SPECIALTY RAILROAD
Louisville & Indiana Railroad
Louisville & Indiana Railroad expands Midwest reach with 106-mile corridor linking Indianapolis and Louisville, handling over 20,000 carloads annually and recently acquiring Southern Indiana Railway assets to boost industrial service.
Company Overview
Louisville & Indiana Railroad, classified as a shortline and Midwest regional railroad, operates one of North America's most strategically positioned freight rail networks, connecting businesses across Indiana and Kentucky with safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The railroad manages a 106-mile mainline between Indianapolis, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, serving a diverse range of freight including agricultural products, chemicals, plastics, metals, and industrial goods..
FOUNDING HISTORY & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The company was founded in March 1994 to acquire and operate the former Pennsylvania Railroad line between Indianapolis and Louisville. The original purpose was to maintain and grow regional freight service after the line was divested by a Class I carrier.
HEADQUARTERS & OPERATIONAL BASES
Louisville & Indiana Railroad is headquartered at 13150 Lewis and Clark Boulevard, Jeffersonville, Indiana. The headquarters facility houses executive offices, dispatching, customer service, and administrative operations, serving as the central hub for all railroad activities and coordination..
LEADERSHIP & EMPLOYEES
Our People Drive Excellence
Key Leadership
John Goldman serves as President of Louisville & Indiana Railroad, overseeing all aspects of the railroad’s operations, growth strategy, and customer relations. The executive team includes experienced leaders in operations, engineering, finance, and marketing, many of whom have backgrounds in Class I and regional railroads. The leadership emphasizes safety, service reliability, and continuous improvement, drawing on decades of industry expertise.
Employee Demographics
Louisville & Indiana Railroad employs approximately 50 people, with about 35 serving as skilled craftspeople, maintenance workers, and service teams responsible for train operations, track maintenance, and customer support. The company is recognized for its commitment to hiring military veterans and fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce across all operational roles.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
Strategic Regional Operations
Major Operating Facilities
Major facilities include the main yard and locomotive maintenance facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which supports train operations and equipment servicing. The Indianapolis terminal serves as a key interchange and staging point for northbound and southbound traffic. The recently acquired Southern Indiana Railway engine house in Speed, Indiana, is being converted into a maintenance-of-way facility, with adjacent property used for track material storage. Additional facilities include interchange points with CSX, Norfolk Southern, Indiana Rail Road, and Paducah & Louisville in both Indianapolis and Louisville, as well as an efficient inland port facility supporting bulk and containerized freight.
Site Certifications
Louisville & Indiana Railroad maintains compliance with all Federal Railroad Administration safety regulations and has received the 2024 Silver Military Friendly Employer designation for its veteran hiring initiatives. The company adheres to industry best practices for environmental stewardship and workplace safety, although specific ISO certifications are not publicly listed.
EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Regional Equipment & Technology
Container Types & Equipment
The railroad handles a variety of freight car types, including boxcars for general merchandise, covered hoppers for grain and plastics, tank cars for chemicals, and flatcars for steel and industrial products. While the line is not a major intermodal corridor, it supports bulk container movements and specialized project cargo as needed.
Technology Platforms
Louisville & Indiana Railroad utilizes modern dispatching and train control systems to ensure safe and efficient operations. Customers have access to online shipment tracking, electronic billing, and customer service portals. The company is investing in automation and digital tools to streamline operations and enhance customer experience, including plans for expanded API integration with shipper systems.
Network Coverage & Market Position
Geographic Scope
The railroad’s geographic scope covers the 106-mile corridor between Indianapolis, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, with service extending to key industrial sites along the route. The network connects with major Class I carriers at both endpoints, providing access to national and international markets through interline agreements.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships include interchanges with CSX, Norfolk Southern, Indiana Rail Road, and Paducah & Louisville, enabling seamless freight movement across the Midwest and beyond. The company also collaborates with regional logistics providers and industrial development agencies to attract new business to its service area.
Carrier Partners & Regional Networks
- Carrier CollaborationsCarrier collaborations involve interline agreements with Class I railroads for long-haul freight, as well as partnerships with local trucking companies for first- and last-mile delivery. The railroad works closely with vessel carriers through its inland port facility to facilitate bulk and project cargo shipments.
- Freight Network MembershipsLouisville & Indiana Railroad is an active member of industry associations such as the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association and participates in regional freight networks and economic development organizations to promote rail-served industrial growth.
FINANCIAL METRICS & STABILITY
Regional Focus & Operational Efficiency
Annual Revenue
In 2024, Louisville & Indiana Railroad reported a pre-tax profit of $4.2 million on revenues of $22 million. The company’s operating ratio improved to 78 percent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency and cost management.
Investments & Acquisitions
Recent capital investments include the acquisition of Southern Indiana Railway assets in 2022 and ongoing track rehabilitation projects totaling over $5 million to upgrade infrastructure and expand service to new industrial sites. The company continues to invest in locomotive modernization and safety technology.
SERVICE PORTFOLIO
Comprehensive Regional Transportation
Core Logistics Services
Louisville & Indiana Railroad offers a range of logistics services, including full carload and less than carload shipments for a variety of commodities. Additional services include transloading, warehousing, industrial site development, and customized logistics solutions for shippers. The railroad also provides consulting on rail access, site certification, and supply chain optimization.
Digital Offerings
The company has launched a new customer portal to enhance self-service capabilities and improve day-to-day activities for its clients. Additionally, Louisville & Indiana Railroad offers digital shipment tracking and is developing an API Center to facilitate seamless integration with customer systems and third-party logistics providers.
INDUSTRY REPUTATION & NEWS
Regional Transportation Leadership
Recent Developments
Louisville & Indiana Railroad is actively working to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. The company has implemented new maintenance-of-way facilities and expanded its track material storage capacity. Recent developments include the conversion of the Southern Indiana Railway engine house and ongoing infrastructure upgrades to support future growth.
Awards & Certifications
The railroad’s Site Certification Program has identified optimal rail-served sites and conducts in-depth reviews to ensure readiness for industrial development. This program aims to minimize development risks for customers and enhance supply chain efficiency. Louisville & Indiana Railroad has also been recognized for its commitment to hiring veterans and supporting workforce diversity.
ANALYSIS & FUTURE OUTLOOK
Regional market position and growth strategies
Strengths
- Flexible 106
- mile corridor connects major Midwest industrial centers and offers multiple Class I interchanges
- Recent acquisition of Southern Indiana Railway assets expands service to new industrial sites
- Strong commitment to veteran hiring and workforce diversity
Challenges
- Limited scale compared to larger regional and Class I railroads
- Infrastructure upgrades and service expansion require ongoing capital investment
Opportunities
- Growth opportunities through industrial site development and expanded service offerings
- Potential to attract new customers by leveraging digital platforms and logistics partnerships
Risks
- Exposure to economic downturns affecting regional freight volumes
- Regulatory changes or labor disruptions could impact operations and service reliability