The Switch Point

Axiom Rail Services
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

The Switch Point is where the rail industry’s biggest conversations collide.Hosted by Axiom Rail Services, this podcast brings serious energy to the world of ethics, auditing, and real-world rail operations, with a sharp focus on transload rail. Every episode puts you in the room with railroad experts, regulators, supply chain analysts, and railcar manufacturing executives who are shaping the future of the industry right now.This is not surface-level talk. We dig into compliance, safety, accountability, and the tough decisions that keep freight moving. We challenge outdated thinking, question the gray areas, and push for higher standards across the board.And then there is Off the Rails.These episodes are raw, unfiltered, and built by the Axiom community. We bring guests on to vent, debate, joke around, and say what everyone else is thinking but will not say out loud. We open the phone lines, take live questions, and let the conversation go wherever it leads.Whether you are on the ground, behind a desk, or running operations, The Switch Point is your place for honest insight, real accountability, and the kind of conversations this industry has been missing.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 19 - The Railroad Will Tell You: 36 Years of Track Inspection, Derailments & Rail Safety with Bill Pairman

    This week on The Switch Point Podcast, Joe sits down with railroad industry veteran Bill Pairman, who brings 36 years of experience across track inspection, heavy equipment, derailment response, transit operations, maintenance, and railroad leadership.  Bill shares what decades of hands-on experience have taught him about identifying track defects, preventing derailments, managing maintenance, and balancing new technology with boots-on-the-ground experience. The conversation covers:  The differences between freight and transit rail  What experienced track inspectors look for in the field  How delayed maintenance can lead to derailments  The role of technology, sensors, drones, and data in rail safety  Why hands-on experience still matters  The challenges facing the next generation of railroad workers  Why becoming a great railroader is a marathon, not a sprint After 36 years in the industry, Bill's message is simple: learn the craft, respect the railroad, and pass your knowledge on to the next generation.

  2. Aug 18

    Ep. 18 - OFF THE RAILS: Road Warriors, Sketchy Hotels & The Wild Side of Traveling for Work with Joe

    What happens when your job has you constantly jumping on planes, driving through the middle of nowhere, staying in questionable hotels, and finding yourself in places you never expected to visit? This week on The Switch Point Podcast, Vegas takes over the host seat and puts Joe in the hot seat for an Off the Rails conversation all about traveling for work. Joe shares what life is really like as a road warrior in the rail industry, from navigating airports and rental cars to spending hours on the road with Mike, finding remote transload facilities, and dealing with some truly unforgettable hotel experiences. Along the way, the conversation gets funny, chaotic, and surprisingly personal as Joe and Vegas swap stories about road trips, questionable gas station food, Waffle House, TSA frustrations, customer relationships, and the unexpected friendships that come from constantly being on the road. In this episode, you'll hear: What a typical week of work travel looks like for JoeThe debate between driving and flyingJoe and Mike's most ridiculous road trip storiesGetting lost while trying to find remote rail facilitiesSome of the wildest places work has taken JoeThe best and worst hotels he's experienced on the roadThe surprisingly incredible Hotel Settles in Big Spring, TexasTSA stories, airport frustrations, and the art of surviving business travelThe friendships Joe has built with customers, bartenders, and people he meets along the wayWhy traveling for rail can take you to some of the most unexpected places in AmericaThe food, culture, and experiences that make every trip differentJoe's advice for anyone considering a career that requires constant travelJoe also explains why traveling for work is about more than collecting hotel points and seeing new places. When you're on the road, there is still a mission to accomplish, and learning how to balance work, rest, relationships, and a little fun can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned road warrior, someone who travels occasionally for work, or you're considering a career in the private side of the rail industry, this episode gives you a hilarious and honest look at life on the road. Pack your bags, grab your coffee, and buckle up. This one is going Off the Rails.

  3. Aug 11

    Ep. 17 - Beyond the Rule Book: Building a Safety Culture That Actually Works with Mark Perri

    Safety is not created by thicker rule books. It is built through better leadership, stronger communication, and a workforce that feels empowered to speak up. In this episode of The Switch Point Podcast, Joe sits down with industrial maintenance and safety professional Mark Perri to discuss nearly three decades of experience in industrial operations, railroad adjacent industries, and safety leadership. Together, they explore why organizations that invest in people, not just policies, build stronger, safer, and more productive workplaces. From Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles to effective on the job training, Mark shares practical lessons on creating a culture where employees are trusted, managers become leaders, and safety becomes part of everyday operations instead of just another compliance requirement. In this episode, you'll learn: Why leadership creates better safety outcomes than rule enforcement aloneThe difference between management and true leadershipHow Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) changes workplace cultureWhy near misses should be treated as learning opportunitiesBuilding employee trust through good faith reporting and open communicationThe importance of practical, hands on training over checkbox complianceWhy on the job training (OJT) is critical to developing confident railroad professionalsBalancing productivity with safety in industrial rail operationsCreating procedures that fit the operation instead of overwhelming employeesHow organizations can retain experienced employees while developing the next generation of railroad professionalsWhether you're a railroad manager, transload operator, safety professional, or someone responsible for training new employees, this conversation offers valuable insight into building a workplace where safety, leadership, and productivity work together instead of competing with one another. The strongest safety cultures are not built by adding more rules. They are built by earning trust, investing in people, and leading by example.

  4. Aug 4

    Ep. 16 - Hazmat in Transloading: Explosives, Corrosives & The Compliance That Keeps Rail Moving

    Hazardous materials move through the rail industry every single day—but what actually happens once those railcars arrive at a transload facility? In this solo episode of The Switch Point Podcast, Joe breaks down the critical role hazardous materials play in industrial rail operations and why transload facilities carry some of the biggest safety and compliance responsibilities in the supply chain. From explosives and corrosives to flammable liquids and radioactive materials, Joe explains how hazardous commodities are handled, what regulations apply, and why proper training, inspections, documentation, and safety culture can mean the difference between a successful operation and a catastrophic incident. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hazardous materials are the backbone of the transload industryThe difference between moving hazmat by rail versus truckThe agencies that regulate transload operations, including FRA, PHMSA, EPA, OSHA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and moreThe responsibilities operators assume when offering hazardous materials back onto the general rail systemUnderstanding explosive, corrosive, and other hazardous material classificationsReal-world stories of chemical incidents and the lessons they teachWhy quality hazmat training goes far beyond checking a compliance boxThe importance of proper railcar inspections, placards, emergency response information, and PPEBuilding effective security plans, spill response procedures, and safety programsHow proactive compliance protects employees, customers, and your business from costly incidents and enforcement actionsWhether you manage a transload facility, supervise rail operations, oversee compliance, or simply want to better understand how hazardous materials safely move across North America, this episode offers a practical look at the systems, regulations, and responsibilities that keep people—and freight—moving safely. Safety isn't just about following regulations. It's about protecting your employees, your customers, your community, and the future of your operation.

  5. Jul 28

    Ep. 15 - OFF THE RAILS: New Jobs, Rail Culture & Office Chaos with Jake and Joe

    The Axiom crew is growing, and this week on The Switch Point, it’s time to introduce some new blood. In this Off the Rails episode, Harlee takes over the host seat alongside Axiom’s two newest team members: Jake, Inside Sales Representative, and Joe Butler, Enrollment & Outreach Coordinator. The two joined Axiom on the same day but came from completely different professional backgrounds—Jake from freight brokerage and sales, and Joe from education, museums, and public programming. They break down what brought them to Axiom, their first impressions of the team, and what it’s actually like trying to learn the railroad industry from scratch. From navigating FRA regulations and figuring out bizarre railroad terminology to discovering just how passionate lifelong railroaders are about the industry, Jake and Joe share what they’ve learned during their first few months on the job. Joe also dives into Axiom’s growing training and enrollment efforts and why introducing railroad careers—especially track inspection—to the next generation of skilled tradespeople could help build the industry's future workforce. But this is Off the Rails, so things don’t stay serious for long. In this episode, you'll hear: How Jake and Joe found their way to AxiomTheir first impressions of the Axiom office and teamWho intimidated them when they first startedThe biggest culture shocks of entering the railroad industryLearning FRA regulations and confusing railroad terminologyWhy railroaders will immediately know when you don’t know what you’re talking aboutJake’s experiences making his first sales calls in the industryJoe’s mission to introduce more people to railroad career opportunitiesThe personalities, inside jokes, and chaos of working at AxiomWho the crew thinks is funniest in the officeWhich coworkers they’d want as teammates on a game showPlenty of stories, tangents, and questionable conversations along the wayBetween railroad history, career advice, awkward sales calls, office stories, and plenty of friendly shots at their coworkers, this episode gives you a chance to meet the newest members of Axiom beyond their job titles. Because at Axiom, learning the railroad industry is one thing. Surviving the office is another.

  6. Jul 21

    Ep. 14 - How Relay Rail Keeps America's Railroads Moving with Brandon "Spike Sandbolt" Straub

    What happens to railroad track after it's removed? Is relay rail really as reliable as new rail? And how does someone go from banking to becoming one of the rail industry's most recognizable personalities? This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Brandon "Spike Sandbolt" Straub of SRC Industries for an entertaining and insightful conversation about the world of relay rail, railroad materials, and building relationships in one of America's most specialized industries. From the origin story behind his unforgettable nickname to the misconceptions surrounding reclaimed rail, Brandon shares the knowledge he's gained from years in the business and explains why "used" doesn't mean "worn out."  Together, they discuss the grading process for relay rail, why industrial facilities can save money without sacrificing quality, the importance of preserving historic rail infrastructure, and how strong relationships continue to drive success throughout the railroad industry. Along the way, the conversation is filled with humor, personal stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people who keep America's rail network supplied. In this episode, you'll learn:  How Brandon "Spike Sandbolt" Straub found his way into the rail industry  The surprising story behind the "Spike Sandbolt" nickname  What relay rail is and why it's still a reliable option  How reclaimed rail is inspected, graded, and reused  Common misconceptions about used rail materials  Why relationship-building remains one of the industry's greatest assets  The value of preserving historic rail while meeting modern operational needs  Lessons from transitioning from corporate banking into the railroad business Whether you're responsible for purchasing rail materials, managing industrial track, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the people shaping today's rail industry, this episode offers practical knowledge, industry insight, and plenty of laughs. Because sometimes the best way to understand the future of rail is by learning the history that's still supporting it every single day.

  7. Jul 14

    Ep. 13 - Mastering Transload Operations: The Training, Safety & Communication Every Rail Site Needs

    What separates a well-run transload facility from one that's constantly fighting delays, safety issues, and operational headaches? In this episode of The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Axiom Director of Operations Mike Thomason to break down what they see every time they walk into a new customer site—and why training is about much more than simply moving railcars.  Drawing from a recent training engagement in Alabama, Joe and Mike discuss the biggest mistakes they encounter at industrial rail facilities, from poor yard management and ineffective communication with Class I railroads to unsafe operating practices that can put employees and equipment at risk. They explain how proper training, leadership involvement, and standardized procedures can transform both safety and productivity. In this episode, you'll learn:  What a proper transload training program should include  The most common safety and operational mistakes seen at industrial rail sites  Why communication—not equipment—is often the biggest safety risk  How better yard organization improves efficiency and reduces delays  The importance of red zone awareness, blue flag protection, and hands-on field training  Why management involvement is critical to building a strong safety culture  How stronger communication with serving railroads can improve operations  Practical ways facilities can reduce turnover while creating a safer, more efficient workplace Whether you're managing a transload operation, supervising a rail crew, or looking to improve your facility's safety and compliance program, this episode delivers practical, real-world lessons from professionals who have spent years working both sides of the railroad. Because great rail operations aren't built by working faster—they're built by communicating better, training smarter, and creating systems that keep people safe while keeping freight moving.

  8. Jul 7

    Ep. 12 - OFF THE RAILS: The Original Axiom Crew Shares the Stories That Started It All with Vegas, Tina, and Jess

    This week on The Switch Point, the microphones are turned over to the original Axiom team as Vegas steps in to host a special Off the Rails episode featuring Tina from Accounting, Jess from Project Coordination, and producer Tom. Together, the crew takes a trip back to Axiom's early days, sharing what it was like working out of the company's first tiny office, wearing multiple hats, figuring things out on the fly, and watching the business grow into what it is today. From hilarious office stories and unforgettable "oh no" moments to behind-the-scenes memories that shaped the company's culture, this episode is a celebration of the people who helped build Axiom from the ground up.  In this episode, you'll hear:  How the original team found Axiom and what they expected on day one  Funny stories from the company's first offices and early growing pains  Behind-the-scenes moments that almost became disasters  The projects each team member is working on today  How Axiom has grown while staying true to its culture  The importance of teamwork, adaptability, and wearing multiple hats  Office traditions, inside jokes, and the personalities behind the company  Why every milestone feels earned after years of hard work Whether you've followed The Switch Point from the beginning or you're just getting to know the people behind Axiom Rail Services, this episode offers a fun, lighthearted look at the friendships, memories, and teamwork that built the company. Sometimes the best stories aren't about railroads at all. They're about the people who keep them moving.

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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
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About

The Switch Point is where the rail industry’s biggest conversations collide.Hosted by Axiom Rail Services, this podcast brings serious energy to the world of ethics, auditing, and real-world rail operations, with a sharp focus on transload rail. Every episode puts you in the room with railroad experts, regulators, supply chain analysts, and railcar manufacturing executives who are shaping the future of the industry right now.This is not surface-level talk. We dig into compliance, safety, accountability, and the tough decisions that keep freight moving. We challenge outdated thinking, question the gray areas, and push for higher standards across the board.And then there is Off the Rails.These episodes are raw, unfiltered, and built by the Axiom community. We bring guests on to vent, debate, joke around, and say what everyone else is thinking but will not say out loud. We open the phone lines, take live questions, and let the conversation go wherever it leads.Whether you are on the ground, behind a desk, or running operations, The Switch Point is your place for honest insight, real accountability, and the kind of conversations this industry has been missing.

Information

  • Creator
    Axiom Rail Services
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit

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