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crucial role
Crew fulfills
Locomotive engineers Tony Davis
and Rick Rico have learned how to
take on the unique challenge at Pasha
Stevedoring & Terminals facility.
“It’s a textbook switch, but it’s technically difficult,” Rico said.
Every weekday, before tackling
other work, Davis and Rico switch out
loaded slab trains for BNSF at the Pasha
facility.
“We flip-flop tracks, with the outside
being loading tracks and the inside being
storage,” Rico said. “It’s the simplest, but
hardest. We have to spot it perfectly or
the crane won’t be able to load it.”
Another difficulty to the job is the
heaviness of the train. Crews are accustomed to dealing with trains that weigh
5,000 to 8,000 tons. Loaded slab trains
can weigh more than 10,000 tons.
“It’s a heavy train moving with 2 1/2
feet of a bumper,” said Steve Moore, Road
Foreman of Engines. “It takes some skill
to switch.”
Davis said they have to come in with
air brakes set and take all the necessary precautions in every track. There
also are many people in the yard, from
longshoremen to tractors and forklifts
moving around. Being a high-priority
train, Pasha employees are ready to load
it as soon as it’s spotted.
While the switch may be simple, both
Davis and Rico agree it’s a crucial time
period.
“They want it right on the dime, and
you don’t want to hit a bumper,” Davis
said. “You want to watch out for everything. One time there was a piece of
metal hanging off the train. We called it
in and had someone inspect it, then tested
the air brakes before we moved again.”
The crew must rely on one another
to ensure the switch is made safely and
accurately.
“We’re fortunate to have enough
skills to know what each other’s next
move is going to be,” Rico said. “We
watch out for each other. I need his
train handling skills, and he relies on my
counting down and measurements. If I
think he’s coming in too fast with the
train, I tell him.”
Davis and Rico both began their PHL
careers in September 2005. They enjoy
being a part of the PHL team.
From left, locomotive engineers Rick Rico
and Tony Davis
“I always liked trains and had a train
set when I was little,” Davis said. “Out
here, it’s like playing with a big train set
all day. I enjoy how there is something
new every day.”
Rico enjoys the camaraderie and
how everyone looks out for one another.
They ensure they follow the rules while
still having a good time.
“We get along and can be a comical
crew,” he said. “But when it’s time to
work, we make sure it gets done.”
Progress continues on PHL’s new home
Pacific Harbor Line employees are beginning to capture a glimpse into their new home as
construction continues on the Berth 200 project.
New yard tracks are being installed at
Berth 200, and significant progress is evident on the new locomotive shop and yard
office buildings.
After PHL relocates, demolition of the
current office and Pier A yard will follow to
make way for TraPac’s West Basin expansion. Construction will continue to finalize
rail network connections vehicle overpasses
to eliminate grade crossings for more efficient flow of truck and commuter traffic.
The new yard will function as a critical link between the Port of Los Angeles
and Alameda Corridor, providing staging
and storage for trains using the corridor. It
also will help cargo move more safely and
efficiently, reduce truck traffic on roads and
freeways, and improve regional air quality.
Locomotive maintenance facility
PHL, Pasha Stevedoring
& Terminals partner
Pasha Stevedoring & Terminals relies on Pacific Harbor
Line crews to switch its high-priority loaded slab trains five days
a week. With a heavy train and precise switch to make, crews
ensure the job is done safely and efficiently each day.
PST is a privately held, professional cargo-handling company that provides expert vessel loading and unloading services
for the global maritime transportation industry in the ports of
Los Angeles and Long Beach. A wholly owned subsidiary of the
Pasha Group, PST is the third-largest independent West Coast
terminal operator, holding several long-term leases with the port.
The company handles multiple cargoes together, including
containers, breakbulk and project cargo. In fact, Pasha is the
preferred stevedore for general, project and heavy-lift cargo
of all shapes and sizes: yachts, transformers, heat exchangers,
excavators, agricultural equipment and windmills. Steel slabs
can range from 13 to 44 feet and weigh anywhere from 10 to
27 tons.
After discharging steel slabs using the shore gantry crane,
forklifts transport them to a bridge crane. Slabs are then loaded
onto railcars that were jointly designed specifically for this
operation by BNSF, California Steel Industries and PST.
The specifically designed railcars are shorter than the
older cars, but can handle loads of 240,000 pounds, compared
Pacific Harbor Line Report • 2
Pasha Stevedoring & Terminals facility
to the older limit of 180,000 pounds. The newer cars are built
with safety uprights to eliminate slab shifting or rotating, often
referred to as helicopting.
These improvements offer many advantages for both the operator and public as they increase capacity, production and safety,
while shortening overall train lengths. The new cars allow more
slabs per train, more weight per car and more safety for the community. PST also has invested in new tractors and equipment to
support the higher production and capacity of the cars.
With many intricate details involved, teamwork and communication between companies are key.
An Anacostia Company
Cliatt promotes importance of short lines through video
Pacific Harbor Line President Otis Cliatt shared his insight on
the value of short line railroads to celebrate the American Short
Line and Regional Railroad Association’s centennial.
The organization produced a video for April’s ASLRRA
annual convention featuring Cliatt, ASLRRA President and
CEO Richard F. Timmons and several short line railroad executives. Cliatt serves as chairman of the Veterans Recruitment
Pacific Harbor Line President Otis Cliatt is one of the American Short
Line and Regional Railroad Association executives featured on the
association’s centennial celebration video.
Committee for ASLRRA.
The video showcases the history of the association and importance of short line railroads to their local communities expanding
to the entire nation.
Executives discuss how many communities would not have
access to the rail freight network without short line railroads and
how “the key to short line success is the proximity to railroad
customers.”
“Our importance is not our size, but who and where we
serve,” Timmons said in the video. “What has sustained short
line railroading for 100 years through good times and bad is
entrepreneurial spirit. We are celebrating the effectiveness and
importance of an industry.”
Cliatt adds how PHL and fellow short line railroads are active
with boots on the ground, interacting with customers every day.
In 1913, 22 railroad managers met in Atlanta to form the
American Short Line Railroad Association of the Southeast. Since
1980, short lines have grown from 8,000 miles of track to 50,000
miles. Today, ASLRRA is a national association with 550 short
lines and 400 rail suppliers and contractors.
To watch the full video and learn more about ASLRRA, go
to http://www.aslrra.org/about_aslrra/ASLRRA_Turns_100.
Lopez takes on new challenge as assistant trainmaster
New Assistant Trainmaster Noe Lopez
finds the railroad brings new challenges
every day.
“It constantly teaches you, and you’re
constantly learning,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed
the challenge it brings.”
Lopez joined PHL in 2004 as an assistant engineer. He worked as an engineer
and remote control locomotive manager
for a few years before returning to engine
service. He was promoted to assistant
trainmaster Sept. 11.
“From my past experience, I know how
the railroad works and the right way to do it,”
he said. “I believe I can help employees and
teach them how to do it right. I taught many of
them RCL when they were student engineers.”
Lopez said having ran youth sports
leagues and working with teenagers also
benefit him in this role.
“They taught me a lot of patience,” he
said.
Trainmaster Harvey Reyes has seen
that patience firsthand.
“He is the coolest and calmest trainmaster you’ll ever meet,” Reyes said. “He
never gets excited if an issue comes up. If
he does, he doesn’t show it.”
Lopez looks forward to learning more.
He enjoys that he gets to see his work
played out in front of him as a trainmaster.
“I like being able to see the end result,”
he said.
Outside of work, Lopez enjoys time
with his wife, Belen; daughters Emily and
Elizabeth; and nephews George and Anthony.
“He is the coolest and calmest trainmaster you’ll ever meet.”
— Harvey Reyes, trainmaster
An Anacostia Company
Assistant Trainmaster Noe Lopez
3 • Pacific Harbor Line Report
New Engineering employees learn the ropes
Pacific Harbor Line maintenance of
way recently welcomed four laborers to
its team.
G
erman Alvarez had heard about
job opportunities from friends,
but wasn’t familiar with how the
railroad worked.
“I’m getting a better understanding
of freight movement, controlling train
traffic and how trains come in and out
of the ports,” he said.
O r ig i n a l ly f r o m L o ng B e a ch,
Alvarez joined PHL Sept. 24. He was interested in the opportunities the railroad
provides and was looking for a gateway
to a better career.
“I enjoy that I’m not stationary and
get to explore the port area,” he said.
“I look forward to learning more and
advancing as high as I can.”
Outside of work, Alvarez stays active with extreme sports such as dirt
biking.
F
or Joseph Boone, being a part of
the railroad means more than just
a job.
“The railroad was how America
started,” he said. “It’s cool to see the
freight go in and out of the harbor area.”
After working as a carpenter in the
construction industry, Boone joined
PHL Aug. 28.
“Coming from construction, it’s
a d i f fe r ent at mosphe r e,” he sa id.
“Everyone’s great. I’m glad to be here.”
T he L os A ngeles nat ive lo ok s
forward to the experience ahead and
wouldn’t mind tackling opportunities
in operations as well.
“It’s a great company,” he said. “As
long as everyone works well together, we
can succeed.”
Boone enjoys time with his children,
Joseph, Jocylen and Jayden. He also
enjoys watching boxing and baseball.
L
ooking for a job that was new and
different, Jacob Hernandez joined
the team Sept. 30. He has enjoyed
Pacific Harbor Line Report • 4
From left, laborers Jacob Hernandez, Joseph Boone, Manuel Ventura and German Alvarez
learning about his job and the railroad.
“I’m loving it and look forward to
everything I will be learning,” he said.
The Lynwood native enjoys working
on automobiles.
W
orking eight years for Parsec,
Manuel Ventura believes the
knowledge he gained has helped
in his new role with PHL.
“I had some knowledge of working
around tracks,” he said. “We would unload and load containers inside Hobart
Yard, so I gained experience there.”
After years of trying to join the
PHL team, Ventura got the opportunity
May 1. He has enjoyed it ever since.
“I want to gain more knowledge on
the job and grow with the company,” he
said.
Ventura looks forward to learning
how to change ties and perform additional engineering tasks. He already
knows how important safety is on the job.
“We always have to be aware of incoming trains and be on the lookout,” he said.
“You can be working, but you still have to
pay attention to your surroundings.”
Ventura wants to work safely every
day and go home to his family. He and
his wife, Sahyira, have daughters, Audry
and Zoe.
“I want to gain more knowledge on the job and grow with
the company.”
— Manuel Ventura, laborer
An Anacostia Company
Gutierrez proud to serve PHL
Law enforcement is more than a job
for Police Officer Alex Gutierrez.
“I live, eat and breathe law enforcement,” he said. “I’m a person who proudly
enjoys my job.”
Gutierrez is eager to take his career
another step, keeping PHL’s people and
freight secure.
“I enjoy being at the foundation of
the department,” he said. “It’s motivating to be at the forefront and have the
responsibility of looking out for the
railways, commerce and, most importantly, our company.”
Gutierrez joined PHL’s security contractor group Sept. 2. He previously worked
for the team when it was Global Safety and
Security, but then moved away from the
area. After returning, he heard about the
opening and applied to come on board.
He brings seven years of law enforcement experience to the team. He began
his career as a California Highway Patrol
explorer, where he became a Level 3 cadet.
He went on to earn his associate degree in
administration of justice and graduate from
the Extended Police Academy in Fullerton.
He has worked as a Fullerton safety officer
and school safety officer.
Gutierrez appreciates the camaraderie
among PHL employees and police officers.
“We know where each other is all
the time, and that is a great help on my
shift,” he said. “All ranks are on board
here, and all eyes are on the same target,
which is important.”
Rail casualties spike during winter
From Marlon Taylor - director of transportation
The three winter months are when “a significant number of yard
fatalities and career-ending injuries occur,” according to the United
Transportation Union, which represents about 125,000 active and
retired railroad, bus and mass transit workers. UTU participates
in a Switching Operations Fatalities Analysis working group.
The latest Switching Operations Fatalities Analysis report
shows December and January are high months for switching fatalities, and the time when most switching fatalities occur is the
second hour on duty ­— perhaps because job and safety briefings
An Anacostia Company
fill the first hour, so hour two is actually the first hour of work
for employees.
Darkness, weather and slippery ground conditions are factors.
SOFA offers these lifesaving tips:
• Secure all equipment before action is taken.
• Protect employees against moving equipment.
• Discuss safety at the beginning of a job or when work changes.
• Communicate before action is taken.
• Mentor less-experienced employees to perform service safely.
5 • Pacific Harbor Line Report
Morn ready
to assist in
new role
Pacific Harbor Line, Inc.
340 W WATER ST
WILMINGTON CA 90744-6309
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Bringing eight years of work experience in the PHL yard, David Morn is eager
to take the next step as assistant trainmaster. Morn has been learning the ropes in
his new role since the end of September.
“I look forward to the role and being
able to help everyone,” he said. “I want to
ensure we get the work done and be able
to assist with the trains moving in and out
of the ports.”
Looking for career opportunities,
the Long Beach native joined PHL in
September 2005.
“I was intimidated at first, but you
learn to build yourself around everyone
and this company,” he said. “You get
familiar with it. I have enjoyed the atmosphere and working with everyone.”
Morn believes his prior experience
working on the ground as a locomotive
engineer and conductor will help as he
acclimates to the management role.
“I know the jobs, yards, territory
and how to work with everyone,” he said.
“That knowledge will help me be able to
manage.”
Throughout his career, Morn has
learned the most important lesson is to
come to work prepared and focused.
“You want to keep your mind clear to
be able to concentrate on the task at hand,”
he said.
Outside of work, Morn enjoys drag
racing and snowboarding.
Assistant engineer new hires include, from left, Jessie Luvert, Javier Esquivel, Eli Mejia,
Mike Miles, George Gaul, Gabriel Meza, Scott Doyle, Josh Jones, Brian Entenmann,
Charles Howard and Leroy Pasis.
New assistant engineers join PHL
Assistant
Trainmaster
David Morn
PACIFIC HARBOR LINE REPORT
For news coverage, contact Jacie at the newsletter office by phone at 402-475-6397, fax 402475-6398, mail information to 2201 Winthrop Rd., Lincoln, NE 68502-4158, or email jacie@newslink.
com. This material is intended to be an overview of news. If there are any discrepancies between
this newsletter and any collective bargaining process, insurance contracts or other official
documents, those documents will govern. PHL continues to maintain and reserves the right, at
any time, to alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate all plans and programs described in this
newsletter. This newsletter is not an employment contract or any type of employment guarantee.
Thanks to everyone at Pacific Harbor Line for taking the time to contribute to this newsletter.