and accountability
• Behind-the-scenes stories from the Axiom team
• Some of the funniest moments and running jokes from the first ten episodes
• The biggest lessons learned from ten episodes of talking rail

Whether you've been with us since Episode One or you're just discovering The Switch Point, this milestone episode is the perfect way to catch up on the conversations, insights, and personalities that have made the first ten episodes so memorable.

Thank you for being part of the journey. Here's to the next ten episodes—and beyond.

In this Off the Rails edition of The Switch Point Podcast, Joe sits down with longtime rail industry leader Ron Lord for a candid conversation about family legacy, military service, railroad leadership, safety culture, and the future of the freight rail industry.

As a third-generation railroader and father of a fourth-generation railroader, Ron shares how a family deeply rooted in the railroad industry shaped his career, despite originally swearing he'd never work for the railroad. From his early days at the Belt Railway Company of Chicago to leadership roles across the industry, Ron reflects on nearly three decades of railroading experience and the lessons learned along the way.

The discussion also dives into Ron's time serving as a Military Police officer in the Army National Guard, how military service influenced his leadership style, and why many veterans naturally find success in the railroad industry. Along the way, Joe and Ron share memorable stories from both the military and the railroad, highlighting the unique camaraderie, humor, and resilience that define both professions.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What it's like being part of a four-generation railroad family
• How military service translates into railroad leadership
• The importance of mentorship and developing future railroaders
• Why safety culture starts with personal accountability
• How effective leaders create a "speak up" environment
• The evolution of railroad technology and operations
• The future of automation, remote control operations, and autonomous trains
• Lessons learned from decades of railroad management and operations
• Why railroading remains one of America's most essential industries

Whether you're a rail professional, veteran, industry leader, or someone curious about the people behind America's freight network, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership, service, safety, and the future of rail transportation.

In this solo episode of The Switch Point, Joe pulls back the curtain on one of Axiom Rail Services' most requested offerings: rail compliance and operational audits.

What actually happens when Axiom arrives on-site? What are auditors looking for? And why do so many rail facilities have hidden compliance, safety, and operational risks they don't even know exist?

Joe walks listeners through the entire audit process, from the initial customer interview to field observations, employee interviews, compliance reviews, track inspections, and final reporting. He explains how Axiom identifies safety hazards, training deficiencies, regulatory gaps, infrastructure concerns, and operational risks before they result in injuries, derailments, violations, or costly fines.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What a rail compliance audit actually includes
• The difference between a gap analysis and a traditional audit
• Common safety and compliance failures found at transload facilities
• Why employee interviews reveal more than paperwork ever can
• The importance of FRA compliance, training, and oversight programs
• How track inspections complement operational audits
• Why proactive audits save customers far more than they cost
• The hidden risks many facilities overlook until it's too late
• How Axiom develops corrective action plans and long-term solutions

Whether you're a facility manager, safety professional, railroad operator, or company executive, this episode provides an inside look at the processes, standards, and expertise that help keep rail operations safe, compliant, and efficient.

Sometimes the biggest risks are the ones you don't know exist until someone takes a closer look.