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  • April 19-21, 2023 | Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Louisiana
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Michael Gallagher

BNSF Logistics

Direct, Rail Sales

Michael J. Gallagher is an accomplished and experienced professional who has been working in the logistics and transportation industry for over 20 years. Born to American Parents in Germany, and stints in Texas, Virginia, and South Korea along the way, Michael attended Texas Christian University, where he earned a bachelor's and master's degree in business administration.

Michael began his career with BNSF Railway as a Sales Manager in the Industrial Products Business Unit, and later worked as a Market Manager. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Project Manager for Corporate Audit Services and then a Sales Manager working with Dimensional customers. In 2010, he left BNSF to join GE as a Logistics and Planning Manager for both Wind and Thermal power plant projects, a position he held until 2011.

In 2011, Michael returned to BNSF, this time with BNSF Logistics, and took on the role of Director of Marketing and Sales Director for Industrial Products. In this position, he is responsible for the development and execution of marketing strategies and overseeing the delivery of quality services. Michael's expertise and leadership have been instrumental in the growth of the company's industrial products division.

Michael is passionate about logistics and transportation and is committed to helping his team succeed. He is a creative problem-solver and an excellent communicator who is always looking for ways to improve processes and increase efficiency. Michael's commitment to excellence and hard work have made him a leader in the industry. He is an invaluable asset to BNSF Logistics and continues to drive their success as the Director of Rail Sales.

Sessions With Michael Gallagher

Thursday, 20 April

  • 03:00pm - 03:30pm (CST) / 20/apr/2023 08:00 pm - 20/apr/2023 08:30 pm

    Relying on Rail: Managing OOG Scheduling, Equipment, and Labor

    A challenging market segment that requires special care and attention, out-of-gauge rail, or OOG, makes up a small percentage of the railcars that move annually in North America. Railroads can be reluctant to take it on, as OOG rail restricts train speeds and is far more complex to handle than intermodal. The necessary rail clearance and special operations teams often are understaffed, especially in the age of precision railroading, which makes dedicated OOG rail teams on the logistics providers’ side useful and often essential. Potential rail strikes and well-publicized accidents may add to a sense of risk. However, although it takes months of planning, inherent challenges in securing suitable railcars, and other specialized, dedicated resources, there are important pluses to moving OOG by rail. It’s greener, faster, and often far less expensive than over-the-road transport and allows shippers to avoid myriad permitting requirements and infrastructure limitations, especially when moving long distances. This session, led by Journal of Commerce senior editor Bill Cassidy, will discuss the realities of North American OOG rail in 2023.

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