The Switch Point

Axiom Rail Services

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 We challenge outdated thinking, question the gray areas, and push for higher standards across the board.And then there is Off the Rails.These episodes are raw, unfiltered, and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

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    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.

    1h 6m

  2. 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.

    48 min

  3. 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.

    1h 8m

  4. 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.

    42 min

  5. May 26

    Ep. 6 - OFF THE RAILS: Inside Axiom’s Culture, Chaos, and Rapid Growth with Tina and Jess

    This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Axiom team members Tina and Jess for another “Off the Rails” episode—an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at the people helping build the company from the ground up. From chaotic office stories and Nerf gun wars to company growth, leadership philosophy, and scaling a business without losing culture, this episode dives deep into what makes Axiom Rail Services different from the typical workplace. The team talks about:  Growing from a tiny office into a rapidly expanding operation  Building in-house railroad inspector training programs  Why company culture matters more than résumés  The balancing act between budgets, growth, and big ideas  What it’s really like working inside a fast-moving rail company  Conferences, branding, recruiting, and the future of Axiom  Team bonding, Topgolf plans, office dynamics, and workplace humor Plus, things go completely off the rails with zombie apocalypse debates, office superlatives, expense-report arguments, and brutally honest takes on what makes people actually stay at a company long term. It’s funny, candid, chaotic, and probably the most honest look yet at the personalities behind the brand. Because at the end of the day, the culture behind the company matters just as much as the work itself.

    44 min

  6. May 19

    Ep. 5 - Rail Security, Train Robberies, and the Hidden Risks Nobody Talks About

    This week on The Switch Point, Joe dives into one of the most overlooked conversations in modern railroading: security. From train robberies and cargo theft to hazmat risks, border security, and protecting railroad crews in the field, this episode breaks down the real-world threats facing the rail industry—and why most companies are dangerously underprepared. Joe shares firsthand experiences from rail operations across the country, including incidents involving train theft, crew assaults, trespassing, and security failures that directly impact communities, customers, and the economy itself. Inside this episode:  Why intermodal freight has become a major theft target  How criminals study train schedules and exploit predictable operations  The hidden dangers railroad crews face while working in isolated areas  Why rail security impacts pricing, shipping times, and the national economy  How hazmat transportation ties directly into national security concerns  The role law enforcement should play in rail operations and emergency response  Why most rail security programs are reactive instead of proactive  How transload facilities are becoming one of the industry’s biggest security vulnerabilities Joe also explores how military veterans and law enforcement professionals can bring valuable insight into improving rail safety and security planning—and why the industry needs to start thinking differently before problems become disasters. This episode is a deep dive into the side of railroading most people never see—but one that affects everyone. Because security isn’t just about protecting freight. It’s about protecting people, communities, and the future of the industry itself.

    28 min

  7. May 13

    Ep. 4 - OFF THE RAILS: Horror Stories, Bad Habits, and the Reality of Field Training with Mike Thomason

    This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with longtime friend and newly appointed Director of Operations, Mike Thomason, for one of the most unfiltered episodes yet. From near misses and derailments to stubborn old-head railroaders and absolute chaos in the field, the two swap stories from years spent working in rail operations, training crews, and dealing with the reality of transload safety culture. This episode dives into:  The dangerous habits railroaders develop over time  Why bad training creates bigger problems down the road  Near-miss stories that still stick with them today  The chaos of radio communication during switching operations  Why transload rail operations are becoming the “new face” of railroading  The disconnect between ownership, management, and safety in the field  What separates experienced railroaders from people just “playing railroad” But it’s not all serious—Joe and Mike also get into office Nerf wars, Texas vs. Midwest culture, road trip playlists, conference season chaos, and what it’s like bringing military-style camaraderie into the rail industry. This one is raw, hilarious, brutally honest, and packed with the kind of stories only railroaders can tell. Welcome back to The Switch Point.

    44 min

  8. Apr 28

    Ep. 3 - Why Track Inspections Matter: Safety, Compliance, and Keeping Rail Moving

    This week on The Switch Point, Joe is joined by producer Tom for an in-depth conversation on one of the most overlooked—but most critical—parts of the rail industry: track inspections. From safety risks and regulatory compliance to preventing derailments and protecting operations, this episode breaks down why proper track inspections are essential for any facility handling rail traffic. Joe shares real-world insight into what inspectors look for, the common defects that get missed, and how neglected infrastructure can create massive operational and financial consequences. Inside this episode:  Why track inspections are crucial for safety and uptime  The most common issues found during inspections  How weather, seasons, and vegetation impact rail infrastructure  Why qualified inspectors matter more than “just checking the track”  How proactive maintenance saves companies from six-figure problems later  What separates Axiom Rail Services from competitors in the industry Whether you work in rail, logistics, manufacturing, or simply want to understand how freight keeps moving across America, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the infrastructure most people never think about. Because when the track fails, everything stops.

    28 min

  9. Apr 14

    Ep. 2 - OFF THE RAILS: Culture, Chaos, and Building a Team That Actually Works

    This week on The Switch Point, things get a little less formal—and a lot more Off the Rails. Joe is joined by Mike (HR), Vegas (Marketing), and Tom (Producer) for a behind-the-scenes look at what actually goes on inside Axiom Rail Services. From hiring challenges and rapid growth to office banter, Nerf gun wars, and unfiltered team dynamics, this episode pulls back the curtain on the people driving the mission forward. The team dives into:  What it really takes to build (and protect) company culture  The balancing act of hiring fast vs. hiring right  Why energy, personality, and fit matter just as much as experience  The chaos of scaling a growing business in real time  Honest takes on workplace trends, communication, and leadership Plus, you’ll hear stories from job fairs, inside jokes from the office, and a glimpse into how Axiom is working to become a destination workplace—not just another job. It’s candid, it’s unfiltered, and it’s exactly what happens when you put the whole team in one room. Welcome to the other side of the business.

    1 hr

  10. Apr 7

    Ep. 1 - The Story Behind the Switch

    In the debut episode of The Switch Point Podcast, we sit down with Axiom Rail Services President Joe Porro to unpack the real story behind the company—and the rail industry most people never see. From building a business through grit, setbacks, and a post-COVID reset, to redefining what employee-first training looks like in one of the most dangerous and overlooked sectors of the economy, Joe shares how Axiom is tackling the biggest gaps in rail: safety, compliance, and culture. This conversation dives deep into: The hidden world of freight and transload rail operationsWhy hands-on training is non-negotiable in this industryThe massive knowledge gap between major railroads and smaller operatorsHow poor communication and outdated training put lives at riskWhat it really takes to build a company that cares—about people, not just profitsJoe also lays out his vision for the future: scaling Axiom nationwide, reshaping workforce development, and ushering in the next generation of railroaders the right way. If you’ve ever wondered how the goods that power our economy actually move—or what it takes to keep that system running safely—this episode is your inside look. This is where rail meets reality. This is The Switch Point.

    38 min

  11. Mar 23

    Welcome to The Switch Point!

    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 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit