September Operations Momentum

Sean Ireland

Good morning, team. Well, can you believe it—we’re already a week into September. Time is just flying. I wanna start off with a look back at August’s safety efforts, ’cause honestly, we’ve seen some encouraging progress. Our 5c system call last week really shined a light on the work everyone’s been doing; so props to the whole transportation team for upping their game.

Sean Ireland

Now, I keep coming back to this one question—how do we keep that consistency? We can’t let up just because the calendar turned. Job safety briefings, exposure reduction, operational testing—none of that changes as we push into September. If anything, we need more of that dependable, boots-on-the-ground engagement. I think the key word right now is blend—it’s got to be a blended approach. Nights, weekends, evenings, we can’t just focus on the nine-to-five. We’re seeing a trend, right, with human factor-related incidents peaking outside of the usual day shifts. Especially at night, and those weekends… I always say, accidents don’t check the clock, you know?

Sean Ireland

Let me give you a quick story from an ERD completed via a drone. And what really struck me was how the increased drone use helped us spot a risk: a couple switch points we might’ve walked right past in the dark without that aerial perspective. Just little things, but that’s the kind of situational awareness we get when we use every tool we’ve got—whether that’s drones or regular operational testing, or those job safety briefings.

Sean Ireland

I also wanna remind everyone about the Regional Drone ERD day coming up—Tuesday at 4pm, running through to Wednesday, and we’ll wrap up with the Safety call after that. That’s a solid window to focus on the shove rule changes, falls from height, line of fire—just making sure all those exposures are top of mind.

Sean Ireland

And I know we all love our paperwork—well, at least I like to think some of you do—but don’t forget those employee record reviews, two a week minimum. With over 360 already checked off, that’s a good start, but let’s keep those conversations rolling. It’s not about the signature, honestly. Somebody might not wanna sign that review—and that’s totally fine. The conversation matters way more. And, quick note—there’s been a bit of chatter about the union letter going around. We’re not looking to complicate things. Those review talks are in the workday, they’re paid, and the goal is just an honest check-in with our folks.

Sean Ireland

If we pivot a bit to costs, you’ve probably heard: reducing overtime and extra starts is front and center for us this week. We’re seeing volume stay pretty stable, so that puts us in a nice spot to chip away at overall costs. I gotta say, last week’s development sessions on YW and Code 41 claims were eye-opening—gave us a clearer sense of which claims have legs and which ones are, uh, maybe asking more than they ought to. The most important takeaway is getting all the right info up front, so we can say yes or no faster, fewer loose ends.

Sean Ireland

At Selkirk Yard, the plan is to bring the east and south crew pools together into a single, more flexible pool. By doing this, we expect to see higher crew availability. When these changes take effect, employees should notice the difference in scheduling right away. It won’t always be perfect day to day, but it’s a meaningful step toward greater efficiency and balance.

Sean Ireland

Then there’s the New England Zone, specifically those 4-on-3-off and 3-on-4-off schedules for engineers out at Waterville. On paper, you know, it helps us rein in the guarantees and those starts from the extra board. But the thing is, guys are telling me it’s actually helping them get more predictable time off. It’s a win-win, both for the budget and for our people, and we’re looking at how to roll that out in other spots. If you’ve got feedback—or, let’s be honest, if you’ve got complaints—let us know so we can keep refining this. It all helps.

Sean Ireland

Oh, almost forgot—if you’re managing YW or Code 41 claims, remember to apply what we covered in those sessions. Document well, use what the contract says, and let’s keep making smart calls.

Sean Ireland

So on the engagement front, it’s been a busy few weeks. Over 360 record reviews and counting. Like I said earlier, signatures…whatever, right? The important piece is that chance for an honest discussion with the employee. And if someone decides not to sign, just make a note—they opted out, and we move on. Don’t sweat it.

Sean Ireland

I know there’s been some talk about union letters asking managers to sign off—we will not be signing those. Our people are being paid during these conversations, and it’s about reviewing their record and having the conversation itself, nothing more.

Sean Ireland

And I gotta say, big welcome to the eight new managers starting training in Atlanta this week. We’re really excited to have Shane Baker in Richmond, Stephen Polkinghorne up in Syracuse, Matthew Bruce heading to Buffalo, Chip Buckley down in Parkersburg, Aren Calhoun in Philly, Hayden Gioielli covering Selkirk, DJ Simon also joining in Richmond, and Greg Anderson heading for Baltimore. Be sure to say hello when they hit your locations.

Sean Ireland

Look, I remember my first week as GM in this region. I was nervous, if I’m being honest. It wasn’t a welcome banner or anything fancy that made a difference. It was just a couple face-to-face conversations—somebody in Jacksonville just taking a few minutes to check in, see how I was adjusting. That set the tone. So, if you’re an old hand, make the time for those new managers. Doesn’t have to be much—just open the door and have that chat. Little things, right?

Sean Ireland

Alright, that’s all for this Sunday’s note. Keep at it with the safety engagements and focus on cost and service. Take care, everyone.