With the UP/SP merger and the impending consolidation into a single system, we will all see and experience change within our company. Ever since the STB announced approval of the merger there has been a flurry of activities involving: reorganizating departments, personnel changes, labor discussions, territorial boundary adjustments, sharing resources, etc.
Locally, the Ft Worth Service Unit has changed, expanding to include the territory west to Sweetwater and the former Southern Pacific around Dallas/Fort Worth/Ennis areas. In addition, you'll see some new members in the management team including myself.
My previous assignment was Intermodal Superintendent for the North/South corridor (the area included the intermodal facilities from Yard Center to Laredo). The job was headquartered at Mesquite, so coming to Ft Worth was a short trip. But I'm glad to be here and looking forward to working with each of you associated with the Fort Worth Service Unit.
The major challenges I see for 1997 will be continuing the excellent safety improvements you've achieved the last couple of years and implementing TCS on the former Southern Pacific territory. Most of the TCS implementations are scheduled for the late summer or fall.
As for safety, it takes positive work habits, attention to detail, watching out for your fellow employees, strict compliance to rules (especially Cardinal safety rules), and most of all understanding that each of us is responsible for safety. My primary goal during 1997 will be to continue the focus on safety while meeting or exceeding our customer expectations.
One thing I've learned since being in this part of the country is that Texans aren't bashful. So as our paths cross in the Service Unit. please feel free to tell me what's on your mind.
Again, I'm looking forward to working together with each of you and let's have a safe and productive 1997.