Rail consulting companies offer strategic solutions to increase productivity and efficiency for the railway and transport industry. With an intentional focus on operational planning and network capacity, railway consultants deliver quality insight gained through extensive industry experience and scientific rail analysis.

From capacity assessment to reliability forecasting, railroad consulting firms provide a diverse range of specialized services. Railroad consultants offer a powerful combination of technical industry understanding, analytical expertise, vast resources and financial assessment skills.

Before beginning your search for a railroad consultant, it is important to define your consulting needs. Clearly identify the goal of your railway consulting service, including project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best railway transportation consultant to meet your specific needs.

When selecting a rail transportation consulting firm, research each consulting practice and evaluate the following:

1. What kind of experience does each railroad operations consultant offer to improve operations in your business sector?

2. What services do the railway consulting companies provide to enhance your rail efficiency and business profitability?

3. How much should my business invest in railroad consulting services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire rail consultants that specialize in your business sector

Select rail consulting companies with extensive experience in your business sector. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Advanced Rail Management has experience with Class 1, regional and shortline, mixed passenger and rail transit systems, and provides an online client list. CPCS Transcom's clients include infrastructure investors, national governments, public transit authorities, private and state-owned transportation organizations and mining companies. TranSolutions focuses on consulting services for regional railroads, and includes an online list of representative clients.

Choose a railroad consultant with proven skills

Rail consultants offer a range of services, from inventory assessment to marketing. Review the services provided by each railroad consulting firm, and request successful project examples of the specific skill sets you need. Examine the rail consulting companies' experience, qualifications and certifications and evaluate how they match up to your project needs.

I recommend: CANAC provides a range of rail consulting services, including railroad engineering services, planning services, industrial rail operations, rail training and international services. Jock Valley Engineering offers design, construction, maintenance and safety assessment of rail infrastructure and crossings. LTK Engineering Services specializes in consulting services for commuter rail, rapid transit light rail systems, and features online project descriptions.

Select rail consultants that meet your budget

Many railway consulting companies operate on a project-based price structure, while others utilize an hourly fee structure. Your railroad consultant cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Get a price estimate on locomotive, car and maintenance-of-way components at JMA Railroad Supply Company. Request a quote for railway consulting services at Pennsy Corporation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Safety should be the primary concern in the railroad consulting industry. Ask rail consultants about quality controls, especially for rail design and manufacturing products. Make sure all rail products have been tested and approved by the Association of American Railroads and the Federal Railroad Administration.