The year begins with some feeling of optimism that the worst may be over with respect to Anadarko Basin oilfield activity and the depressing climate of public fear and general economic effects associated with the devastating global disease pandemic. System freight traffic actually increased14.8% from the 2020 total, and several rail-oriented development possibilities are being pursued at different locations on our system.

Farmrail’s team of dedicated railroaders is a healthy lot, performing consistently throughout the year with remarkably few cases of confirmed coronavirus as our region minimized the lifestyle disruptions experienced in more populous areas. Western Oklahoma’s open spaces and steady winds were helpful outdoors, and most administrative business could be conducted from home using advanced communications technology.

Major-carrier focus since 1980 deregulation has emphasized downsizing physical plant, consolidating operating entities, reducing labor force, and lowering operating expenses to improve network productivity. Unit-trains have become normal in main corridors at the expense of the carload traffic handled with most connecting short lines. That era may be ending as large and small carriers seem to be redirected toward growth.