Providing Service, Not Excuses.

Founded in 1987 at the Amoco Refinery in Wood River, IL, Respondek Railroad specializes in customized rail services across Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana. Partnering with Class I railroads, we enhance efficiency in switching and shortline operations. Serving industries such as coal, chemicals, agriculture, lumber, and aggregates, we operate a fleet of 30+ locomotives and provide comprehensive track repair and maintenance services.

Client 1 Client 2 Client 3 Client 4 Client 5 Client 6 Client 7 Client 1 Client 2 Client 3 Client 4 Client 5 Client 6 Client 7

Our Services

A blue and yellow freight train moving on tracks through a rural landscape during daytime.

Rail Switching

Respondek Railroad tailors its rail switching services to meet the unique demands of your facility, optimizing rail logistics to improve productivity and reduce downtime. Whether you need daily switching or on-demand support, Respondek Railroad delivers dependable service you can count on.

A person in a neon yellow shirt standing next to a large, rusted train or industrial vehicle outdoors, with trees in the background.

Short Line

Our short line railroads offer a reliable, cost-effective alternative to long-haul trucking, reducing congestion while enhancing supply chain efficiency. With personalized service and a commitment to safety, we keep your freight moving smoothly.

A worker in a safety vest standing near train cars on railway tracks during daytime, with power lines and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

250,000 Rail Cars moved in 2024

In 2024, Respondek Railroad successfully moved over 250,000 railcars, demonstrating our commitment to efficiency, reliability, and seamless rail logistics. Our dedicated team and strategic operations ensure the smooth movement of freight, keeping industries connected and supply chains running strong.

  • A train car on railroad tracks with a circular sign that reads "Short Line Respondek Railroad Corp. Operations."

    Respondek Railroad

    Respondek Railroad is a family-owned short line railroad providing safe, reliable, and customer-focused rail transportation and switching services.

  • Sign for Port Harbor Railroad Corporation with the words 'Short Line Operations' on a railroad track.

    Port Harbor Railroad

    Port Harbor Railroad, based in Granite City, Illinois, connects industry to opportunity with efficient rail switching, transloading, and logistics services.

    Learn more
  • Sign for Fredonia Valley Railroad Corp. with the text 'Short Line Operations' against a background of an open dirt road and piled gravel under a clear blue sky.

    Fredonia Valley Railroad

    Fredonia Valley Railroad delivers dependable short line rail service, supporting local industry with safe, efficient, and customer-focused transportation solutions.

  • Logo for Squaw Creek Southern Railroad featuring a stylized black and white locomotive illustration above the text, with a red border and black and white lettering.

    Squaw Creek Southern Railroad

    Squaw Creek Southern Railroad connects local industries to the national rail network with reliable, customer-focused operations based out of southern Indiana.

    LEARN MORE

Our Mission

At Respondek Railroad, we are dedicated to delivering efficient and dependable rail services that keep businesses moving. By focusing on strong customer relationships and responsive service, we provide solutions that meet the unique needs of every partner we serve. Our commitment to reliability ensures that freight moves seamlessly and consistently, with safety always upheld as a core standard.

A green and tan locomotive decorated with a patriotic theme, including American flags and military spray paint, on train tracks during cloudy weather.

Contact Us