Branden Lee Allen
Buckingham,VA
Summary
Experienced railroad leader with over 20 years in transportation and three years in railroad management. Led safety-sensitive operations, enforced compliance, and improved service performance while coordinating train movements across a 234-mile territory. Expertise in troubleshooting operational issues, workforce development, and continuous process improvement. Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, SharePoint, and electronic railroad reporting systems.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Transportation Operator
Virginia Department of Transportation
Buckingham, VA
08.2026 - Current
- Operated dump trucks, loaders, and snow-removal equipment for roadway maintenance and emergency response.
- Inspected vehicles and attachments, completing pre-trip checks and reporting mechanical issues promptly.
- Performed asphalt patching, shoulder repairs, and drainage cleanup to support safe travel lanes.
- Managed traffic control during work zones, setting cones, signs, and flagging patterns for motorist safety.
- Loaded, transported, and distributed materials including gravel, salt, and debris across assigned routes.
- Maintained equipment cleanliness, fuel levels, and service readiness to reduce downtime and support daily operations.
- Trained new operators on safe equipment use, jobsite procedures, and VDOT maintenance standards.
- Conducted regular safety meetings with team members, emphasizing the importance of adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Streamlined record-keeping processes to maintain accurate driver logs, reducing errors and increasing compliance with regulations.
Manager of Train Operations (LOR Trainmaster)
CSX Transportation
04.2023 - 06.2026
- Directed daily train operations while ensuring compliance with FRA regulations, company operating rules, and safety standards.
- Coordinated train movements, crew assignments, yard activities, and terminal operations while ensuring efficient execution of the daily operating plan.
- Coordinated train movements, crew assignments, yard activities, and terminal operations to ensure efficient execution of daily operating plan, enhancing overall service delivery.
- Communicated daily with dispatchers, engineering, mechanical, and terminal personnel to safely coordinate train movements and maintain service reliability.
- Conducted operational testing, efficiency monitoring, field observations, and compliance audits to reinforce operating rules, improve employee accountability, and promote safe operations.
- Investigated operational delays, rule violations, equipment failures, and service interruptions to identify root causes and implement corrective actions, improving operational reliability.
- Demonstrated sound decision-making while resolving crew shortages, stalled trains, mechanical failures, severe weather events, and other operational challenges affecting train movement.
- Responded to derailments and emergency situations while coordinating recovery efforts to safely restore service.
- Mentored transportation employees through coaching, field instruction, and performance evaluations, facilitating skill development and compliance with qualification tracking using Railroad Qualification System (RQS).
Transportation Operator / Sign Crew Specialist
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
02.2007 - 04.2023
- Installed and maintained roadway signs, traffic control devices, and message boards in compliance with MUTCD standards.
- Coordinated daily work assignments with supervisors and field crews, ensuring safe and timely project completion.
- Operated commercial vehicles and heavy equipment for roadway maintenance and infrastructure projects, contributing to operational effectiveness.
- Coordinated daily work assignments with supervisors and field crews to complete projects safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
- Completed electronic work records, inspection reports, and operational documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Old Dominion University
Norfolk05-2022
Associate of Science - General Studies
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Charlottesville12-2021
Skills
- Railroad Operations Management
- Train Movement Coordination
- FRA Rules & Regulatory Compliance
- Operating Plan Execution
- Operating Rules Enforcement
- Safety Leadership
- Field inspections
- Incident investigation
- Terminal & Dispatch Coordination
- Service recovery
- Crew leadership
- Employee coaching
- Performance oversight
- Continuous Improvement
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- Electronic Reporting & Documentation
- Incident reporting
- Report Writing
- Mobile Inspection Applications
- Remote pilot operations
- Vehicle Safety Inspections
- Effective communication
- Professionalism and punctuality
- Heavy Equipment Operation
Certification
Conductor / DSRCO Certification, Commercial Driver License (Class A), FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (#4903655), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), First Aid / CPR Certified
Personal Information
Driving License: Commercial Driver License (Class A)
Timeline
Transportation Operator
Virginia Department of Transportation
08.2026 - Current
Manager of Train Operations (LOR Trainmaster)
CSX Transportation
04.2023 - 06.2026
Transportation Operator / Sign Crew Specialist
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
02.2007 - 04.2023
Associate of Science - General Studies
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Old Dominion University