Tracks of Dedication: Thank you Maintenance-of-Way

The season of gratitude is here, a time to recognize the unsung heroes who keep our lives on track– literally. While many are fortunate to gather with loved ones to celebrate the season’s comforts, a dedicated group works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth transport of people, goods, and services across the nation during the year’s busiest and most demanding time for commerce.

Railroads are the backbone of our economy, connecting communities and transporting essential goods. At the heart of this operation are maintenance-of-way (MOW) workers, who brave tough conditions to keep the tracks safe and operational when we need them most– a critical time during a season when freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and icy conditions also happen to arrive adding another layer of complexity to an already demanding job. 

Winter amplifies the challenges MOW workers face. Snow and ice can quickly obstruct stretches of track, while extreme cold weakens infrastructure, increasing the potential for damage and safety risks. Despite these obstacles, MOW workers show remarkable dedication and resilience– applying specialized skills, adapting to evolving maintenance-of-way demands, and working long, tireless hours to keep our railroads operational.


As we embrace this season of thankfulness, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the often overlooked efforts that shape our daily lives and help uphold our family traditions. It’s the MOW workers who do more than keep trains on time– they ensure the economy keeps moving and our communities stay safe and connected during the holidays.  

As you reflect on the strength and perseverance of the maintenance-of-way industry this season, let it inspire gratitude for all those whose efforts quietly sustain us– the ones who make the holidays possible, no matter what.

Thank you, Maintenance of Way.

Sincerely,

Industry-Railway Suppliers

🛠️❄️ Shop our online selection of winter tools here 👆 🛒

Winter challenges demand skilled crews with the right tools. IRS is winter-ready, providing tools that help crews get the job done and return home safely. With nearly 60 years of experience, we maintain optimal stock levels for quick delivery, backed by dedicated customer service and field support through the toughest season on track.

➡️ Learn more about a few of our essential tools to keep railroads running smoothly this winter ➡️

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