NRC Chairman’s Column: Collaboration and Partnership Are Here To Stay, but So Is Change

Union Pacific Chief Operating Officer Eric Gehringer (center) was the keynote speaker for the NRC’s Fireside Chat on January 8, 2026, at its annual conference in Hollywood, Florida. NRC Chairman Joe Daloisio (l) and Vice Chairman Curtis Bilow (r) moderated the discussion.  

Caption and image courtesy of NRC

Contractors and suppliers who attended the NRC’s Annual Conference in Hollywood, Florida, in early January liked what they heard. More than two dozen engineering and operating representatives from railroad and transit lines were singing from the same hymnbook … and it was music to our ears 

Railway leaders repeatedly emphasized the importance of true partnership with contractors and suppliers. They shared examples of strong teamwork and affirmed that continued collaboration is essential as they work to meet future operating requirements and deliver for their stakeholders. 

That’s good news, for sure. It’s what our predecessors and peers have been working for since the NRC was founded in 1978. But here’s the catch. There was also a clear message. While we are indispensable members of their teams, we must be willing to evolve and get better. 

Our conference keynote speaker –  Union Pacific Chief Operating Officer Eric Gehringer – elaborated on that theme during the NRC’s Fireside Chat, always a highlight of our annual conference. He spoke passionately about how close collaboration with contractors and suppliers is helping to advance safety, service and operational excellence and fuel the railroad’s momentum. 

“You are central to how we operate the railroad,” he told attendees, while thanking them for what they do. 

Mr. Gehringer discussed essential characteristics of effective contractor partnerships. On safety, he noted everyone has improved but we need to get better. “We put titles and company names aside. We want you to be engaged and to understand your role.” 

He urged contractors to be agile and flexible to change, to be more transparent – honest about the schedule – and to bring forward new ideas. Like other leaders at the conference, he called for improvement across the board and encouraged collaborative efforts, citing reducing regulations and advancing new technology. 

Other conference presentations and workshops covered actionable ways to change that will advance your career, your company, and our industry. 

On the final day of the conference, Matt Ginsberg, president of TGA Association Management Solutions LLC, led panelists on the government affairs panel who all greatly endorsed the value of NRC members in building relationships with elected officials and regulators. They noted Railroad Day on the Hill on March 4 as a pivotal opportunity. 

“I am a firm believer that no one tells your story better than you,” said CN Head of US Public and Government Affairs Andrea Waldock Niethold. “You can have a seat at the table. Come to Railroad Day, meet with lawmakers, and tell the story of our industry. It’simportant to teach your Members of Congress what you do and who you employ.” 

Andrew Brady, UP vice president of external relations, emphasized that NRC members can show how our industry contributes to a prosperous economy. “It’s incumbent on all of us to let them (Congress) know about railroading. They are making important decisions with a big impact. If you are not there, you may not like the outcome.” 

I hope you will join me on March 4 in Washington on Capitol Hill for Railroad Day on the Hill to tell our story and the vital role of contractors and suppliers. Reserve your spot at aslrra.org.  

To our equipment buyers, sellers, and consignees: Please make note of the NRC’s 2026 Annual Railroad Equipment Auction on April 23 and 24 at Delta Railroad Services’ facility in Austinburg, Ohio. This is the perfect time to right size your fleet or pick up specialized equipment or parts to address work in the pipeline. This year’s auction will be in person and online, so you can participate without shipping equipment or traveling. Learn more at nrcma.org/annual-auction. 

Change is already underway, and more is coming. The NRC intends to be at the forefront of that change to help our members to not just respond, but lead.  

“Change is constant. Leadership is a choice.”