Future of Rail: St. Louis Leaders Guide Freight Career Pathways

St. Louis Freight Leaders Spotlight Career Pathways for Future Industry Professionals

The St. Louis Regional Freightway (SLRF) convened a virtual panel discussion last week during FreightWeekSTL 2025 to illuminate career opportunities within the freight transportation sector for high school students. This event, held virtually in St. Louis, aimed to connect young people with the rail, barge, and trucking industries, highlighting potential pathways and the diverse range of roles available. The event, a component of the larger FreightWeekSTL initiative, provided a valuable platform for industry leaders to share their insights and experiences with the next generation of professionals. The goal was to demystify the freight industry and encourage students to consider careers critical to the nation’s supply chains.

Navigating the Industry Landscape

The panel brought together key figures from various segments of the freight industry. Moderated by Mary Lamie, head of the SLRF and executive vice president of multimodal enterprises for Bi-State Development, the discussion featured Adam Mahlandt, general manager of the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA); Bill Kinzeler, senior vice president and GM of Ingram Infrastructure Group; Brad Reinhardt, president of third-party logistics firm WEL St. Louis; and Nicole Adewale, principal and owner of ABNA Engineering Inc. These experts offered students a comprehensive overview of the freight industry, encompassing rail operations, barge transport, trucking logistics, and engineering perspectives.

Rail Sector Career Opportunities: The TRRA Perspective

Adam Mahlandt, representing the TRRA, provided a focused discussion on rail sector careers. He detailed various entry-level and advanced positions, including conductor switchmen, track workers, and mechanical carmen. Mahlandt emphasized the technical skills, educational requirements, and growth prospects associated with each role. The TRRA, responsible for switching operations within the St. Louis metropolitan area, plays a pivotal role in connecting the Class I railroads and facilitating the efficient movement of freight across the region. His presentation offered a realistic view of the demands and rewards within the rail sector, showcasing the industry’s importance and its need for a skilled workforce.

Bridging the Skills Gap: Education and Training

Panelists also discussed the critical role of education and training in preparing students for careers in freight transportation. The discussion covered the importance of technical skills, apprenticeships, and relevant academic programs. The increasing complexity of freight operations, driven by technological advancements and evolving industry standards, necessitates a well-prepared workforce. Experts highlighted the value of partnerships between industry leaders and educational institutions in creating effective training programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing landscape.

Logistics and Infrastructure: A Multifaceted View

The panel broadened the discussion to encompass the broader aspects of logistics and infrastructure. Speakers from Ingram Infrastructure Group and WEL St. Louis explored how their respective companies contribute to the efficient handling and delivery of goods. Topics included supply chain management, warehousing, and the role of technology in optimizing operations. Nicole Adewale from ABNA Engineering Inc. provided insight into the engineering and infrastructure challenges that must be addressed to support current and future needs of the region’s freight network, including maintenance and expansion initiatives. This holistic view underscored the interconnectedness of different sectors within the industry and the diverse career paths available.

Conclusion

The virtual panel, hosted by the St. Louis Regional Freightway during FreightWeekSTL 2025, successfully illuminated the multitude of career opportunities within the freight industry for high school students. By bringing together experienced professionals from rail, barge, trucking, and engineering, the event provided a crucial platform for showcasing the sector’s dynamism and vital importance to the economy. Insights from TRRA and other panelists offered specific glimpses into roles requiring specialized skills, like conductor switchmen and track workers. The emphasis on training, apprenticeships, and technical skill development demonstrated the industry’s commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce.

The implications are significant: attracting young talent can help address the industry’s well-documented labor shortages and ensure continued efficient operation of supply chains. The future outlook for the freight industry in the St. Louis region is promising. As the region continues to grow and embrace technological advancements, students with a strong understanding of the industry will be well-positioned to contribute to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability of the freight transportation sector. Events like this are vital in shaping the next generation of freight industry leaders.

Company Summary

Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA): The TRRA is a critical switching and terminal railroad operator in the St. Louis area. It provides essential rail-to-rail connections between Class I railroads and serves numerous local industries. The TRRA’s efficient operations are vital to the region’s freight transport network, ensuring seamless movement of goods and materials.

Bi-State Development: Bi-State Development is a regional government agency that manages the SLRF and oversees several transportation and infrastructure projects within the St. Louis metropolitan area. The agency is deeply involved in multimodal initiatives to enhance the efficiency and reach of freight movement in the region.

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