PORT CLINTON, Pa. — The Reading & Northern Railroad announced today it has moved one million tons of coal this year, reaching that long-sought goal for the first time in its 33-year history.
The milestone reinforces the “Road of Anthracite” slogan adopted by owner and CEO Andy Muller since launching the railroad with an initial purchase of lines from Conrail in 1990.
“Watching our company grow has been the accomplishment of my lifetime,” Muller said in a press release. “We now own over 400 miles of track, 1,800 freight cars, more than 65 locomotives, and employ over 350 full- and part-time employees. It’s thanks to those great employees that we have now accomplished that seemingly unattainable goal.”
The railroad services more than 80 customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties and handles nearly 40,000 carloads annually, as well as more than 300,000 riders with its passenger department, which offers steam-and diesel-powered excursions.
“Andy pursued this business like a true entrepreneur,” said railroad President Wayne Michel. “He risked millions of dollars in buying hundreds of coal cars and investing in facilities both on and off the railroad, which was unprecedented in the industry. Andy has invested in infrastructure at distant ports not directly served by RBMN as well as customer facilities hundreds of miles away from the railroad.”
Michel also credited a coal marketing team including senior vice president Bill Clark, and vice presidents Jim Cerulli and Mike Sharadin, and said that, “Thanks to the foundation provided by Andy, we are well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come.”
Share this article
