Fall Prep for a Smooth Winter

Although summer is barely over and September feels early, prepping for winter isn’t something to put off until the cold arrives. Now is the time to cut risk, avoid costly delays, and make sure your crews have what they need before winter hits. 

This year marks our 60th winter serving the railroad industry. In that time, working with many railroads of all sizes has shown us what separates crews who scramble from those who succeed: preparation. These are the strategies the most steadfast railroads use to prepare for winter:

1. They plan ahead: Long before the first snow touches the rail, railroads revisit the previous winter, identifying what worked and what didn’t. Adjustments are folded into their training and operations planning for the next. Supervisors coordinate across divisions so when storms hit, crews aren’t improvising. They’re executing a plan that’s been refined for months.
2. They stock the right tools: Winter prep isn’t just about grit. It’s about having the right tools in the right place before you need them. Departments order supplies like deicer, anti-icer, PPE, chains, and cutting tools months in advance, and even house backups at critical points along the line. Crews know exactly where to grab the equipment they need. Being ready does not just save time, it keeps work safe and predictable.
3. They support crew safety: Railroads know their greatest asset is their people. Section gangs are outfitted with proper winter PPE and traction gear for icy ties. Safety briefings increase, and supervisors maintain open communication to make sure no one takes unnecessary risks. The priority is clear: every crew member gets home safe at the end of their shift.
4. They keep equipment ready: Vehicles, equipment, and inspection tools are winterized, fueled, and maintained before the cold arrives and staged where they’ll be needed. Spare parts are stocked to prevent costly downtime in freezing weather.
5. They monitor and adapt: Even with the best planning, winter is always unpredictable. Supervisors keep a close eye on storm patterns, shifting resources as needed by coordinating with neighboring yards. The combination of foresight and flexibility ensures their network keeps moving, even in the harshest conditions.

For more than a century, railroads have been able to refine how they prepare for winter, keeping freight moving and communities connected despite the harshest conditions. We’re here to help you prepare in the same way. Download our printable Winter Track Maintenance Guide containing essential tools and equipment that will help keep your crews safe and operations running smoothly this season.

Or you can browse many of our winter products online.

Our 60th winter serving the railroad industry has taught us that even the most prepared railroads face unexpected challenges every winter. That's why we keep the right tools in stock so we can ship them to you quickly, helping you have the smoothest, most uneventful winter possible during the toughest season on track.

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