Lake State Railway Company

Overview

Lake State Railway Company (LSRC) is a Michigan-based short line railroad company founded in 1992 by Jim George. With its headquarters located in Saginaw, Michigan, LSRC operates a 375-mile rail freight network primarily within Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The company provides essential freight transportation, railcar storage, and transloading services. Over the years, LSRC has been recognized for its operational excellence, being named as 2018's Short Line of the Year and 2021's Regional Railroad of the Year by Railway Age. In recent years, the company has also been backed by Antin Infrastructure Partners, indicating significant strategic investments into its ongoing expansion efforts.

Recent Developments

April 2025: LSRC witnessed a leadership change, with Mike Stickel announced as President and CEO. Concurrently, John Rickoff transitioned to the role of Chairman of the Board. This change signifies a strategic shift in the company's leadership as it undergoes robust expansion with potential impact on its operational strategies.
December 2024: In partnership with L.B. Foster, LSRC has modernized its rail operations to include advanced friction management solutions to enhance rail efficiency and prolong asset life. This technological upgrade is part of LSRC's broader strategy to modernize its rail infrastructure.
March 2023: In line with its growth trajectory, LSRC benefited from a $27 million grant aimed at infrastructure improvements to strengthen its network, particularly between Pinconning and Alpena. This investment aligns with the company's commitment to sustainable growth and improving rail efficiencies.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	1992
Headquarters	Saginaw, Michigan, USA
Founders	Jim George
Revenue	$44.1 Million (Estimated)
Profits	Not publicly disclosed
Key Investors	Antin Infrastructure Partners
Industry	Rail Transportation
Number of Employees	135

Early History

Lake State Railway Company started its operations in 1992 by acquiring the existing lines from Detroit and Mackinac Railway. These lines, initially considered near abandonment, came under the stewardship of Jim George, whose vision helped transform the railway into a critical regional transportation backbone. Initially, the company focused on stabilizing and expanding its freight services, primarily catering to heavy industries such as cement, steel, and agriculture across northern Michigan.

Company Profile and Achievements

Lake State Railway excels as a regional freight railroad operator in Michigan, serving diverse industries with its comprehensive rail network.

Operational Areas: LSRC operates several main routes, dispatching approximately 20 daily freight trains that carry essential commodities such as grain, fertilizer, and chemical products.
Infrastructure Investments: The company emphasizes continuous infrastructure improvements, aided by federal and state grants. Their modern fleet of EMD locomotives reflects this investment focus.
Awards: LSRC's operational excellence has been recognized through industry awards, including Shortline and Regional Railroad accolades.

Current Operations and Market Position

Lake State Railway continues to be a vital linchpin in Michigan's transportation infrastructure, facilitating key connections between local production hubs and larger national markets. It maintains significant interchange agreements with Class I railroads like CSX and Canadian National, and several short-line rail connections. LSRC's focus remains on expanding capacity while ensuring efficient and safe rail operations.

Conclusion

Lake State Railway Company plays a pivotal role in Michigan's regional transportation network, offering critical logistic solutions to a broad spectrum of industries. With strategic investments led by Antin and continued commitment to infrastructure upgrading, LSRC is well-positioned for future growth, focusing on enhancing its operational capacity and fostering sustainable transport solutions. As the company navigates leadership changes and market shifts, it represents a model of resilience and adaptation in the railroad industry.