SHORT LINE RAILROAD
POVA
Pend Oreille Valley Railroad: Revitalizing Inland Northwest Industry with 41 Miles of Shortline Rail and a Renowned Locomotive Repair Hub
Company Overview
Pend Oreille Valley Railroad operates one of North America's most unique shortline freight rail networks, connecting businesses across eastern Washington and northern Idaho with safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The railroad manages 41 miles of track, serving communities from Usk, Washington to Dover, Idaho, and specializes in moving lumber, wood chips, fertilizer, and providing locomotive repair and car storage services..
FOUNDING HISTORY & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Founded in 1979 by the Port of Pend Oreille, the railroad was established to preserve and operate a vital rail corridor after the Milwaukee Road downsized its operations. The original line was built between 1907 and 1911 by the Idaho and Washington Northern Railroad, later acquired by the Milwaukee Road in 1916, and expanded in 1998 with the acquisition of the Newport-Dover section from BNSF..
HEADQUARTERS & OPERATIONAL BASES
The headquarters of Pend Oreille Valley Railroad is located at 1981 Black Road, Usk, Washington 99180. This facility houses administrative offices, a locomotive repair shop, and serves as the operational hub for dispatching, maintenance, and customer service activities..
LEADERSHIP & EMPLOYEES
Our People Drive Excellence
Key Leadership
Kelly Driver serves as Executive Director of the Port of Pend Oreille, which manages the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad. The executive team includes Corey Ives, who oversees operations and locomotive services, and a three-member elected Board of Commissioners guiding strategic direction. The leadership team brings decades of experience in shortline rail operations, economic development, and public sector management.
Employee Demographics
Pend Oreille Valley Railroad employs approximately 15 full-time staff, with the majority being skilled craftspeople, maintenance workers, and service teams responsible for track upkeep, locomotive repair, and customer service. The workforce is supplemented by part-time and seasonal employees as needed, and the company emphasizes local hiring and workforce development.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
Strategic Regional Operations
Major Operating Facilities
Major facilities include the main locomotive repair shop and administrative offices in Usk, Washington, a locomotive paint shop and blast booth added in 2018, and key yards and customer sidings in Newport, Washington, Oldtown, Idaho, Priest River, Idaho, Laclede, Idaho, and Dover, Idaho. The railroad also maintains trackage rights into North Sandpoint, Idaho, for interchange with BNSF and Union Pacific.
Site Certifications
Pend Oreille Valley Railroad adheres to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety standards and has received recognition for its compliance and safety record. The locomotive repair facility is known for maintaining high standards and has been awarded local and regional safety commendations. The company is committed to environmental stewardship and reinvests in infrastructure to support sustainable operations.
EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Regional Equipment & Technology
Container Types & Equipment
The railroad handles a variety of freight cars, including boxcars for lumber and paper, covered hoppers for fertilizer, and flatcars for wood products. While not a major intermodal carrier, POVA can accommodate specialized shipments and provides car storage services for a range of railcar types.
Technology Platforms
Technology platforms at POVA include a modern dispatching system, electronic track inspection records, and a customer service portal for shipment tracking and service requests. The locomotive repair shop utilizes diagnostic and automation tools to streamline maintenance and ensure regulatory compliance.
Network Coverage & Market Position
Geographic Scope
Pend Oreille Valley Railroad serves eastern Washington and northern Idaho, operating 41 miles of track from Usk, Washington to Dover, Idaho, with trackage rights extending to North Sandpoint. Key corridors include the Usk-Newport and Newport-Dover segments, connecting local industries to national rail networks.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships include interchange agreements with BNSF Railway and Union Pacific at Sandpoint, Idaho, enabling customers to access broader North American markets. The railroad also collaborates with local economic development agencies and regional shippers.
Carrier Partners & Regional Networks
- Carrier CollaborationsCarrier collaborations involve interline agreements with BNSF and Union Pacific for through freight movements, as well as partnerships with regional trucking companies for first- and last-mile delivery. The railroad also works with vessel carriers for specialized project cargo when required.
- Freight Network MembershipsPend Oreille Valley Railroad is a member of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association and participates in regional economic development organizations and freight transportation networks.
FINANCIAL METRICS & STABILITY
Regional Focus & Operational Efficiency
Annual Revenue
In 2024, Pend Oreille Valley Railroad reported a pre-tax profit of $1.2 million on revenues of $4.8 million. The company's operating ratio improved to 78 percent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency and cost control.
Investments & Acquisitions
Recent capital investments include a $1.5 million upgrade to the locomotive repair facility in 2018, the addition of a blast booth, and ongoing track rehabilitation projects funded through state and federal grants. No major acquisitions have been reported in the past five years.
SERVICE PORTFOLIO
Comprehensive Regional Transportation
Core Logistics Services
Pend Oreille Valley Railroad offers a range of logistics services, including full carload and less than carload shipments for lumber, wood chips, fertilizer, and paper products. Additional services include locomotive repair for third-party customers, car storage, transloading, and consulting on rail logistics and site development. The company also provides assistance with regulatory compliance and cargo insurance.
Digital Offerings
Pend Oreille Valley Railroad has launched a customer portal to enhance self-service capabilities, allowing clients to track shipments, request services, and access billing information online. The company also offers an API for integration with customer logistics systems and supports electronic data interchange for shipment documentation.
INDUSTRY REPUTATION & NEWS
Regional Transportation Leadership
Recent Developments
Recent developments include the dedication of a rebuilt GP9 locomotive in January 2024, expanded locomotive repair services, and ongoing efforts to upgrade track infrastructure and safety systems. The company is actively recruiting skilled workers and investing in workforce development to support future growth.
Awards & Certifications
Pend Oreille Valley Railroad's Site Certification Program has identified optimal rail-served sites for industrial development and conducts in-depth reviews to ensure readiness for new customers. The program aims to minimize development risks and enhance supply chain efficiency for shippers locating along the line.
ANALYSIS & FUTURE OUTLOOK
Regional market position and growth strategies
Strengths
- Strong locomotive repair facility attracts customers from across the US and Canada
- Deep community ties and public ownership ensure long
- term stability
- Flexible service offerings tailored to local industry needs
Challenges
- Limited geographic reach compared to larger regional railroads
- Dependence on a small number of key shippers and commodity types
Opportunities
- Expansion of locomotive repair business to serve more third
- party customers
- Development of new industrial sites along the rail corridor
Risks
- Fluctuations in the lumber and housing markets impact traffic volumes
- Regulatory changes or infrastructure funding shortfalls could affect operations