TSLRRA Membership Has Many Benefits

A recap of the 2021 TSLRRA Annual Meeting and the importance of the association

TGB Group’s TSLRRA membership allowed us the pleasure of attending the first virtual Texas Short Line & Regional Railroad Association Annual Meeting on Feb. 24, 2021. We’ve belonged to the TSLRRA four years now, and it has always been a key part of our professional lives.

The TSLRRA forwards to us important details about current short line rail news on both the legislative and local levels and provides many other benefits.

Paul Treangen, TSLRRA president, says:

Our advocacy is at the state level, including TxDOT, but we also work with ASLRRA at the federal level. Also, we provide access to, and partner with, Class 1 government affairs staff, hold annual meetings, and provide visibility/engagement to our non-railroad members.

TSLRRA membership has added benefits of special access to background screenings and drug testing through eVerifile’s service, eShortLine (a contractor screening and security administration program explicitly formed for short line railroads).

Why TSLRRA membership is important

We believe in supporting an organization like TSLRRA because of its ongoing outreach to assist “mom and pop” railroads in numerous ways. The annual meeting is part of this outreach and gives these smaller railroad owners a perfect chance to meet and get to know other rail-industry professionals and gain access to helpful talks presented by knowledgeable speakers.

Short line railroads get overlooked too often, but the fact is, they’re very important for the factories and farms that link to major shippers and exporters.

TSLRRA Annual Meetings always bring us plenty of critical information such as details about heavy regulatory initiatives. These initiatives can hinder growth and Austin short line tax credit.

The TSLRRA and other short line associations are encouraging Congress to institute an ongoing tax credit that will help short line railroads enhance their infrastructure.

Want to know more about TSLRRA membership? Go to their LinkedIn page.

About TSLRRA

The Texas Short Line & Regional Railroad Association 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 and partner with local governments and organizations to enhance the transportation infrastructure and bring new jobs and prosperity to Texas communities. Learn more about the Texas Short Line & Regional Railroad Association.

Benefits of TSLRRA membership

1. Industry expertise

TSLRRA provides members with countless resources to keep them informed about ever-changing regulatory and legal issues pertaining to short line and regional railroads. Members can call or meet with in-house experts to discuss inquiries and get guidance. Bi-weekly newsletters, as well as ASLRRA’s exclusive data publication Industry Fact Book, summarize market trends and opportunities for railway operators, so members will never miss an opportunity or be caught unaware of changing tides in the industry. Members also have access to a library of webinars from trade experts and see speakers at regional meetings and seminars.

2. Networking opportunities

Through annual conventions, events, and regional meetings, members have a wide range of opportunities to meet with like-minded individuals, learn emerging trends and make important, lasting business connections. To get even more involved, members can serve on a number of committees or participate in mentorship programs.

3. Advocacy programs

ASLRRA represents small railroad operators in Washington D.C. In doing so, their team of lobbyists works with lawmakers to prevent unfair taxation and regulation. Through this advocacy, railroad owners have the ability to voice their concerns and provide recommendations directly to the government.