Freight Rail

Freight systems face constant pressure: growing volumes, limited capacity, and the need to protect people while keeping trains moving.

For Class I railroads, ports, short line railroads, and industrial operators, shutdowns aren’t an option. GFT delivers freight infrastructure projects in active operating environments, aligning public and private partners, streamlining approvals, and designing solutions that work in real-world conditions, enabling cargo to move reliably, crews to stay safe, and communities to remain connected.

Freight Solutions Designed for Real-World Rail Operations

From planning to construction, our experts solve complex freight challenges to keep your projects efficient, connected, and future-ready.

Rail Design
GFT designs rail infrastructure that performs within active freight networks. Our teams understand railroad standards, operational constraints, and constructability, delivering mainline, siding, and industrial rail designs that improve capacity, safety, and reliability. Clients rely on our hands-on railroad expertise to strike a balance between performance, cost, and long-term maintainability while ensuring ongoing operations.
Yard and Terminal Expansion
Expanding yards and terminals requires precision, planning, and a clear understanding of operations. GFT helps clients increase capacity within constrained footprints, often while facilities remain active. We analyze train movements, optimize track layouts, and phase construction to reduce congestion and improve throughput. Our experience with brownfield expansions helps clients extend asset life while maintaining reliable service.
Intermodal Facilities
GFT designs intermodal facilities that respond to real-world operating demands. From greenfield terminals to complex expansions, we tailor each solution to improve efficiency, safety, and scalability. Our teams integrate rail, roadway, ports, and equipment planning to help clients move more cargo efficiently while supporting long-term growth.
Accelerated Bridge Construction
When rail bridges must be replaced or upgraded, outages must be minimized. GFT uses accelerated bridge construction techniques to minimize downtime, enhance safety, and maintain service continuity. Our teams deliver complex rail bridge projects using proven staging, prefabrication, and sequencing strategies, resulting in durable infrastructure with minimal operational impact.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
GFT helps freight clients navigate environmental and regulatory requirements with confidence. We support NEPA reviews, permitting, and agency coordination while balancing compliance with project schedules and budgets. Our understanding of how freight infrastructure intersects public interests enables smoother approvals and fewer delays.
Aerial Surveys
GFT’s aerial survey services collect accurate data without disrupting rail operations. Using advanced technologies, we capture high-quality information safely and efficiently, reducing the need for track access and field exposure. Clients gain faster data collection, improved safety, and reliable data for design, planning, and construction.
Grant Writing
Securing funding can determine whether a freight project moves forward. GFT partners with clients to identify opportunities, develop grant strategies, and manage the process from application through administration. Our experience with departments of transportation and public agencies supports the development of effective public-private partnerships, helping clients turn funding into delivered infrastructure.
Railroad Coordination
Railroad coordination is often the most complex element of freight projects. GFT leverages trusted relationships and deep railroad knowledge to manage approvals, schedules, and interfaces among owners, operators, and agencies. Clients rely on us to minimize risk, prevent delays, and ensure projects remain constructible.

Our Track Record of Freight Excellence

Quantifiable proof of how we help clients move goods faster, safer, and more reliably every day.

110+

Intermodal Facilities Designed

650+

Standard Railroad Bridges Designed

45+

Award-Winning Projects

ENR Top 8

Mass Transit & Rail Design Firm

Leadership Team

Lori Labrum

Business Line Director, Transit & Rail

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Kevin Hicks

Freight & Rail Market Sector Leader

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Derek Collins

Vice President

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Jamie Hamm

Senior Vice President

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Kim Hastings

Assistant Vice President

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Paul Hentschke

Senior Vice President

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Wayne Wendel

Senior Program Manager

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Joe Willhite

Division President, Transportation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide environmental permitting or NEPA assistance for freight projects?
Yes. We support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, environmental permitting, and agency coordination for freight, rail, and intermodal projects, helping clients meet requirements while keeping schedules and operations on track.
Can you help industrial clients add rail connections to their facilities?
Absolutely. We design rail tie-ins, loop tracks, and yard connections for industrial sites, integrating rail design with site development, operations, and long-term growth planning.
How does GFT assist DOTs with projects involving railroads?
We help departments of transportation (DOTs) deliver rail-related public projects through railroad coordination, Section 130 safety improvements, grade separations, and funding support, bridging public goals with railroad operational needs.

Does GFT support rail and port-related freight projects, including intermodal facilities?
Yes. GFT works at the intersection of rail and maritime infrastructure, designing rail connections for ports and intermodal terminals to improve capacity, connectivity, and operational efficiency in complex, active environments.
How does GFT help clients plan and forecast future rail needs?
We use rail modeling, operational analysis, and forecasting to help clients evaluate demand, test scenarios, and prioritize investments that support long-term capacity, efficiency, and resilience.