With more than 25 years of experience in the rail industry, as well as more than a decade of writing on financial and economic issues related to rail transportation, I am well-equipped to provide a real-world perspective to clients considering an investment in this industry. I have consulted for more than 40 financial-services clients since 2004, on subjects related both to publicly-traded North American railroads and to freight car builders and rail supply companies. I assist clients by putting current industry events into a broader perspective, and help them understand how to monitor and assess the performance of specific companies.
Transportation Consulting Services
I believe that creating value is at the heart of every consulting project, just as it should be the basis for every transaction between carrier and shipper. Rail transportation doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. Changes in service that add value for shippers and other users of the rail network should also add value for the companies that maintain and operate that network.
On each project that I undertake, I try to find ways that value can be created for both the buyer and seller of transportation. Sometimes that comes through development of a new service that benefits shippers while creating a new revenue stream for the railroad. In other cases, operating practices can be refined so that service can be provided at lower cost and with greater reliability.
Each consulting assignment is unique. Research and analysis, as well as the work product itself, must be tailored to the requirements of the project and the client.
Examples of the types of projects I am prepared to undertake include:
Development and negotiation of shipper - railroad contracts
Preparation of intercarrier agreements
Rail service design for shippers or railroads
Operating plans for new short line railroads
Line capacity analysis
Trackage rights planning and implementation
Business planning for new transportation ventures
Process improvement including benchmarking, best-practice surveys and process re-engineering
Financial and economic projections for new lines of business
Passenger service implementation including operating plans and facilities analysis
Market research
Litigation support
Valuation studies
I will be pleased to talk with you about a specific project or about other ways in which I can assist you in addressing transportation problems and issues.
In addition to providing consulting services to transportation providers and users, I am also available to consult with investment professionals who want to expand their knowledge base about the rail industry.
Tom Murray Transportation Consulting Services 607 Taunton Drive Santa Maria, CA 93455-1208