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Safely providing efficient transportation solutions to our customers & partners
“MRL provides services that have a positive impact on the economy and communities in which we live and serve. Our employees are vital to ensuring that these standards remain in place and secure our strategic advantage within the transportation sector.”
Derek Ollmann, President, Montana Rail Link
MRL at a glance
Based in Missoula, Montana Rail Link (MRL) is a Class II regional railroad that operates over 900 route miles of track in Montana and Idaho and employs nearly 1,200 dedicated professionals. MRL services over 150 local Montana businesses and moves their products to domestic and international markets on a daily basis. MRL remains committed to providing transportation services that result in long-term growth and prosperity for the company, and its customers and employees.
937
Route Miles
$12.3M
Property Taxes Paid
1,200
Employees
Regional railroad specializing in personalized short-line service
While transportation of freight is MRL’s primary line of business, we also offer real estate leasing, surplus equipment sales, transloading, and car storage services. MRL is committed to the safety of all employees, the general public, its customers, and to being a good neighbor in the communities it serves.
Ship Freight
As a BNSF partner, MRL’s rail shipments help feed, clothe, supply and power American and international homes and businesses every day. Shipping by rail is safe, economical and good for the environment. We meet your specific requirements and understand your concerns for safety and efficiency.
Real Estate
While MRL’s primary activity is transporting freight, we offer many services for utilizing Railroad property.
Transload
MRL has the network access you need to get your shipment from A to B. With MRL’s exclusive transload network, your freight goes into a rail served facility, where it is moved from the railcar into a truck (two + per carload) and is then delivered to its final destination by truck.
Storage
Whether loaded or empty, multiple unit trains or smaller blocks, short-term or long-term, MRL’s northern climate stands out as the best answer to your car storage needs.
President, Seaspan Marine Transportation
Derek Ollmann
Derek Ollmann, President, Seaspan Marine Transportation, effective January 1, 2023, began his transportation career in 1999 and most recently served as President of Montana Rail Link. Prior to MRL, Derek served as President of Southern Railway where he first joined The Washington Companies. Over his 23 years in the transportation industry Derek has held progressively senior roles overseeing all aspects of marketing & sales, operations, maintenance and engineering. Under Derek’s leadership, MRL received the Presidential Safety Award from the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association in recognition of MRL’s outstanding safety performance for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021.