Riding the Rails

Inside the Business of America's Railroads

Robert D. Krebs

Narrated by David A. Nickerson

Available from Audible

Book published by Indiana University Press

When Robert D. Krebs joined the ranks of Southern Pacific Railroad in 1966, the industry had been in decline for decades, and the future of trains was in peril. Despite these obstacles, Krebs fell in love with the rugged, competitive business of railroads and was determined to overcome its resistance to change and put rail transportation back on track. By the age of 40, Krebs was president of the Southern Pacific Railroad and went on to lead both the Santa Fe Railway and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway companies. Riding the Rails: Inside the Business of America's Railroads details Krebs's rise to a position of influence in the recovery of America's railroads and offers a unique insider's view into the boardrooms where executives and businessmen reimagined transportation in the United States.

Robert D. Krebs went to work for the Southern Pacific not knowing the difference between a coupler knuckle and an uncoupling lever. But he quickly became enthralled with the complexities of the business and worked his way up to serve as railway executive at SP, Santa Fe Railway, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Along the way, he was a central figure in the rebirth of one of America's oldest industries, surviving more than his share of boardroom intrigues.