Patriot Rail
Patriot Rail on Aug. 27 revealed its new brand mark (see above). “[T]he curve of the ‘P’ symbolizes Patriot’s commitment to first mile/last mile connectivity for customers, while the steps resembling railroad ties represent steppingstones to the future, all unified through forward-leaning letters,” said the company, which operates 31 short lines, three excursion railroads, and other rail services, including transloading, railcar storage, and real estate and logistics planning and assistance.
“Our rebrand is more than just a new look—it represents a pivotal moment in our ambitious growth strategy to reshape freight rail transportation,” Patriot Rail CEO Brandy Christian said. “We’re aligning our identity with our updated vision to redefine rail freight solutions—connecting communities and industries, delivering locally, and reaching nationally.”
Patriot Rail reported that it has been on a “steady growth path” since its 2022 acquisition of Pioneer Lines. “Over the past three years, Patriot has built upon its freight railroad core and expanded its rail services and excursion railway portfolio,” it said. “In 2023, Patriot Rail achieved a major milestone with the acquisition of HYDRA, a transloading and warehousing company, expanding its ability to deliver integrated logistics solutions alongside its rail operations.” Patriot also grew its freight network with the addition of Delta Southern Railroad in Louisiana and Merced County Central Valley Railroad in California, and its excursion portfolio with the assumption of ownership of New Hampshire’s Hobo Railroad and Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
Since July 2024, under Christian’s leadership, the company said it “has evolved from being a ‘Partner in Growth’ to a ‘Growth Generator.’”
Last fall, Patriot Rail celebrated the opening of a loading dock at the Castle Commerce Center in Merced, Calif., which it said marked “a milestone in the growth and expansion of the Castle Rail District on the MCVR, as well as in the company’s transload services nationwide.” Additionally, the company in spring 2025 announced a new multi-commodity transload facility on the Canadian Pacific Kansas City network in Denton, Tex.; in July opened a new Salt Lake City intermodal facility in partnership with BNSF and the Utah Inland Port Authority; and earlier this month opened the Gettysburg Excursion Railway.
“Rail has always been about moving forward—and so are we,” Christian summed up. “We’re improving how we operate, how we serve, and how we show up for our customers and communities. We’re ready for the next chapter—a stronger brand for a stronger future.”
DCR
On Aug. 20, U.S. Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) and U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) toured DCR in Harrington, Del., according to the railroad, a subsidiary of Carload Express, and GoRail, a national non-profit grassroots organization. DCR operates 188 miles of rail line in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, and interchanges with Norfolk Southern, as well as Maryland & Delaware Railroad in several locations on the Delmarva Peninsula.
The event began with a briefing led by Mike Tetler, Executive Vice President and CIO of Carload Express. “Tetler highlighted the railroad’s service to agricultural producers and manufacturers, noting that DCR hauls about 30,000 carloads annually, a figure that has grown substantially as the railroad reinvests in its operations and future growth,” DCR and GoRail reported. “He also emphasized the impact of an $18.8 million federal CRISI grant, which is funding upgrades across DCR territory in Delaware and Maryland to improve safety, track conditions, and reliability for shippers.” The grant, awarded in 2020, is being used to upgrade three movable rail bridges over navigable waterways in Middletown and Seaford, Del., and Pocomoke City, Md.; 100 miles of track between Porter, Del., and Lecato, Va.; and nine grade crossings in Delaware and Maryland.
“Our federal delegation was able to secure a major federal grant to help Delmarva Central Railroad make important upgrades and deliver more reliable service,” said Sen. Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee. “That’s a win for producers and supply chains here in Delaware and across the region. Every carload moved by rail means fewer trucks on our roads—less congestion for families and more sustainable transportation overall.”
“Railroads like DCR are proud to be partners in safety and growth for the communities we serve,” said Tetler, who pointed out that Carload Express has reinvested nearly 60% of its revenue in recent years to expand service and modernize infrastructure. “Programs like CRISI, the Rail Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program, and Section 130 grade crossing safety funding provide critical resources that, paired with railroads’ own investments, help us continue reducing truck traffic, improving safety, and supporting local economies.”
“As Congress shapes the next surface transportation legislation, rail’s story is clear: we need policies that strengthen the rail network through competitive grant programs like CRISI and RCE, promote safety and innovation by allowing the deployment of emerging technologies, and ensure fairness across modes so rail can continue moving efficiently and affordably,” GoRail Vice President Betsy Cantwell said. “When rail thrives, taxpayers, businesses, and communities all benefit.”
