If you drive through the Kansas City area you’ll notice that things seem extremely busy with the railroads there. The increased activity of a Class I partner has created new opportunities not only for Team members but also for job seekers looking for a starting position in the rail industry.
Kansas City is one of the larger rail hubs in the United States and it has been so busy for one of our Class I partners, BNSF, that our Kaw River Railroad (KAW) had the opportunity to branch out into the car cleaning business.
To help with efficiencies and allow them to focus on moving traffic, the BNSF contracted the cleaning business to Watco, now known as the KC Car Cleaning Team. The KC Car Cleaning operation has been providing services for a year and celebrated their one-year safety anniversary as well.
Team Members Michael “Tory” Funk, foreman, Collin Shulz, and Curtis Marks provide services cleaning cars such as gondolas, hoppers, and sometimes boxcars. Depending on the commodity shipped in the cars, they will either sweep or wash out the cars before they are returned to service carrying another commodity.
Although Tory is the only Team member who has been on duty the entire year, KAW General Manager Todd Trammell said that the former Team members have gone on to other positions within Watco or on the KAW.
“It’s a good place to get your foot in the door if you’re wanting to join our Team,” said Trammell. “There are always positions opening up due to various reasons and if I can bring someone over that has already been proven it’s a win-win for everyone.”