Providing Service, Not Excuses

Founded in 1987 by Terry Respondek with a single locomotive in Wood River, Illinois, Respondek Railroad has grown from a small switching operation into a family of railroads serving customers across five states. From the beginning, Terry built the company on efficiency, dependability, and a customer-first approach — values that continue to define our mission today. With decades of industry experience and a reputation for responsive service, Respondek Railroad remains committed to delivering reliable rail solutions that keep freight moving and businesses growing.

A Midwest Powerhouse

Front view of a blue and yellow train locomotive with the number 1554, on the railroad tracks near trees and a gravel path under a clear blue sky.

Over the years, Respondek Railroad has expanded well beyond its first switching operation in Wood River, Illinois, developing into a network of four distinct short line railroads. These include Port Harbor Railroad in Granite City, Illinois, Squaw Creek Southern Railroad in Indiana, Fredonia Valley Railroad in Kentucky, and the original Respondek Railroad operations. Each line was established to meet the specific needs of local industries while maintaining the company’s core values of efficiency, dependability, and customer service. Together, these operations form a trusted regional presence, providing vital connections to Class I railroads and supporting the growth of businesses throughout the Midwest and beyond.

  • A sign overlaying a train with cargo containers, reading '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 Company with the words 'Short Line Operations' on a cloudy sky background and railway tracks.

    Port Harbor Railroad

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

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  • Sign for Fredonia Valley Railroad Corp. with yellow and green colors, indicating short line operations, set against a landscape with piles of gravel and 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.

  • A train with a logo for Squaw Creek Southern Railroad overlayed on the front, featuring a black and white stylized train illustration and a red rectangular border with bold text.

    Squaw Creek Southern Railroad

    Squaw Creek Southern Railroad provides efficient freight rail service in southern Indiana, connecting local industries to the national rail network with reliable, customer-focused operations.

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A freight train cars on railroad tracks beneath a bright blue sky with a few small clouds.
A worker in a safety vest inspecting a freight train car on tracks under partly cloudy sky, with train infrastructure and electrical lines visible.
Long freight train with multiple cargo cars traveling on railway tracks under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
A railroad worker in a safety vest and hat standing near train cars on tracks, with a blue sky and electrical transmission tower in the background.
A railroad worker in a neon yellow safety vest and gloves operating a track inspection device near train tracks with a moving train in the background.
A green and tan military-themed locomotive train with the words 'Saluting Our Veterans' on the side, moving along a track in a grassy field under a cloudy sky, with a long freight train visible in the background.
A long freight train traveling across a grassy field with a small creek in the foreground and a cloudy sky overhead.
A green and tan locomotive train on tracks with a cloudy sky background, commemorating veterans with the message 'LUTING OUR VETERANS' and an American flag decal.
Front view of a vintage Port Harbor Railroad Corp. locomotive with the number 8955, painted in black, red, and blue, featuring a small American flag and the railroad's logo.
A fire truck with emergency responder medals and badges, including a 'Honoring 1st Responders' sign on top, parked outdoors with trees in the background.
Close-up of a red emergency police vehicle with a 9-1-1 reminder badge and the word 'HONORING' partially visible on a black and yellow sign.
A red emergency response train with blue railings, featuring memorial logos and a sign that reads 'Honoring 1st Responders,' parked on railroad tracks.
A yellow maintenance train is on the railroad tracks underneath a bridge, with two crew members inside the cab.
Yellow Port Harbor train engine on railway tracks under a bridge with cloudy sky above.
Close-up of a red railroad locomotive with a green and yellow "Respondek Railroad Corp" logo and the words "Short Line Operations" and "Danger 600 Volts" on it.
A green train car with yellow lettering that says 'Initial Terminal'.
Front view of a red and yellow striped locomotive on train tracks with another red train car to the left and trees in the background.