Hulcher Assists Union Tank Car Company to Support First Responder Readiness with Rail Tank Car Installation at Calumet City Public Safety Training Center

Calumet City, IL – Hulcher Services proudly partnered with Union Tank Car Company to support the donation and installation of a rail tank car at the Calumet City Public Safety Training Center—enhancing hands-on training opportunities for the Chicago Fire Department, Calumet City Fire Department, and surrounding municipalities.

As part of this important initiative, Hulcher Services managed the complex logistics required to safely transport and install the rail tank car at the training center. The railcar, measuring 43 feet long by 15 feet high and weighing more than 60,000 pounds, required detailed planning, specialized equipment, and precise execution to ensure a safe and efficient delivery.

Hulcher crews began by overseeing the installation of track infrastructure at the training site, preparing the foundation to properly receive and secure the tank car. The team then coordinated the loading and securement of the railcar for transport, utilizing their patented Tank Car Lifting Device, sidebooms and industry-leading safety protocols throughout the process. Upon arrival at the Calumet City Public Safety Training Center, the Hulcher crew carefully positioned and installed the tank car onto the newly constructed track, completing the project without incident.

Safety remained the top priority at every stage of the project. Hulcher Services’ experienced personnel followed rigorous job safety standards, equipment inspections, and operational procedures to ensure the protection of both crews and the surrounding community. With decades of experience in derailment response, railcar rerailing, and heavy lifting operations, Hulcher applied the same standards of professionalism and risk management to this community-focused project as it does during emergency response operations.

“This project reflects Hulcher Services’ ongoing commitment to safety, preparedness, and community partnership,” said a company spokesperson. “By helping establish a realistic rail training environment, we are supporting the readiness of local first responders who protect our communities every day.”

The addition of the rail tank car at the training center will provide invaluable, hands-on experience for firefighters and emergency personnel. With rail transportation playing a vital role in the movement of essential commodities, specialized training on rail-related incidents is critical. The installed tank car will allow departments to simulate emergency scenarios, practice coordinated response strategies, and strengthen interagency collaboration in a controlled environment.

For the Chicago Fire Department, Calumet City Fire Department, and neighboring municipalities, this enhanced training capability means improved preparedness for potential rail emergencies—ultimately increasing public safety across the region. Hulcher Services is honored to have contributed its expertise to a project that supports the safety and resilience of local communities. Through strategic partnerships and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Hulcher continues to demonstrate leadership in rail service operations while supporting those who stand ready to respond when it matters most.



For more information about Hulcher Services and its comprehensive rail and emergency response solutions, visit www.hulcher.com.

After Disasters Strike: Emergency Response Firms Offer A Variety Of Repair, Recovery Services

DENTON, Texas - When disaster strikes, Hulcher Servicesstands ready 24/7 with the necessary expertise, manpower and equipment to respond immediately, company officials said. For over 50 years, Hulcher has served Class Is, short lines and industry customers.

The company provides critical emergency response servicesin the wake of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes and other natural disasters, Hulcher officials said.

With over 20 strategically located divisions across the United States, the company is positioned to respond quickly to minimize downtime, protect infrastructure, and restore operations. Hulcher can quickly mobilize experienced crews and specialized equipment — including hi-rail excavators, sidebooms, dozers and vacuum trucks — to clear debris, repair damaged track, assist with derailment recovery and provide environmental remediation services (HRI).

“Our goal is simple—respond fast, work safely and get our customers back up and running as quickly as possible,” said Hulcher President Frank Given. “We’re proud to be a trusted emergency response partner for the railroads and industrial operations during their most critical times of need.”

In addition to response efforts, Hulcher can support emergency planning, staging and pre-event mobilization efforts to help customers stay prepared ahead of major weather events.

To read the rest of the article, visit ProgressiveRailroading.com

Article written by Bridget Dean, Associate Editor, and originally published in Progressive Railroading, July 2025 Issue.

Derailment Defense: Your Solution for Derailment Response and Prevention

DENTON, Texas - Hulcher Services Inc. specializes in derailment prevention and recovery services to help restore rail operations quickly and efficiently. The company’s expert teams provide 24/7 derailment and rapid response recovery. Hulcher derailment crews use specialized equipment to remove debris, perform track repair and restore rail functionality, Hulcher officials said.

In addition to derailment response, Hulcher provides preventative services such as vegetation control, track and right-of-way maintenance to reduce the likelihood of derailments occurring.

Crews utilize heavy equipment safely and efficiently, including sidebooms, dozers and vacuum trucks to rerail locomotives and rail cars, perform onsite traction motor or wheel changes and clean up commodities. Hulcher also can perform emergency hazardous material response and containment.

To read the rest of the article, visit ProgressiveRailroading.com

Article written by Bridget Dean, Associate Editor, and originally published in Progressive Railroading, April 2025 Issue.

Contractors help railroads get back on track after natural disasters

DENTON, Texas - Hulcher Services Inc was recently featured in Progressive Railroading magazine as part of an article discussing the impact of natural disasters on the railroads.

"Eighteen separate weather events causing at least $1 billion in damage occurred last year in the United States, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information "2022 Billion-dollar Weather and Climate Disasters" report. 

That number placed 2022 in a three-way tie with 2017 and 2011 for the third-highest number of natural disasters in a calendar year, trailing only 2020's 22 and 2021's 20, per the "Beyond the Data" blog on Climate.gov. 

Last year brought a highly diverse mix of destructive events, including three hurricanes, two wildfires, various floods, two tornado outbreaks and nine severe weather/hail situations. The year also was deadly: The 18 events caused at least 474 fatalities, the eighth-highest number of disaster-related fatalities in the contiguous United States."...

To read the rest of the article, visit ProgressiveRailroading.com

Article written by Julie Sneider, Senior Associate Editor, and originally published on Progressive Railroading.

Hulcher Services Inc. and Hulcher Resources participates in select location, regional and national industry events throughout the year meeting with professionals in the railroad, grain, intermodal, environmental and safety industries to showcase the diverse line of services we provide.

Please stop by the Hulcher Services booth to get a first hand look at the wide variety of innovative services and learn how we can help you keep your business on time and on target .