MIDWEST RAILROAD
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 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 & 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..
LEADERSHIP & EMPLOYEES
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
FINANCIAL METRICS & STABILITY
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
