Blake Woodson
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
Dynamic operations manager with extensive experience at Union Pacific, skilled in optimizing freight logistics and enhancing safety protocols. Proven track record in implementing process improvements that increased efficiency. Strong communicator and mentor, adept at fostering team collaboration and compliance with industry regulations. Holds DSRCO designation and multiple licenses.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager of Terminal Operations
Union Pacific
Fort Worth, TX
2005 - Current
- Oversaw daily terminal operations, ensuring adherence to safety and efficiency protocols.
- Coordinated with logistics teams to optimize freight movement and scheduling processes.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing turnaround times.
- Mentored staff on operational best practices, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Developed training programs for new employees, focusing on safety compliance and operational standards.
- Managed inventory control systems, ensuring accuracy in freight tracking and reporting.
- Spearheaded initiatives to reduce environmental impact through waste reduction, energy efficiency, and emissions monitoring programs.
- Fostered strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, carriers, and regulatory agencies for seamless coordination of terminal activities.
- Established standard operating procedures to increase consistency across shifts and teams.
- Overcame logistical challenges by developing contingency plans and adaptive strategies based on real-time data analysis.
- Improved communication between departments by facilitating regular meetings and information sharing sessions.
- Conducted periodic audits of operational practices to identify areas of improvement or noncompliance.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards related to terminal operations.
- Supported staff through change management initiatives associated with new policies or technology implementations.
- Enhanced terminal efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing performance-driven processes.
- Optimized resource allocation for improved throughput and reduced dwell time.
- Managed budgets, schedules, and personnel assignments to maintain cost-effective terminal operations.
- Implemented innovative technology solutions to improve operational visibility, control, and decision-making capabilities.
- Championed process improvements that resulted in higher productivity levels without sacrificing safety or quality.
- Mentored staff members in best practices for terminal management, fostering professional development and career growth opportunities.
- Promoted safety programs throughout terminal by conducting meetings and communicating safety program messages.
- Collaborated with Number-member team to create, modify and implement goals, procedures and policies.
- Fielded customer complaints and comments and rectified issues.
- Maintained composure and order when handling customer and employee injuries, incidents and accidents.
Manager of Yard Operations
Union Pacific
Fort Worth, TX
2004 - 2005
- Managed yard operations, ensuring efficient loading and unloading of freight cars.
- Oversaw crew schedules, optimizing labor resources for maximum productivity.
- Implemented safety protocols, reducing incidents and enhancing compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated maintenance of equipment, minimizing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
- Analyzed yard performance data, identifying trends to inform strategic improvements.
- Led initiatives to improve workflow efficiency, resulting in enhanced turnaround times for trains.
- Optimized space utilization in the yard, allowing for better organization and increased capacity.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant industry regulations, company policies, and environmental guidelines pertaining to yard operations management.
- Enhanced overall efficiency through the development of comprehensive standard operating procedures for yard operations.
- Conducted regular team meetings to discuss progress, identify areas for improvement, and share updates on organizational objectives or policy changes.
- Mitigated risks associated with potential delays or disruptions by creating contingency plans for various scenarios in the yard operation process.
- Oversaw budget planning and allocation for all aspects of yard operations, ensuring financial targets were met without compromising on quality or productivity levels.
- Improved yard safety by implementing new protocols and conducting regular inspections.
Corridor Manager
Union Pacific
Omaha, NE
2003 - 2004
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficient train scheduling and logistics management.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced safety protocols and reduced operational risks.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation for maximum productivity.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Fostered a culture of collaboration, mentoring team members to achieve departmental goals.
- Streamlined communication channels between departments, enhancing information flow and decision-making.
- Managed compliance with federal regulations, ensuring adherence to industry standards and practices.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Train Dispatcher
Union Pacific
Omaha, NE
1998 - 2003
- Monitored train movements using advanced dispatching software to ensure operational efficiency.
- Coordinated with crew members and yard personnel to facilitate timely train departures.
- Analyzed real-time data to optimize routing and minimize delays in operations.
- Managed communication between train crews and management, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Provided guidance during emergencies, implementing contingency plans for incident resolution.
- Trained new dispatchers on operational procedures and effective use of dispatch systems.
- Developed and maintained documentation related to train schedules and operational changes.
- Collaborated with maintenance teams to schedule repairs, minimizing impact on service delivery.
- Collaborated with maintenance teams to ensure track availability and minimize service disruptions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations to ensure compliance in all aspects of dispatching activities.
- Managed train movement orders, ensuring accurate and timely transmission to relevant parties.
- Managed crew assignments effectively for optimal utilization of available personnel resources.
- Streamlined communication processes for better coordination between train crews and control centers.
- Provided comprehensive dispatcher training to new hires, fostering a skilled and prepared workforce.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions accordingly.
Crew Dispatcher
Union Pacific
Omaha, NE
1996 - 1998
- Managed crew schedules to ensure timely train operations and resource allocation. Assigned personnel to trains while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and labor agreements.
- Coordinated communication between operational teams to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Monitored real-time dispatch systems for effective train tracking and status updates.
- Assisted in training crew new dispatchers on protocols and system usage.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Communication
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE06.2002
Skills
Daily testing using Regulations from the CFR
Carry a class 6 and class 8 license
Carry a DSRCO designation for doing RCl Certification rides and RCl Performance rides
Certification
Class 6 RCL License.
Class 8 Conductor License,
Timeline
Manager of Terminal Operations
Union Pacific
2005 - Current
Manager of Yard Operations
Union Pacific
2004 - 2005
Corridor Manager
Union Pacific
2003 - 2004
Train Dispatcher
Union Pacific
1998 - 2003
Crew Dispatcher
Union Pacific
1996 - 1998
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Communication
Bellevue University