3 days ago
Elevating rail safety standards with state-of-the-art training
Rail is one of the safest options in the transportation industry, and Greenbrier continues to advance that operational safety through innovation.
The company's latest initiative—the GBX Training Tank Car—represents a significant advancement in tank car education. Built from an actual tank car, this mobile classroom delivers hands-on safety instruction and technical training.
'Rail safety is a core value at Greenbrier and this new training tank car is another example of how we lead the industry,' said Tom Jackson, Greenbrier Vice President of Marketing and General Manager.
Set to launch on August 1, this mobile training platform will be available at select Greenbrier Maintenance Center locations nationwide and at industry events, addressing a persistent challenge in the rail sector: providing consistent, accessible education.
Due largely to the complexity and variety of tank cars on the market, companies operating in the rail industry often struggle to offer comprehensive, hands-on training across different locations. This can lead to knowledge gaps and reliance on expensive and inefficient off-site training options that vary in quality.
The GBX Training Tank Car addresses the inefficiencies by providing instruction at centralized locations, reducing operational disruptions for participants without sacrificing quality.
During training, all instruction is delivered by Greenbrier's experienced safety specialists, ensuring consistent, expert-level education. Additionally, the GBX Training Tank Car provides exposure to equipment that teams might otherwise rarely encounter in training settings.
'Our mobile classroom is a proactive investment, offering interactive training, regulatory guidance and hands-on demos for shippers, repair crews and owners,' explains Jeff Bobst, Greenbrier Senior Manager of Program Management and Field Services.
The initiative supports key stakeholders across the rail ecosystem, including operators, leasing companies, safety and compliance teams, maintenance crews, technical trainers and customers who rely on tank cars.
The GBX Training Tank Car
incorporates multiple educational components engineered for maximum instructional efficacy. For example, the exterior features an elevated rooftop platform with safety railings that facilitate comprehensive viewing of all primary top fitting package types—critical components for proper operation and maintenance protocols.
A strategically positioned jacket cut-out window provides visualization of insulation systems, heating coils and thermal protection mechanisms that remain concealed during standard inspection procedures.
The interior transforms into a climate-controlled classroom, enabling year-round use and accommodating up to 15 participants. In addition, interactive display racks showcase a variety of tank car valves and gauging devices, providing a tactile experience with components regularly encountered in field operations.
Training safety protocols are demonstrated through practical features, including an interior roof ladder with an access hatch, which illustrates proper access procedures and regulatory compliance requirements.
'Shippers, responders and operators are essential to the future of rail safety—and empowering them with critical knowledge keeps pace with the growing complexity of the freight industry,' said Diana Aylward, Greenbrier Vice President of Asset Management and Regulatory Services.
The GBX Training Tank Car reflects Greenbrier's forward-thinking approach to the growing complexity of rail freight operations and the evolving industry knowledge demands that come with it. This initiative positions Greenbrier at the forefront of rail safety innovation—not by reacting to industry changes, but by anticipating them and addressing challenges head-on.
The program also supports environmental sustainability by optimizing tank car operations and maintenance. Through comprehensive training, it enhances operational efficiency and supports broader environmental goals—a growing priority across the rail industry.
Greenbrier's training tank car initiative demonstrates a substantial investment in advancing rail safety, helping build a more technically proficient workforce through accessible, hands-on education delivered directly to operational personnel. The mobile classroom concept removes traditional barriers to specialized training while maintaining consistent educational standards.
By addressing both immediate operational needs and long-term industry challenges, the GBX Training Tank Car exemplifies Greenbrier's commitment to safety leadership and technological innovation.
For more information about the GBX Training Tank Car
, visit
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