Irving discusses long-range plans for Northern Maine Rail
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
INAUGURAL RUN — Northern Maine Rail, owned and operated by J.D. Irving Limited, made its inaugural run in Aroostook County last week, pictured here as it passed through Presque Isle — with company colors of green and yellow brightening up the track.
Irving was the winning bidder, acquiring approximately 233 miles of track between Madawaska and Millinocket from the state that was formerly operated by Montreal, Maine and Atlantic. James D. Irving was on hand for the annual combined meeting of LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development and Aroostook Partnership for Progress, sharing details of his company’s plans to improve the line and service to local businesses.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — James D. Irving, president of J.D. Irving Limited, served as guest speaker at the joint annual meeting of LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development and Aroostook Partnership for Progress, held June 10 at the Edmunds Conference Center at the Northern Maine Community College. Irving provided insight into his company’s plans for the newly purchased rail line and what’s in store for the newly-established Northern Maine Rail.
Irving began by quoting Mark Twain, noting “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog that counts” — making reference to the local businesses and communities that fought to maintain rail service in Aroostook County.
With a company that relies strongly on rail to transport lumber to mills and markets in other parts of Canada and the United States, Irving said he understood the need for reliable, dependable rail service. That’s why his company sought to purchase the line.
“Irving got into rail by accident. My grandfather had a business with a 990-year lease with CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway). They wanted out but my grandfather told them they still had 880 years on the lease,” said Irving. “That’s how we got into rail.”
He said Aroostook had “great soil for crops and trees” and that area businesses and farmers needed to “take advantage of that.”
“If you can put enough shippers’ products on (a train), you can make a go of it,” Irving said.
Irving stressed the importance of a business respecting its employees too.
“It’s all about people. We’re investing in people — training our employees. We had a very successful experience at the job fair in Presque Isle May 21 and were pleased with the qualified folks we met. We hired mostly former rail employees during the fair,” he said.
According to Irving’s PowerPoint presentation, an average of 21.5 hours of training was given to employees in 2010, including certification programs.
Technology will play a big role in the future of Northern Maine Rail, according to Irving. Each train will use tracking equipment that will allow company officials to obtain data such as where a train is located and whether it is running on time or not.
“The whole idea is to have a record. The information will be used to prove we’re performing up to expectations,” said Irving. “The government puts a lot of faith in us. We’ll have the digital data to provide information upon request.”
Satellite asset tracking using GPS devices will provide location reports every 10 minutes via cell or satellite communication. Locomotive locations will be plotted on the GIS web mapping location.
He said he knows very well the difficulties that faced shippers in the past.
“Shippers are vitally important. We’re (Irving) a shipper. We’ve been frustrated as well,” said Irving, noting a management change at MMA “caused a lack of focus.”
With the rising cost of fuel, Irving said it’s even more important to use rail to move goods to market.
“Freight is a crucial component. We need to get loads to market — to be more competitive,” Irving said, adding that trucks are still a factor “for short-haul purposes.”
Irving said in the weeks ahead his company will be working on line maintenance, with the goal of increasing speed as work is completed. He credited local, state and federal officials, including Sen. Susan Collins, for fighting to maintain the rail line in northern Maine. He said he looks forward to working with municipalities and businesses and welcomes feedback on ways to improve the line.
Irving said train service routes will be as follows: Squa Pan to Madawaska and return on Tuesday and Thursday; Squa Pan to Presque Isle, Easton, Caribou and return on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Oakfield to Portage and return on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Oakfield to Houlton and return on Tuesday and Thursday; and Oakfield to Brownville Junction and return on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
For general information, e-mail mnr.marketing@mainenorthern.com. For dispatch or customer service, call 877-838-6277.
