The Switch Point

Ep. 5 - Rail Security, Train Robberies, and the Hidden Risks Nobody Talks About

This week on The Switch Point, Joe dives into one of the most overlooked conversations in modern railroading: security. From train robberies and cargo theft to hazmat risks, border security, and protecting railroad crews in the field, this episode breaks down the real-world threats facing the rail industry—and why most companies are dangerously underprepared. Joe shares firsthand experiences from rail operations across the country, including incidents involving train theft, crew assaults, trespassing, and security failures that directly impact communities, customers, and the economy itself. Inside this episode: *  Why intermodal freight has become a major theft target  *  How criminals study train schedules and exploit predictable operations  *  The hidden dangers railroad crews face while working in isolated areas  *  Why rail security impacts pricing, shipping times, and the national economy  *  How hazmat transportation ties directly into national security concerns  *  The role law enforcement should play in rail operations and emergency response  *  Why most rail security programs are reactive instead of proactive  *  How transload facilities are becoming one of the industry’s biggest security vulnerabilities  Joe also explores how military veterans and law enforcement professionals can bring valuable insight into improving rail safety and security planning—and why the industry needs to start thinking differently before problems become disasters. This episode is a deep dive into the side of railroading most people never see—but one that affects everyone. Because security isn’t just about protecting freight. It’s about protecting people, communities, and the future of the industry itself.

Ep. 4 - OFF THE RAILS: Horror Stories, Bad Habits, and the Reality of Field Training with Mike Thomason

This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with longtime friend and newly appointed Director of Operations, Mike Thomason, for one of the most unfiltered episodes yet. From near misses and derailments to stubborn old-head railroaders and absolute chaos in the field, the two swap stories from years spent working in rail operations, training crews, and dealing with the reality of transload safety culture. This episode dives into: *  The dangerous habits railroaders develop over time  *  Why bad training creates bigger problems down the road  *  Near-miss stories that still stick with them today  *  The chaos of radio communication during switching operations  *  Why transload rail operations are becoming the “new face” of railroading  *  The disconnect between ownership, management, and safety in the field  *  What separates experienced railroaders from people just “playing railroad”  But it’s not all serious—Joe and Mike also get into office Nerf wars, Texas vs. Midwest culture, road trip playlists, conference season chaos, and what it’s like bringing military-style camaraderie into the rail industry. This one is raw, hilarious, brutally honest, and packed with the kind of stories only railroaders can tell. Welcome back to The Switch Point.

Ep. 3 - Why Track Inspections Matter: Safety, Compliance, and Keeping Rail Moving

This week on The Switch Point, Joe is joined by producer Tom for an in-depth conversation on one of the most overlooked—but most critical—parts of the rail industry: track inspections. From safety risks and regulatory compliance to preventing derailments and protecting operations, this episode breaks down why proper track inspections are essential for any facility handling rail traffic. Joe shares real-world insight into what inspectors look for, the common defects that get missed, and how neglected infrastructure can create massive operational and financial consequences. Inside this episode: *  Why track inspections are crucial for safety and uptime  *  The most common issues found during inspections  *  How weather, seasons, and vegetation impact rail infrastructure  *  Why qualified inspectors matter more than “just checking the track”  *  How proactive maintenance saves companies from six-figure problems later  *  What separates Axiom Rail Services from competitors in the industry  Whether you work in rail, logistics, manufacturing, or simply want to understand how freight keeps moving across America, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the infrastructure most people never think about. Because when the track fails, everything stops.

Ep. 2 - OFF THE RAILS: Culture, Chaos, and Building a Team That Actually Works

This week on The Switch Point, things get a little less formal—and a lot more Off the Rails. Joe is joined by Mike (HR), Vegas (Marketing), and Tom (Producer) for a behind-the-scenes look at what actually goes on inside Axiom Rail Services. From hiring challenges and rapid growth to office banter, Nerf gun wars, and unfiltered team dynamics, this episode pulls back the curtain on the people driving the mission forward. The team dives into: *  What it really takes to build (and protect) company culture  *  The balancing act of hiring fast vs. hiring right  *  Why energy, personality, and fit matter just as much as experience  *  The chaos of scaling a growing business in real time  *  Honest takes on workplace trends, communication, and leadership  Plus, you’ll hear stories from job fairs, inside jokes from the office, and a glimpse into how Axiom is working to become a destination workplace—not just another job. It’s candid, it’s unfiltered, and it’s exactly what happens when you put the whole team in one room. Welcome to the other side of the business.

Ep. 1 - The Story Behind the Switch

In the debut episode of The Switch Point Podcast, we sit down with Axiom Rail Services President Joe Porro to unpack the real story behind the company—and the rail industry most people never see. From building a business through grit, setbacks, and a post-COVID reset, to redefining what employee-first training looks like in one of the most dangerous and overlooked sectors of the economy, Joe shares how Axiom is tackling the biggest gaps in rail: safety, compliance, and culture. This conversation dives deep into: * The hidden world of freight and transload rail operations * Why hands-on training is non-negotiable in this industry * The massive knowledge gap between major railroads and smaller operators * How poor communication and outdated training put lives at risk * What it really takes to build a company that cares—about people, not just profits Joe also lays out his vision for the future: scaling Axiom nationwide, reshaping workforce development, and ushering in the next generation of railroaders the right way. If you’ve ever wondered how the goods that power our economy actually move—or what it takes to keep that system running safely—this episode is your inside look. This is where rail meets reality. This is The Switch Point.