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Tag: rail engineering

  • An Overview of Our Latest Rail Infrastructure Development Project

    TGB Group specializes in rail infrastructure development projects.

    An Overview of Our Latest Rail Infrastructure Development Project

    TGB’s Progress: Contracted for final construction documents for a Southeast Texas project

    TGB Group is proud to announce its latest milestone in collaboration with a valued customer in the Southeast Texas area. This partnership showcases TGB’s commitment to delivering exceptional results in the realm of rail infrastructure development.

    Originally entrusted with the task of producing 30% design documents and a preliminary budget estimate in November 2022, TGB’s expertise in design and planning came to the forefront. These documents, along with the budget estimate, were meticulously crafted to align with the customer’s vision, requirements and project goals for rail infrastructure development.

    In March 2023, TGB delivered these documents, marking a crucial step in the project’s journey.

    In a clear demonstration of our team’s commitment and skill, the customer reaffirmed their trust in May 2023 by granting the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the creation of final construction documents. This significant step not only solidified the partnership but also showcased the unwavering confidence in TGB’s capability to transform ideas into concrete outcomes.

    Rail infrastructure development scope

    The scope of this ambitious design project includes:

    • 28,900 track feet of rail to secure connectivity and efficient transportation
    • 23 turnouts to help smooth transitions and maneuverability
    • 15,000 steel ties, components that are required for structural integrity
    • 21,500 tons of ballast to contribute to stability and longevity
    • 29,000 tons of sub ballast, a foundation for the project’s durability
    • A significant number of culverts, thoughtfully sized for effective drainage solutions

    Anticipation grows as the project prepares for its next phases. With plans to initiate the bidding process in January 2024, the construction stage will launch in March 2024 and should run for nine months.

    TGB’s attention to detail, adherence to deadlines and commitment to quality in this project set the stage for a successful and transformative endeavor.

    For additional information about this rail infrastructure development project or other TGB Group projects, contact Steven Surratt, Business Development, at (817) 487-0193.

  • The 2023 TEDC Annual Conference Is Coming to Houston in October

    The 2023 TEDC Annual Conference Is Coming to Houston in October

    We hope to see you at this year’s exciting conference event

     

    2023 tedc annual conference

    If the 2023 TEDC Annual Conference is on your agenda for October 11-13, we invite you to visit our booth during the event. The conference, sponsored by the Texas Economic Development Council, is truly a highlight of our yearly schedule.

    2023 TEDC Annual Conference overview

    The event will feature a great lineup of industry experts discussing important economic development topics, such as:

    • The water crisis Texas is currently experiencing
    • The state of the Texas workforce
    • Effective mentoring techniques and principles

    and much, much more.

    The conference will also include a variety of engaging discussion panels filled with economic development professionals who will share their knowledge and experience on topics that affect our business and many others throughout the state of Texas.

    The 2023 TEDC Annual Conference is an opportunity you don’t want to miss to learn, network and engage with your peers in economic development.

    Golf tournament and more excitement

    The conference will include a golf tournament, scheduled for Wednesday, October 11. The Community Economic Development Award Luncheon will be held Thursday, October 12. In addition, you can visit the exhibit hall and networking lounge, attend two receptions and participate in a PAC Auction.

    This year’s conference is being held at the JW Marriott Houston by the Galleria, 5150 Westheimer Road.

    About the TEDC

    The Texas Economic Development Council is an Austin-based, statewide, non-profit professional association dedicated to the development of economic and employment opportunities in Texas. Our diverse members share a common goal: bringing new investment and jobs to Texas.

    We’ll look for you at the 2023 TEDC Annual Conference!

    This year’s conference is shaping up to be an exciting time for everyone who does business in the great state of Texas. If you plan to attend, don’t forget to stop by the TGB Group booth and say hi.

    The TGB Team

  • This Year’s 2023 AREMA Annual Conference is Being Held in Indianapolis

    From Arema.org.

    This Year’s 2023 AREMA Annual Conference is Being Held in Indianapolis

    TGB Group will sponsor “Meet the Next Generation”

    The largest North American railway conference and exhibition is coming to Indianapolis.  The 2023 AREMA Annual Conference, in conjunction with Railway Interchange, is scheduled for October 1-4, 2023 at the Indiana Convention Center.  This will be an outstanding opportunity to learn from industry experts about trends that will impact the future.

    “Meet the Next Generation”

    TGB Group is proud to be a sponsor of the “Meet the Next Generation” event at the 2023 AREMA Annual Conference.  This event has been extremely successful in past years and continues to grow each year with more attendees and companies hosting tables at the networking reception.  We hope to make the 13th annual event the best ever!

    “Meet the Next Generation” will give prospective employees and students an opportunity to learn about the railroad industry and meet representatives from many of its companies.  It’s a fantastic way for people moving into the workforce to get a feel for the industry and make informed decisions about employment options.

    For rail industry representatives, it’s a fantastic way to establish relationships with potential employees who can be assets to their companies and organizations now and in the future.

    Why attend the 2023 AREMA Annual Conference?

    The conference will give you a chance to sharpen your skills through a variety of sessions with industry-expert presenters across the four days.  You’ll expand your knowledge on important topics like emergencies, remediation and sustainability.  There will be plenty of opportunities to participate in discussions about safety solutions and explore new ideas through engaging case studies and overviews of products and services that affect our industry.

    Depending on your state’s policies, you may be eligible for Professional Development Hours to maintain your certification.

    This conference is designed for YOU

    If you work in railroad communications, engineering, maintenance-of-way, passenger & transit, signals & information technology, track structure, or any other segment of the rail industry, you owe it to yourself to attend the 2023 AREMA Annual Conference.

    Get more information about registration here.

    Learn more about the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association here.

    We hope to see you at the conference!

    The TGB Team

  • Here’s a recap of the 2023 SWARS Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas

    Here’s a recap of the 2023 SWARS Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas

    TGB Group was excited to be a conference sponsor and be part of the activities

    SWARS 2023 Annual Meeting

    The SWARS 2023 Annual Meeting held March 29-30, 2023, took place at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk Hotel this year.  There was a great selection of speakers, and TGB Group helped to sponsor the Food, Wine & Mezcal Tasting Event.

    A highlight of these meetings is the networking opportunity for rail industry professionals.  It’s helpful and fun to mingle with and really get to know people who are usually the face of an email.

    Fundraising at the SWARS 2023 Annual Meeting

    SWARS 2023 annual meeting
    TGB Group’s Mike Murphy (r.) and colleagues at the SWARS 2023 Annual Meeting.

    At the Southwest Association of Rail Shippers Annual Meeting this year, funds raised during the various events went to benefit the George J. Elking Scholarship Fund.

    The George J. Elking Jr. Scholarship Award was created to help individuals throughout the SWARS region achieve their educational and career goals.  SWARS would love it if the recipients ended up with careers in the logistics and transportation fields, but the association is excited to help deserving individuals regardless of their chosen career paths.

    Scholarship funding is provided for the school year beginning in the first fall semester that follows the notification of the award.

    SWARS events throughout the year

    The SWARS 2023 Annual Meeting was just one of many events the association sponsors each year.  The objective of the meetings and other events is to bring an open forum to professionals in the railroad, shipping and related industries.  It gives them the perfect opportunity to gather and discuss news and ideas that are important in their fields.

    Topics that we and other SWARS members and attendees discuss include service, car supply, scheduling, operating practices, technology and everything else that impacts our professional lives.

    Major conference events are held twice a year, in the spring and fall, at locations within SWARS’ territory.

    Learn more about the Southwest Association of Rail Shippers

    SWARS is open to everyone involved in rail transportation, including rail shippers and receivers, railroads, vendors, third parties, regulators and others.

    We’re looking forward to the next SWARS event – the 2023 Semi-Annual Meeting in San Diego!

    The TGB Team

  • TGB Group Now Providing Civil Engineering and Design Services in Alabama

    TGB Group Now Providing Civil Engineering and Design Services in Alabama

    We’re currently working with an Alabama lumber mill

    TGB Group is proud to announce that we’re now offering civil engineering and design services in Alabama.  We launched projects last year in Arizona and New Mexico, and now we’re moving into the Yellowhammer State.

    Our Alabama project is for a large lumber mill.  The project began with consultation meetings with the client to select a scale for railcars that would meet their needs.

    After we selected the type of scale – in this case, a weigh in motion scale – we interviewed scale companies and evaluated their products and proposals.  We’re now designing a new track for the client that will include turnouts at both ends and the new scale at the mid-point of the track to allow rail cars to be weighed before passing on to the unloading station.  The project will begin construction in the middle of 2023.

    Arizona & New Mexico projects

    Arizona projects included the planning and civil design of two separate neighborhoods, a railroad scale and track project and another railroad track project.  We are also working on a large, rail-served industrial park in Arizona.

    In New Mexico last year, we worked on a rail expansion project that connected two sets of shorter tracks to make two long tracks.  This was to give the client additional storage capacity for their growing business.  We are currently working with a client on a large unit train facility that includes capacity for 20 or more trains per month, laydown space for materials, the relocation of a large detention pond, drainage for the site and more than two miles of roadway.

    Learn more about our civil engineering and design services in Alabama

    If you’d like to know more about our initial Alabama project, we’d love to speak with you about it.

    If you have a rail-related project anywhere in the U.S. that needs an experienced team to make it a success, please contact us.  We’ll get to know you and your project and determine how we can help you meet your objectives.

    The TGB Team

  • Conference Theme Was “Supply Chains and Intelligent Infrastructure”

    Conference Theme Was “Supply Chains and Intelligent Infrastructure”

    The Victoria, Texas, Chamber of Commerce sponsored the conference

    The Transportation Committee of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce held its ninth annual Transportation Conference on December 6, 2022, at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex in Victoria, Texas.  TGB Group was proud to be a lunch sponsor for this important annual event.

    The theme this year was “Supply Chains and Intelligent Infrastructure.”  The program featured a variety of experts from many segments of the transportation industry, who presented information about current transportation issues.

    A highlight of the conference was the awarding of three $1,000 scholarships to local students who are pursuing degrees in engineering or transportation.  The scholarships were sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Victoria.

    About the Victoria Chamber of Commerce

    The Victoria Chamber of Commerce is a leader in helping to develop the business climate and economic growth within the greater Victoria area.  TGB Group always enjoys participating in events organized by this vital chamber.

    Joe Lyon, president of the Victoria Chamber, notes that “the Chamber is committed to creating connections through events and other initiatives.  They are grateful for the leadership and compassion of the Chamber members and supporters.  A strong and active Chamber provides the invaluable benefit of a unified voice for growth of business in our great city.”

    Consider attending the 2023 conference

    The ninth annual Transportation Conference was held at the University of Houston Victoria – Northwest Campus.  It was an exciting time for everyone involved and a great opportunity to learn about important issues affecting transportation in our area.  It was also a chance to meet old friends in the industry and make new connections.

    If you work in the transportation industry in or around Victoria, Texas, consider planning to attend the 2023 conference.  Check with the Victoria Chamber’s website, linked above, for information on dates, times and places.

    The TGB Team

  • The TEDC 2022 Annual Conference Was a Powerful Event and a Great Learning Experience

    The TEDC 2022 Annual Conference Was a Powerful Event and a Great Learning Experience

    Here’s a conference overview and a letter from the Texas Economic Development Council’s 2022 board chair.

    The TEDC 2022 Annual Conference was held October 19-21 on the Riverwalk in San Antonio.  The three-day event saw a number of industry experts addressing the membership about important economic development topics.

    A key part of the conference was discussion panels that featured economic development professionals who shared their knowledge and experience.  It was a great opportunity to learn, network and engage with our peers in economic development.

    Presentations at the TEDC 2022 Annual Conference

    Presentations this year included ideas from government program officers and industry experts for communities looking to develop a broadband strategy for infrastructure funding.  Helpful information was given on federal and state funding opportunities for communities and companies.

    The TGB Group was a proud sponsor of the golf tournament.  Being a sponsor is a wonderful way to support the Texas Economic Development Council in its mission and year-round activities.  Sponsorship of events helps the council to:

    • Meet the needs of economic developers in Texas
    • Host quality events, such as the annual conference
    • Serve as an advocate at the Texas Capitol

    From Wesley Burnett, CEcD, Nacero & TEDC board chair

    “It has been another wonderful year to be a part of an organization that continues to grow in stature and influence – none of which could be accomplished without the strong support of our members – undoubtedly our greatest resource. Our membership continues to grow each year. In fact, membership in the TEDC is at an all-time high.

    “Although these past couple of years have been unpredictable at times and definitely challenging for many, having the support and commitment of economic development professionals like you makes all the difference in the world.

    “I have been extremely honored to be a part of the TEDC leadership team. The TEDC has a long legacy of providing best practices for economic development professionals through education, advocacy, resources and networking.”

    Wesley Burnett, CEcD
    Director-community relations, Nacero
    TEDC 2022 board chair

     

    We hope to see you next time

    The TEDC 2022 Annual Conference was an amazing event.  We bet the next conference will be even more amazing!

    The TGB Group

  • Gather and Learn at the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting

    Gather and Learn at the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting

    Mark your calendar for this important railroad industry event in Austin

    The Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association has announced the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting, coming up Feb. 13 and 14 in Austin, Texas.  Rail firms, engineering companies, railroad consultants and many other professionals consider this event one that shouldn’t be missed.

    Check back with the association’s website as details on the meeting are published.

    Why we’re attending the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting

    TGB Group tries to make all the “key” meetings and events that are related to our civil engineering and project management work in the railroad industry.  Texas Short Line meetings are always a priority for our team because we get to learn the most current news and information that could and does affect our business and the Texas rail industry as a whole.

    We encourage you to make plans for the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting.  Maybe we’ll see you there!

    About the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

    If you’re not familiar with the TSLRRA, here are some highlights about the association and the state of the rail industry.

    A lot is riding on short lines

    Short line rail serves companies and industries with more than 475,000 employees who generate $56 billion in economic value-add.

    Locally owned and operated

    Texas short line railroads are often locally owned and operated and are critical parts of the communities they serve.

    Want to save on gas costs?

    Freight transport is highly economical: a ton of freight moved across 479 miles of short line track uses only one gallon of diesel fuel.

    That’s a lot of freight

    Each year, close to 380 million tons of freight are moved along Texas railroads.

    The environment likes rail transport

    Rail transportation of freight creates 75% fewer greenhouse gases than trucks and accounts for just 0.6% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

    TSLRRA provides comprehensive services

    • Active in legislative & regulatory issues
    • Advocates for advancing safe railway operations
    • Provides industry education & professional training
    • Promotes ethical operating & business standards
    • Supports responsible environmental practices
    • Partners with government and private industry for economic growth

    Learn more about the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

    Make plans to attend the 2022 TSLRRA Annual Meeting

    If you haven’t already marked your calendar, do it now and don’t miss out on what will surely be a fantastic annual meeting and a chance to network and renew acquaintances.

    The TGB Group

     

  • We’re Hiring – Rail/Track Designer

    We’re Hiring – Rail/Track Designer

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    Looking for an experienced Rail/Track Designer who will support and design track projects for customers, short line railroads and Class 1 railroads. This position is remote and can be based anywhere in the USA for the selected professional with the essential track design experience.

    Responsibilities

    • Create conceptual track and facility layout drawings based on client input.
    • Review and assure compliance with railroad design requirements for projects in the design phase and provide design support for projects in the construction phase.
    • Support design engineering work on various complex engineering and construction projects.
    • Proactively manage scope, budget, schedule, functional quality, internal and external impacts and assure projects are designed on time.
    • Design track layouts for various customer and short line railroad rail projects nationally.
    • Full-time preferred but would consider part-time as well

    Experience

    • At least 1 year or more experience with track design in the USA
    • A PE registration is a plus but not required.
    • Experience with track design and coordination with other disciplines.
    • Familiarity with freight rail operations desirable.
    • Experience with Class I railroads design standards desirable

    Skills/Competencies

    • Excellent written, oral communications skills, and a familiarity with rail industry practices and standards are required. Must also possess a thorough knowledge of current AREMA recommendations for use on rail projects.
    • Must have experience using AutoCad Civil 3D to design track and create construction documents
    • Experience creating 3D models desirable

    Annual salary is negotiable for the right person.

    Benefits for a full-time position include medical, dental, vision, HSA, paid time off, commission, bonuses and 401K.

    Please email Admin@thetgbgroup.com with your resume and qualifications

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  • TGB Group Attended the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting

    TGB Group Attended the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting

    It’s always a great time at Midwest Association of Rail Shippers events

    TGB Group’s Mike Murphy and Beth Lynn recently attended the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting in Wisconsin.  The theme of this year’s meeting was “Switching the Focus for Mutual Success.”  The meeting was held July 18-19 in beautiful Lake Geneva, Wis.

    You can learn more about the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting here.

    Possibly more than at any other time in the past, companies that work in the rail industry today need to understand how to adapt and, as the meeting title says, “switch focus” in order to be solvent and successful in our uncertain economy.

    Talks and information we enjoyed at the meeting helped us answer many questions and map out positive business strategies for the future.

    Highlights of the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting

    • Orientation for new members and young professionals
    • Fabulous networking buffet dinner
    • MARS Executive Committee meeting

    Informative presentations by leadership from MARS, Eco-Energy, N. Bowdish Company, Union Tank Car Co., Watco Companies and others included:

    • “Navigating an Uncertain Economy & Turbulent Supply Chain”
    • “Customer Experience with Current Rail Service”
    • “Global Trends in Energy & Materials”
    • “Union Pacific Railroad Operating Update”
    • “Rail Equipment Market Update”

    That’s just an overview.  All MARS events are jam-packed with great speakers, great topics and great networking opportunities for anyone whose business is connected to North American rail shipping.

    About the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS)

    MARS is one of five regional associations that make up the North American Association of Rail Shippers (NARS). The organization covers Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota in the United States.  Canadian territories include the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

    MARS’ key objectives are to provide an open forum to discuss and resolve transportation issues, and to create programs that educate its members on railroad operating practices, new innovations in transportation and legislative matters.

    MARS has become the showcase forum for railroads and railroad customers to meet and discuss issues.  Semiannual meetings, such as the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting, welcome between 500 and 800 professionals and focus strongly on educational presentations and networking opportunities.

    We hope to see you at an upcoming MARS event!

    The TGB Team