KCS dedicates intermodal terminal to Starling

A ceremony with the KCS board of directors and officers and local civic officials was held at the terminal on Nov. 11. Starling is fourth from right.

Kansas City Southern

David L. Starling, who recently retired as President and CEO of Kansas City Southern, now has an intermodal terminal named after him.

KCS on Nov. 11 re-named its intermodal facility in Wylie, Tex., the David L. Starling Wylie Intermodal Terminal. “It was Dave’s vision that brought this facility to fruition, so it is appropriate that it be renamed in his honor,” said Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, who succeeded Starling on July 1, 2016. “We greatly appreciate Dave’s service and direction as CEO over the past six years. KCS’ performance during his tenure as CEO is truly remarkable, and much of the company’s success can be attributed to his leadership. KCS wishes Dave and his wife, Candace, the very best in retirement.”

The David L. Starling Wylie Intermodal Terminal opened for operations on July 13, 2015 serving domestic and international intermodal customers. “The terminal brings a relatively new gateway to Wylie and Collin County, offering KCS customers the opportunity to move their goods to a national and international market by way of this world-class facility,” KCS said.

With more than 40 years in the transportation business, Starling, Railway Age’s 2012 Railroader of the Year, acquired substantial experience in the North American rail industry and in intermodal and global shipping logistics. He began his railroad career in 1971 with the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad (Frisco) and during the next 14 years held various positions in rail operations at the Frisco and later Burlington Northern (BN) when the Frisco was merged into BN. In 1988, he joined American President Lines (APL) as managing director of stack train operations for the Chicago region and later the Southern region.

From 1993 to 1994, he served as managing director of the Philippines for APL and was responsible for all regional functions including financial, legal and governmental relations.

In 1995, Starling became APL’s managing director for Hong Kong/South China region, then later became vice president for Central Asia, responsible for China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

In 1999, he relocated to Panama and was named President and Director General of KCS subsidiary Panama Canal Railway Company (PCRC), with responsibility for the reconstruction of the railroad and its subsequent operation. In July 2008, he joined KCS as President and Chief Operating Officer and The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR) as a director, President and CEO. In May 2010, he was elected to the KCS board of directors and in August 2010 named CEO.