Tag: railway

  • 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

  • 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

     

  • Join TGB Group and Other Rail & Engineering Professionals at the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference

    Join TGB Group and Other Rail & Engineering Professionals at the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference

    Conference to feature education on current trends and plenty of networking opportunities

    The TGB Group will be attending the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference, scheduled for Aug. 28-31.  This year’s event will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Co.

    We’re proud to be a Silver Sponsor for the conference organized by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA).  A Silver Level sponsorship investment provides much-needed broad support to help AREMA cover the costs of audio/visual services, support services and other operating expenses during the conference.

    As with past conferences, the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo will provide multiple opportunities for those in attendance to gain greater knowledge of the rail industry and add to their technical expertise.  And, of course, there will be a lot of networking going on as we renew old friendships in the industry and make new connections that will be mutually beneficial in the future.

    Key players will be at the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference

    The conference agenda includes almost 80 technical presentations from recognized leaders in the rail and engineering industries.  This is the place to be to access relevant information you can take back home and use.

    More than 300 companies will be presenting in the Exhibit Hall during the conference.  For rail professionals, this is an exciting opportunity to learn new strategies, see what others are doing and increase their knowledge base with workable ideas.

    Learn more about how you can be an AREMA 2022 Annual Conference sponsor here.

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

    We always look forward to AREMA conferences as well as the many other industry conferences and meetings held each year.  We learn a lot, and all that knowledge helps us continue to make our company better, stronger and more customer-oriented.

    The TGB Team

     

  • Mark Your Calendars for the 2022 TEDC Annual Conference in San Antonio

    Mark Your Calendars for the 2022 TEDC Annual Conference in San Antonio

    Get important economic data, play some golf, support the Texas Economic Development Council!

    The 2022 TEDC Annual Conference is happening this year on Oct. 19-21 in beautiful San Antonio, Texas, home of the famous Riverwalk.  Will you be attending?

    This special three-day event hosted by the Texas Economic Development Council will include a number of industry experts, who will share critical topics centering on economic development planning and strategies.  Whether you’re a small business like the TGB Group, a very large business or a community or city in Texas, you can gain a lot of insight that will help you in many ways.

    Highlights planned for the 2022 TEDC Annual Conference

    • Future Leaders Training Seminar
    • Multiple exhibits from groups and individuals
    • Special sessions and panels
    • Networking opportunities throughout the three days
    • Silent auction
    • Sales Tax Committee meetings
    • Board of Directors meeting
    • Community Economic Development Awards Luncheon

    and much more.

    And then there’s golf

    The 2022 TEDC Annual Conference wouldn’t be complete without an exciting golf tournament.  Anybody can participate and have fun while helping to support the Texas Economic Development Council.

    This tournament is a great way to reconnect with old golfing buddies, make new golfing buddies and just have a blast in exciting San Antonio.

    Conference location

    This year’s TEDC conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk at 123 Losoya St. in San Antonio, Texas.  Even if there was no conference going on, the hotel experience in itself would be enough.  It’s a gorgeous property with tons of amenities and the first-class service you would expect from a Hyatt Regency facility.

    Go here to register for the conference with your TEDC account.

    We hope to see many of you at the 2022 TEDC Annual Conference.  It’s something we look forward to every year, and we know you’ll look forward to it each year, as well, after you’ve attended for the first time.

    The TGB Team

  • Join Us at the TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference, June 22-24

    Join Us at the TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference, June 22-24

    This is a key event for the Texas Economic Development Council

    TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference
    Omni Hotel, Corpus Christi

    If you have a Texas-based business or a business that operates in Texas, you should consider attending the TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference in June.

    TGB Group has been a participant and often a sponsor of the conference since our inception in 2016.  Our President, Mike Murphy, has been involved with the Texas Economic Development Council for more than 10 years.

    Why the TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference is important

    Across three days, a variety of presentations are scheduled that will be beneficial to anyone with Texas business interests.  Our company is based in Texas, so it’s a no-brainer for us to attend.

    As of late May, scheduled topics and activities for the conference include:

    • Strategies for blending the worlds of workforce, economic development and education
    • TEDC Executive Committee meeting
    • Initiatives in alternative and sustainable energy in Texas
    • The role of The Port of Corpus Christi in the global economy
    • Ideas for employee recruitment and retention
    • Best practices for screening leads and vetting projects
    • Leadership lessons for economic developers
    • Workforce Excellence Award recognition
    • Reenergizing the small business ecosystem
    • Overview of employee trends in Texas

    and so much more.

    Review sponsors and full tentative itinerary >>>

    Network with like-minded professionals

    Throughout the three-day TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference, there will be plenty of opportunities to network and connect with the “movers and shakers” who make Texas’ business run.

    Being able to meet and get to know other like-minded professionals is in itself enough reason to attend the conference.  Based on our experience at past conferences, many of the key players in Texas business, economics and transportation will be there.

    All this and great golf!

    Education and networking are important, but making the conference even better is a fun golf tournament scheduled for June 22 at the NorthShore Country Club Golf Course in Portland, Texas.  If you play, you can get involved.  TGB Group is one of the tourney’s sponsors.

    Where it’s happening

    The TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference will be held at the Omni Hotel, 900 Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas.  Registration closes on June 15.  You can register at the Omni Hotel link above.

    The TGB Team

     

  • We’re Excited to Offer 3D Model Services to our Clients

    We’re Excited to Offer 3D Model Services to our Clients

    Learn about how this technology can help your site planning and design efforts

    When you’re visualizing a new site development, standard photos of the site make it difficult to see many of the potentials and issues within the project. Now with our 3D model services, TGB gives you the ability to really grasp the visuals of your new site and see it as you want it to be.

    3D model services: what it’s all about

    3D modeling is an innovative technique in computer graphics that allows us to produce stunning three-dimensional digital representations of any object or surface.

    With this technology, we’ve been able to help our customers decide how they want their sites and rail projects designed. We take an image of their current layout or existing property and then add in the necessary visuals so they can see the “finished result” of their overall design.

    A key advantage of using 3D model services in the early stages of a project is that the leadership team can assess the visual before beginning to build. If something they originally had desired doesn’t appear quite the way they’d envisioned it, we can make alterations until we get the exact look the team is after. The project can then be built to suit.

    Look at some examples

    The photo below is the site layout of one of our customers located in Houston. They were considering the possibility of extending their current tracks to their property line as well as adding an additional turnout for a third track that would run parallel to the extended tracks already in place.

    TGB example 3D modeling before photo

     

    Our 3D model team went to work to create the photo you see below. It clearly showed the client what the facility would look like after construction. This was exactly what they wanted, and why they hired TGB to handle this design work.

    TGB example 3D modeling after photo


    Would 3D model services benefit your next project? You can learn more about our process and the many advantages it can bring you by calling Steven Surratt at (866) 217-7794. You can e-mail Steven at sales@thetgbgroup.com.

    The TGB Team

     

     

  • TSLRRA Leadership Announced at March 2022 Annual Meeting

    TSLRRA Leadership Announced at March 2022 Annual Meeting

    See who’s serving as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and in other roles

    At its March Annual Meeting in Dallas, the TSLRRA leadership for 2022 was announced. Executive officers who were named included:

    • Paul Treangen, president, TNW Corporation
    • Ailsa Von Dobeneck, vice president, Watco
    • Rebecca Murphy, treasurer, The TGB Group
    • Jeff Van Schaick, secretary, Jaguar Transport Holdings

    President predicts TSLRRA leadership will build for growth

    President Treangen said at the meeting that he’s proud of the recent progress the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association has made and expects the current TSLRRA leadership will continue building for growth in the future.

    “Representing the short line railroad industry to the state legislature and promoting the prosperity of our industry within Texas requires collaboration among our members,” Treangen said. “There’s a place for all TSLRRA members to get involved in our association and I’m pleased to see the ongoing efforts in raising awareness for TSLRRA.”

    Other key TSLRRA leadership roles announced at the Annual Meeting included:

    • Legislative: Ross Lane, G&W
    • Events: John Gravenkemper, Hatch & Kirk
    • Marketing: Cheryl Hart, TNW Corporation
    • Membership: Anabelle Cormier, Stahl Recruiting

    About the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

    Based in Texas, TSLRRA is a nonprofit professional organization representing the interests of the more than 40 short line railroads and industry-related businesses in Texas.

    Established in 2003, TSLRRA’s purpose has been to promote the state’s economy, champion public safety issues, partner with local governments and organizations to enhance the transportation infrastructure and bring new jobs and prosperity to Texas communities.

    Consider a membership for your firm

    If you work directly in the railroad industry or in any of its many support industries, you should consider becoming a TSLRRA member. TGB Group is proud of its membership, which allows us to learn of important breaking news and trends in the industry we serve.

    TSLRRA leadership is in place for one simple reason: to support its members as we all work together to build better jobs and futures in this always-vital industry.

    The TGB Team