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 We challenge outdated thinking, question the gray areas, and push for higher standards across the board.And then there is Off the Rails.These episodes are raw, unfiltered, and built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. 6d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Jun 30

    Ep. 11 - The Best of The Switch Point: Our Biggest Rail Safety Lessons, Funniest Stories & Top Moments

    We've officially hit 10 episodes of The Switch Point Podcast, and to celebrate, we're looking back at some of our favorite conversations, funniest moments, and biggest takeaways from the journey so far.  This special compilation episode features highlights from some of our most popular discussions covering rail safety, track inspections, compliance audits, rail security, railroad leadership, scale operations, company growth, and plenty of behind-the-scenes laughs from the Axiom Rail Services team. You'll hear memorable moments from guests including Ron Lord, Karl Gansen, Tina, Vegas, Harlee, Jess, Tom, and more as they share real-world stories, industry expertise, and the experiences that have helped shape The Switch Point into the show it is today.  In this episode, you'll revisit:  Why qualified track inspections are critical for industrial rail safety  Real railroad near misses and lessons learned from the field  The hidden security risks facing today's freight rail network  How proper railcar weighing protects infrastructure and operations  What goes into a professional rail compliance audit  Building a stronger safety culture through leadership and accountability  Behind-the-scenes stories from the Axiom team  Some of the funniest moments and running jokes from the first ten episodes  The biggest lessons learned from ten episodes of talking rail Whether you've been with us since Episode One or you're just discovering The Switch Point, this milestone episode is the perfect way to catch up on the conversations, insights, and personalities that have made the first ten episodes so memorable. Thank you for being part of the journey. Here's to the next ten episodes—and beyond.

  5. Jun 23

    Ep. 10 - OFF THE RAILS: Fourth Generation Railroader, Military Service, Railroad Leadership & The Future of Freight with Ron Lord

    In this Off the Rails edition of The Switch Point Podcast, Joe sits down with longtime rail industry leader Ron Lord for a candid conversation about family legacy, military service, railroad leadership, safety culture, and the future of the freight rail industry.  As a third-generation railroader and father of a fourth-generation railroader, Ron shares how a family deeply rooted in the railroad industry shaped his career, despite originally swearing he'd never work for the railroad. From his early days at the Belt Railway Company of Chicago to leadership roles across the industry, Ron reflects on nearly three decades of railroading experience and the lessons learned along the way.  The discussion also dives into Ron's time serving as a Military Police officer in the Army National Guard, how military service influenced his leadership style, and why many veterans naturally find success in the railroad industry. Along the way, Joe and Ron share memorable stories from both the military and the railroad, highlighting the unique camaraderie, humor, and resilience that define both professions.  In this episode, you'll learn:  What it's like being part of a four-generation railroad family  How military service translates into railroad leadership  The importance of mentorship and developing future railroaders  Why safety culture starts with personal accountability  How effective leaders create a "speak up" environment  The evolution of railroad technology and operations  The future of automation, remote control operations, and autonomous trains  Lessons learned from decades of railroad management and operations  Why railroading remains one of America's most essential industries Whether you're a rail professional, veteran, industry leader, or someone curious about the people behind America's freight network, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership, service, safety, and the future of rail transportation.

  6. Jun 16

    Ep. 9 - Inside the Audit: How Axiom Uncovers Risk Before It Becomes a Disaster

    In this solo episode of The Switch Point, Joe pulls back the curtain on one of Axiom Rail Services' most requested offerings: rail compliance and operational audits. What actually happens when Axiom arrives on-site? What are auditors looking for? And why do so many rail facilities have hidden compliance, safety, and operational risks they don't even know exist? Joe walks listeners through the entire audit process, from the initial customer interview to field observations, employee interviews, compliance reviews, track inspections, and final reporting. He explains how Axiom identifies safety hazards, training deficiencies, regulatory gaps, infrastructure concerns, and operational risks before they result in injuries, derailments, violations, or costly fines.  In this episode, you'll learn:  What a rail compliance audit actually includes  The difference between a gap analysis and a traditional audit  Common safety and compliance failures found at transload facilities  Why employee interviews reveal more than paperwork ever can  The importance of FRA compliance, training, and oversight programs  How track inspections complement operational audits  Why proactive audits save customers far more than they cost  The hidden risks many facilities overlook until it's too late  How Axiom develops corrective action plans and long-term solutions Whether you're a facility manager, safety professional, railroad operator, or company executive, this episode provides an inside look at the processes, standards, and expertise that help keep rail operations safe, compliant, and efficient. Sometimes the biggest risks are the ones you don't know exist until someone takes a closer look.

  7. Jun 9

    Ep. 8 - OFF THE RAILS: Office Chaos, Bird Feeders, and the People Behind Axiom with Vegas and Harlee

    This week on The Switch Point, Joe is joined by two members of the Axiom team, Vegas and Harlee, for another candid and completely unfiltered Off the Rails episode. From customer relationships and company culture to office bird feeders, conference road trips, and the strange realities of corporate life, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities helping drive Axiom forward every day. The team discusses:  What customer success really means in the rail industry  Why building relationships matters more than making sales  The importance of company culture when hiring and growing a team  How marketing is much more than social media and design  Funny customer interactions and workplace miscommunications  The realities of networking, conferences, and business travel  Office life, bird watching, coffee preferences, and daily routines  Why finding the right people matters more than checking boxes on a résumé Along the way, the conversation veers into everything from LinkedIn horror stories and conference mishaps to ducks nesting in front yards, strange customer encounters, and the unique personalities that make the Axiom team what it is today. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a fast-growing rail services company, this episode delivers plenty of laughs, honest conversations, and a glimpse into the culture that keeps the team moving forward. Because sometimes the best conversations happen when the rails disappear entirely.

  8. Jun 2

    Ep. 7 - Inside the Scale Industry: Rail Weights, Safety, and Why Accuracy Matters with Karl Gansen

    This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Karl Gansen, Rail Operations Manager at Weighing Technologies, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most overlooked, but absolutely critical, parts of the rail industry: scales and weight certification. From railcar loading safety and hazardous commodity compliance to massive 80,000-pound rail scale calibrations, Karl breaks down how accurate weights keep railroads, trucking operations, and entire supply chains moving safely and efficiently. Inside this episode:  How rail scales actually work and why they matter  The dangers of overloaded railcars and trucks  Why inaccurate weights can create major safety risks  The hidden world of certified weights and scale calibration  How commodities like grain, chemicals, plastics, and coal are measured  The surprising connection between rail safety and scales  What it takes to certify 80,000-pound rail scales across the country  Wild stories from the field involving scrap yards, alligators, snakes, and scale pits Karl also shares his journey from commercial roofing into the highly specialized scale industry, along with insights into the future of rail infrastructure, industrial operations, and the importance of skilled trades that quietly keep the economy running every single day. If you’ve ever wondered how railcars are weighed, how facilities stay compliant, or why a few thousand pounds can make a huge difference in rail safety, this episode is packed with insight you probably never knew existed. Because in railroading, accuracy matters, and every pound counts.

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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
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit