In a challenging landscape between Arizona and California, a Teamster crew responsible for a three-mile-long freight train faces increasing threats. Groups of bandits target such trains, particularly on routes where slower speeds are required due to elevation. These criminals use power tools to cut air hoses, forcing trains to stop, while accomplices follow in trucks ready to steal goods. The Teamster crew, initially unaware of these acts, must investigate unexpected stops themselves, exposing them to potential danger.
These incidents are not isolated. Over 65,000 thefts were reported on America’s railroads in 2024, a 40 percent rise from the previous year. Factors contributing to this increase include the strategy of “precision scheduled railroading” (PSR). This approach emphasizes profit and operational efficiency, often at the cost of critical safety measures. Carriers have extended train lengths to reduce labor costs, raising safety concerns not only for workers but also for surrounding communities. Eddie Hall, former President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, criticizes this practice for increasing theft opportunities and endangering Teamsters.
The personnel cuts extend to railway police, reducing protection for these elongated trains. Railroads traditionally employ their own law enforcement but have seen cuts under the PSR strategy, making trains vulnerable. The Teamsters Rail Conference is actively opposing these trends by advocating for reasonable train lengths and adequate law enforcement staffing. Legislative measures are also being pursued to enhance rail safety.
Eddie Strom, President of BLET Division 28, recently participated in a Congressional Roundtable, sharing his experiences with crime on the railroads. He highlighted the apparent neglect of theft problems linked to PSR practices. Strom expressed the urgent need for carriers to prioritize safety and operational efficiency to ensure the well-being of employees, customers, and the public.
