Benjamin Zachary, President & General Manager, Alexander Railroad Co.

In an interview with Invest:, Benjamin Zachary, president and general manager of the Alexander Railroad Co., discussed trends that are making an impact, industrial growth, and the importance of infrastructure investment. “Our presence makes the county more attractive for both industrial expansions and new business recruitment,” Zachary said.

How has the business environment for Alexander Railroad changed over the past year, and what trends are having the biggest impact on your customers? 

We’re seeing our customers feel the impact of higher transportation costs, slower inbound supply chains, and growing pressure to automate or consolidate operations.  On top of that, Class I railroad transit times have stretched out and schedule reliability isn’t what it used to be.  Because of all this, short lines like ours are being asked to step in with dependable, responsive local service to help buffer Class I variability. 

What opportunities do you see for industrial growth in Alexander County, and how does rail access strengthen the region’s competitiveness?

Rail access is one of Alexander County’s strongest competitive advantages.  It’s a proven driver of economic development, and it gives local manufacturers a cost-effective way to reach more markets.  Our presence makes the county more attractive for both industrial expansions and new business recruitment.

Alexander Railroad has recently benefited from state and federal investments in infrastructure. How will these projects improve service and support future economic development? 

We have invested heavily in our infrastructure in recent years, and matching grants have allowed us to accelerate these expensive upgrades.  Work on our main track, sidings, and crossings has increased our railcar capacity and improved both safety and reliability.  These improvements directly support industrial growth and help position the county for long-term economic development.

How have manufacturers’ and shippers’ logistics needs evolved in recent years, and what are they looking for from a short-line railroad today?

After several years of supply-chain disruptions, manufacturers and shippers now prioritize consistent transit times, reliable interchange performance, quick responses, and clear communication.  Ancillary services such as transloading, car storage and staging, switching and spotting, and support for industrial track maintenance are increasingly expected.  In short, they are looking for a logistics partner rather than just a carrier.  Short lines are well positioned to meet these expectations because of our local presence, operational flexibility, and the strong relationships we maintain with our customers. 

What are the biggest workforce challenges facing the rail industry, and how are you attracting and developing the next generation of employees?

The rail industry faces a tightening labor market marked by an aging workforce, competition from other skilled trades, and the need for employees who can blend mechanical know-how with modern technology skills.  As an 80-year-old short line railroad, we offer stable, well-paid, community-based employment supported by hands-on training and a strong commitment to safety.  Alexander Railroad is essentially an 18-mile plant without a roof, and we look for people with the skills, work ethic, and attitude to succeed in that kind of environment.

Looking ahead, what are your top priorities for Alexander Railroad, and what gives you confidence about the future of Alexander County’s economy?

Looking ahead, we’re focused on continuing to modernize our infrastructure, expanding capacity, strengthening service consistency, and deepening the customer-focused partnerships that make rail such a valuable asset for local industry. We work closely with the Alexander County EDC as a unified team, aligning our rail capabilities with the county’s recruitment and expansion strategies. That partnership has been proven successful, and together with a strong manufacturing base and the advantage of rail access, it reinforces our confidence in the future.