Claude M.

Childers
Lumberton, TX 77657
409-227-4215
Cell 409-291-1103
cchilders@ameritech.net

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Over 20 years of broad based management experience in transportation operations (trucking and
railroad), sales, manufacturing and safety (intermodal and short line railroad).
Direct profit and loss responsibilities with an understanding of financial reporting and the ability to
quantify business needs, costs/budgets and economic earnings.
Experienced in hiring, interviewing, establishing progressive discipline procedures and policies. Also
knowledgeable with union contracts, work rules and meeting with union officials to resolve issues.
Superior professionalism, discretion, judgment, ethics and decision making under pressure.
Excellent written and oral communication skills that demonstrate a proven ability to develop relationships
with a range of internal and external customers.
Strong organizational and time management skills.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Transformed one of the largest intermodal facilities in the Chicago Area, into a profitable, efficient and
customer focused operation. Increased productivity from 2.10 LPMH to 4.4 LPMH by training front line
managers in better forecasting and staffing techniques. Grew facility manpower from 60 employees to
over 100 in a years time. Recorded a turn around of $1.3 million, in profit, during the first year. Pacific
Rail was also rewarded with a new 5 year contract due to the operational and safety improvements
implemented.
Supervised 18 UAW employees in a manufacturing environment. Assisted in all aspects of running the
operation from inside sales, purchasing, shipping and warehouse organization.
While trainmaster at Chicago Rail Link we achieved an operating ratio in the mid-sixties and had no losttime injuries. Accomplished this by constantly monitoring and auditing train crews for correct work
methods and operating procedures.
Coordinated rail car movement between the main furnace and basic oxygen furnace. Directly supervised
15 to 20 United Steel Worker employees while keeping the furnace stocked with the appropriate cars.
Also moved in process slabs from the basic oxygen furnace to the rolling mill and coordinated inbound
and outbound movement of coal, scrap metal and finished coils with the class one rail partner.
SALES/MARKETING MANAGEMENT

While at the Burlington Northern, managed a territory that consisted of Northern Indiana, Northern
Illinois and Eastern Iowa. Achieved 15% to 20% annual revenue growth in the two years soliciting
this territory. Focus was on building small/medium sized accounts to national account status.
Successful in transferring 2-3 accounts annually to national account status.
Built a pipeline of approximately $6 million in potential new business of which $2.6 million was
secured while at Wiscold. This was a cold storage/distribution company covering the Mid West.
As a telemarketing representative for Roadway, contacted small shippers and cold called new
customers. Built business relationships, grew accounts and then transferred larger accounts to street
representatives.

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SAFETY MANAGEMENT

While at Quality Terminal Services we reduced the OSHA recordable rate from 9.7 to 4.8 by increasing
new hire training, front line manager training and holding front line managers accountable. This led to
better communication, regarding expectations and procedures, up and down the chain of command.
Directed development of an Accident Investigation program, while at Pacific Rail Services. Trained all
managers throughout the company in proper accident investigation procedures. This lead to better
documentation/follow-up and in turn a significant savings in property damage/injury claim dollars paid.
We also instituted quarterly meetings with our workers comp carrier to review open cases and decide on
their future course of action.
At Quality Terminal Services and Pacific Rail Services the safety department arranged for all managers to
be trained in the recognition of drug and alcohol abuse in the work place and proper employee discharge
and documentation. At Quality Terminal Services we instituted pre-hire background checks as well as rewrote the company safety program and handbook. The safety department had sole responsibility of the
drug and alcohol testing program and proper record keeping of that program.

Employment History

Timber Rock Railroad, Silsbee, TX: General Manager, 2/2013-3/2014

ArcelorMittal Steel USA, East Chicago, IN; Rail Operations Supervisor, 2/2011-2/2013
Chicago Rail Link, Div. of OmniTrax, Chicago, IL; Trainmaster, 4/2007-3/2009
Quality Terminal Services, Div. of OmniTrax, Cicero, IL; Regional Director of Safety, 8/2002-4/2007
Pacific Rail Services, Hodgkins, IL; Terminal Mgr & Safety Mgr., 10/1996-7/2002
Wiscold Inc., Milwaukee, WI; Regional Sales Mgr., 6/1995-7/1996
Pacific Rail Services, Hodgkins, IL; Terminal Mgr., 2/1995-6/1995
Burlington Northern Railroad, Cicero, IL; Regional Sales Mgr, Asst. Terminal Mgr, Ramp Manager,
12/1989-1/1995

Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Management Sciences)-Valparaiso University,
Valparaiso, IN.

Additional Training

Rail Sciences Derailment Investigation Procedures

Recognizing Drug & Alcohol Abuse in the Work Place
Operation LifeSaver Grade Crossing Safety
Family and Medical Leave Act in Illinois
Hazardous Communications
CPR, First Aid & Blood Borne Pathogens
Employee Discharge & Documentation in Illinois
Hazardous Materials Certification
Accident Investigation Training for the Trainer
Behavior Based Safety
Presentation Excellence

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