In 2014, the R&N handled 24,365 carloads, which surpassed the previous record achieved in 2011, and represents a 3.2% increase in total carloads compared to 2013. “This achievement is especially impressive considering the 21% decline in the anthracite coal unit train business, which fell due to severe price competition from foreign coal producers,” the railroad noted. “However, the substantial drop-off in unit train coal business was more than offset by 7% increases in domestic coal carloads and merchandise carloads. Our merchandise business, which consists of a diverse mixture of commodities including wood pulp, paper, metals, food products, plastics, forest products, chemicals, and minerals, comprises close to 80% of Reading & Northern’s total traffic.”
“Our record breaking volumes for 2014 are the result of our philosophy of putting our customers first” said R&N CEO and owner Andy Muller, Jr. As proof of the railroad’s commitment to its customers, Muller noted that in 2014, the R&N met its goal of serving all customers within a two-hour service window 99% of the time.
“Obviously we could not have achieved this growth and exceptional customer service without the hard work of the 180 plus men and women in the Reading & Northern family,” said President Wayne Michel. He also attributed the railroad’s success to “being privately owned with an entrepreneurial perspective that enabled us to react quickly to changing market conditions. As a result of our local ownership, we are able to invest quickly in new facilities for ourselves and new customers to the railroad. These new facilities and new customers enable our company to grow our business. And our commitment to excellent service keeps our existing customers happy.”
As an example of R&N’s investment in new facilities Michel pointed to the development of new transloading facilities at Cressona and Penobscot that “have been very successful and resulted in substantial business growth on the railroad.” In recognition of the development of these terminals, R&N was awarded the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association Marketing Award in 2014, the second time the railroad has been so-honored in the past five years
Reading & Northern’s sister company, Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, also had a record year, accommodating more than 72,000 visitors on of its many steam- or diesel-powered excursion trains.