SPECIALTY RAILROAD

    Chicago Rail Link

    Chicago Rail Link: Connecting Chicago’s South Side with 72 miles of dedicated switching rail, serving the Port of Chicago and major intermodal hubs since 1980.

    Chicago Rail Link

    Company Overview

    Chicago Rail Link operates one of North America's most extensive shortline freight rail networks, connecting businesses across Illinois with safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The railroad’s network covers 72 miles of track on the South Side of Chicago, primarily handling bulk commodities, intermodal containers, and industrial freight..

    Founding history

    FOUNDING HISTORY & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

    Chicago Rail Link was founded on August 29, 1980, after the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad abandoned its Chicago-area trackage. The company was originally known as the LaSalle & Bureau County Railway and later merged with the Chicago, West Pullman & Southern Railroad on August 15, 1996, consolidating its operations under the Chicago Rail Link name..

    HEADQUARTERS & OPERATIONAL BASES

    The headquarters of Chicago Rail Link is located at 2728 East 104th Street, Chicago, Illinois. This facility serves as the central hub for administrative functions, dispatching, and operational coordination for the railroad’s switching and terminal services..

    Headquarters

    LEADERSHIP & EMPLOYEES

    Our People Drive Excellence

    Key Leadership

    Kevin Shuba serves as CEO of OmniTRAX, the parent company of Chicago Rail Link. The executive team includes experienced leaders in rail operations, safety, and logistics, such as John Bradley, Chief Operating Officer, who brings decades of experience in shortline management, and Lisa Cook, Vice President of Finance, who oversees financial planning and compliance.

    Employee Demographics

    Chicago Rail Link employs approximately 60 people, with about 45 serving as skilled craftspeople, maintenance workers, and service teams. The workforce includes a diverse mix of operational staff, with a focus on safety and efficiency in daily switching and terminal operations.

    FACILITIES & OPERATIONS

    Strategic Regional Operations

    Major operating facilities

    Major Operating Facilities

    Major facilities include the Irondale Yard in Chicago, which serves as a key interchange point, the Blue Island Yard on Metra’s Rock Island District, and the Port of Chicago terminal, which handles bulk and intermodal shipments. Additional facilities include the Root Street Junction, Ashland Avenue Yard, and connections to the St. Charles Air Line and Western Avenue Yards, all located within Chicago, Illinois.

    Site certifications

    Site Certifications

    Chicago Rail Link maintains compliance with Federal Railroad Administration safety standards and has received funding to implement Positive Train Control technology. The company adheres to OmniTRAX’s ISO 9001 quality management certification and participates in environmental stewardship programs.

    EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

    Regional Equipment & Technology

    Container Types & Equipment

    The railroad handles a variety of container types, including standard intermodal containers, boxcars for bulk and general freight, and tank cars for liquid commodities. Intermodal containers typically range from 20 to 53 feet in length, with boxcars and tank cars offering capacities suited to industrial and chemical shipments.

    Technology Platforms

    Chicago Rail Link utilizes advanced technology platforms for train tracking, dispatch, and customer service. The company employs the Rail Management Information (RMI) system for real-time information exchange and offers customer portals for shipment tracking and scheduling. Automation technologies are being integrated to enhance switching operations and safety compliance.

    Network Coverage & Market Position

    Geographic Scope

    The geographic scope of Chicago Rail Link covers the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, with a total of 72 route miles. Key corridors include connections between Kensington, Irondale, Mokena, and the Port of Chicago, providing critical links for industrial and intermodal customers.

    Strategic Partnerships

    Strategic partnerships include interchanges with Union Pacific and CSX at major Chicago terminals, as well as collaboration with OmniTRAX’s network of shortline railroads. The railroad also works closely with the Port of Chicago and local industrial shippers.

    Carrier Partners & Regional Networks

    Carrier partners
    • Carrier Collaborations
      Carrier collaborations involve vessel carriers serving the Port of Chicago, trucking partners for last-mile delivery, and interline agreements with Class I railroads to facilitate seamless freight movement across the region.
    • Freight Network Memberships
      Chicago Rail Link is a member of industry associations such as the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association and participates in regional freight networks and trade organizations to promote best practices and industry standards.

    FINANCIAL METRICS & STABILITY

    Regional Focus & Operational Efficiency

    Annual Revenue

    In 2024, Chicago Rail Link reported a pre-tax profit of $3.2 million on revenues of $18.5 million. The company’s operating ratio improved to 72 percent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency and cost management.

    Investments & Acquisitions

    Recent capital investments include $1.6 million in federal funding for Positive Train Control implementation and ongoing track upgrades exceeding $2 million since 2022. The company has not announced any major acquisitions since its merger with Chicago, West Pullman & Southern in 1996.

    SERVICE PORTFOLIO

    Comprehensive Regional Transportation

    Core logistics services

    Core Logistics Services

    Chicago Rail Link offers a range of logistics services, including full container load and less than container load shipments. Additional services include customs brokerage, trade compliance consulting, and cargo insurance, supporting industrial and intermodal customers with tailored solutions.

    Digital offerings

    Digital Offerings

    The railroad has launched a new customer portal to enhance self-service capabilities and improve day-to-day activities for its clients. Additionally, the company offers an API center to facilitate seamless integration with customer systems and real-time shipment visibility.

    INDUSTRY REPUTATION & NEWS

    Regional Transportation Leadership

    Recent Developments

    Chicago Rail Link is actively working to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. The company has implemented automated obstacle scanners at its hubs and loading parks to improve safety and efficiency in handling intermodal containers. Recent news highlights continued investment in infrastructure and technology to support growth.

    Awards & Certifications

    Chicago Rail Link’s Site Certification Program has identified optimal rail-served sites and conducts in-depth reviews to ensure readiness for development. This program aims to minimize development risks for customers and enhance supply chain efficiency.

    ANALYSIS & FUTURE OUTLOOK

    Regional market position and growth strategies

    Strengths

    • Extensive rail network spans 72 miles across Chicago’s South Side
    • Strong partnerships with major ocean and motor carriers
    • Commitment to technological advancements and operational efficiency

    Challenges

    • Challenges in achieving higher profitability margins compared to competitors
    • Ongoing efforts to enhance service quality and operational efficiency

    Opportunities

    • Continued investment in infrastructure and technology to support growth
    • Expansion of services hubs and intermodal facilities to enhance service offerings

    Risks

    • Economic downturns are affecting freight volumes
    • Operational disruptions due to external factors such as labor disputes or regulatory changes