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