MIDWEST RAILROAD

    Illinois & Midland Railroad (IR)

    Illinois & Midland Railroad: From coal powerhouse to modern shortline, IMRR connects central Illinois industries with 97 miles of track and direct access to major Class I railroads.

    Illinois & Midland Railroad (IR)

    Company Overview

    Illinois & Midland Railroad operates one of North America's most extensive shortline freight rail networks, connecting businesses across central Illinois with safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The railroad manages 97 miles of track, serving key cities such as Springfield, Peoria, and Taylorville, and primarily hauls coal, grain, and general commodities..

    Founding history

    FOUNDING HISTORY & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

    Illinois & Midland Railroad traces its origins to 1888, when the Pawnee Railroad was built to connect Pawnee, Illinois, to the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1905, the Chicago Edison Company acquired the line to transport coal from central Illinois to its Chicago power plants, and the railroad became the Chicago and Illinois Midland Railway.

    HEADQUARTERS & OPERATIONAL BASES

    The headquarters of Illinois & Midland Railroad is located at 1500 North Grand Avenue East, Springfield, Illinois 62702. This facility houses administrative offices, customer service, and operational management, serving as the central hub for dispatching and coordination of rail activities..

    Headquarters

    LEADERSHIP & EMPLOYEES

    Our People Drive Excellence

    Key Leadership

    Heath Mondragon serves as General Manager of Illinois & Midland Railroad, overseeing daily operations and strategic planning. Jonathon Algeo leads Sales and Marketing for Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc., while Jennifer Tanner-Bostian directs Industrial Development. Tom Ciuba manages media inquiries, and Rachael Powers is responsible for real estate. The executive team brings extensive experience in shortline and regional rail operations, logistics, and customer service.

    Employee Demographics

    Illinois & Midland Railroad employs approximately 50 people, with about 40 serving as skilled craftspeople, maintenance workers, and service teams. The workforce is primarily focused on train operations, track maintenance, and customer support, with a commitment to safety and operational excellence.

    FACILITIES & OPERATIONS

    Strategic Regional Operations

    Major operating facilities

    Major Operating Facilities

    Major facilities include the Springfield yard and headquarters, the Havana coal rail-to-barge terminal, the Pekin grain rail-to-barge terminal, and interchange points at Crescent, Barr, and Peoria. The railroad also operates key segments connecting Taylorville, Cimic, and Creve Coeur, Illinois.

    Site certifications

    Site Certifications

    Illinois & Midland Railroad maintains compliance with Federal Railroad Administration safety standards and participates in Genesee & Wyoming’s ISO-certified safety management programs. The company has received recognition for its environmental stewardship and operational safety.

    EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

    Regional Equipment & Technology

    Container Types & Equipment

    The railroad handles a variety of container types, including boxcars for general commodities, covered hoppers for grain, and tank cars for liquid freight. Railcars are rated for 286,000-pound capacity, and the network offers storage for up to 1,100 railcars.

    Technology Platforms

    Illinois & Midland Railroad utilizes advanced technology platforms for tracking, dispatch, and customer service. Systems include real-time shipment tracking, electronic billing, and integration with Genesee & Wyoming’s customer portal and RMI information exchange. Automation technologies support efficient yard operations and transloading.

    Network Coverage & Market Position

    Geographic Scope

    The geographic scope of Illinois & Midland Railroad covers central Illinois, with 97 route miles connecting Springfield, Peoria, Taylorville, Havana, and Pekin. Key corridors include the Taylorville to Cimic line and trackage rights extending to Springfield and Crescent.

    Strategic Partnerships

    Strategic partnerships include interchanges with major Class I railroads such as Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian National, and CPKC, as well as regional connections with Tazewell & Peoria Railroad. These relationships enable seamless freight movement across North America.

    Carrier Partners & Regional Networks

    Carrier partners
    • Carrier Collaborations
      Carrier collaborations involve vessel carriers at Havana and Pekin for rail-to-barge operations, as well as trucking partners for transloading and last-mile delivery. Interline agreements with Class I railroads facilitate efficient interchange and settlement.
    • Freight Network Memberships
      Illinois & Midland Railroad is a member of industry associations such as the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association and participates in Genesee & Wyoming’s broader freight network and trade organizations.

    FINANCIAL METRICS & STABILITY

    Regional Focus & Operational Efficiency

    Annual Revenue

    In 2024, Illinois & Midland Railroad reported a pre-tax profit of $12 million on revenues of $45 million. The company's operating ratio improved to 72 percent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency.

    Investments & Acquisitions

    Recent capital investments include $5 million in track upgrades and yard improvements in 2023, as well as the acquisition of new transloading equipment. The railroad was acquired by Genesee & Wyoming Inc. in 1996, which continues to invest in infrastructure and technology.

    SERVICE PORTFOLIO

    Comprehensive Regional Transportation

    Core logistics services

    Core Logistics Services

    Illinois & Midland Railroad offers a range of logistics services, including full container load and less than container load shipments. Additional services include customs brokerage, trade compliance consulting, cargo insurance, and transloading for rail-to-barge and truck-to-rail operations.

    Digital offerings

    Digital Offerings

    Illinois & Midland 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

    Illinois & Midland Railroad 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 upgrades to yard infrastructure have increased capacity and reliability.

    Awards & Certifications

    Illinois & Midland Railroad’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 central Illinois with 97 route miles and direct Class I connections
    • Strong partnerships with major ocean and motor carriers through rail
    • to
    • barge and transloading facilities
    • 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