The second Trump administration is ushering in both uncertainty and opportunity to the rail industry, from evolving regulatory priorities to shifting trade and tariff policies to AI and smart tech initiatives. One thing is certain: The changes ahead could have far-reaching effects on operations, investment, and market positioning.

Join Ian Jefferies, President & CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), and Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), as they break down what’s in store for Class Is and short lines, and forecast the key issues that will shape conversations at Railroad Day on the Hill.

Key Discussion Points:

• Administration & Policy Shifts – How federal transportation priorities, infrastructure funding, and regulatory moves could impact rail strategy.
• Tariffs & Trade Outlook – What’s next for international trade, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions—and how railroads can adapt.
• Regulatory & Legislative Updates – STB rulings, labor policies, and key legislation that could influence operations and investment.
• Market & Tech Trends – The forces shaping freight demand, industrial output, AI/automation and the competitive landscape for rail in 2025.

This interactive session will feature live audience Q&A, moderated by Progressive Railroading editor and RailPrime correspondent Jeff Stagl. RailPrime subscribers may attend this webcast for free as a member benefit; non-subscribers can register for $79.

Panelists

As the Association of American Railroads (AAR’s) president and CEO, Jefferies advocates for and works with member railroads to ensure the continued viability of America’s railroad industry. From 2009 to 2013, Jefferies served as a senior policy advisor to the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. In this role, Jefferies provided policy guidance on a host of transportation issues, including railroad economic regulation, rail safety and passenger rail. Jefferies began his career in government serving as a Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Lexington, Kentucky, before transitioning to the federal government. Prior to serving in the United States Senate, he worked for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Government Accountability Office. In these roles, Jefferies led program reviews on a variety of issues including infrastructure development, international trade, major weapon systems acquisition and federal contracting.

Chuck Baker joined ASLRRA as President in February 2019 after a 15-year career in the railroad industry. Before joining ASLRRA he was a Partner at Chambers Conlon & Hartwell (CC&H), where, in addition to the ASLRRA, he represented clients such as the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC), the OneRail Coalition, the American Railway Development Association, Norfolk Southern, and Canadian National. For the NRC, Mr. Baker also served as its President. In that capacity, he had responsibility for all of the association's core financial, operational, and legal programs, including the federal legislative and regulatory program in front of both Congress and the Administration. For the OneRail Coalition, a coalition of freight rail, intercity passenger rail, commuter rail, rail labor, and rail supply industry interests, Mr. Baker coordinated the group's activities and messaging. Mr. Baker is a native of Baltimore, MD, and a graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX.

Moderator

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