The second Trump administration is ushering in both uncertainty and opportunity to the rail industry, from evolving regulatory priorities to shifting trade and tariff policies to AI and smart tech initiatives. One thing is certain: The changes ahead could have far-reaching effects on operations, investment, and market positioning.

Join Ian Jefferies, President & CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), and Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), as they break down what’s in store for Class Is and short lines, and forecast the key issues that will shape conversations at Railroad Day on the Hill.

Key Discussion Points:

• Administration & Policy Shifts – How federal transportation priorities, infrastructure funding, and regulatory moves could impact rail strategy.
• Tariffs & Trade Outlook – What’s next for international trade, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions—and how railroads can adapt.
• Regulatory & Legislative Updates – STB rulings, labor policies, and key legislation that could influence operations and investment.
• Market & Tech Trends – The forces shaping freight demand, industrial output, AI/automation and the competitive landscape for rail in 2025.

This interactive session will feature live audience Q&A, moderated by Progressive Railroading editor and RailPrime correspondent Jeff Stagl. RailPrime subscribers may attend this webcast for free as a member benefit; non-subscribers can register for $79.

Panelists

As the Association of American Railroads (AAR’s) president and CEO, Jefferies advocates for and works with member railroads to ensure the continued viability of America’s railroad industry. From 2009 to 2013, Jefferies served as a senior policy advisor to the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. In this role, Jefferies provided policy guidance on a host of transportation issues, including railroad economic regulation, rail safety and passenger rail.

Chuck Baker joined ASLRRA as President in February 2019 after a 15-year career in the railroad industry. Before joining ASLRRA he was a Partner at Chambers Conlon & Hartwell (CC&H), where, in addition to the ASLRRA, he represented clients such as the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC), the OneRail Coalition, the American Railway Development Association, Norfolk Southern, and Canadian National.

Moderator

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