Jeffrey Costello
Peoria
Summary
Railroad safety and operations leader with nearly 29 years of progressive railroad experience and extensive expertise in FRA compliance, grade crossing safety, accident investigation, trespass prevention, operational testing, railroad operations, and public-agency coordination. Experienced conducting investigations, compliance reviews, operational audits, and corrective-action programs while working directly with FRA inspectors, ADOT, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Locomotive Engineer
BNSF Railway
01.2020 - Current
- Operate freight trains in compliance with FRA regulations and railroad operating rules. Maintain qualifications in Positive Train Control (PTC), Distributed Power, and Trip Optimizer systems. Apply grade crossing safety procedures, train horn requirements, and emergency response protocols.
Superintendent of Operations
BNSF Railway
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Directed transportation operations across territories containing more than 500 grade crossings. Supervised approximately 300 employees and frontline supervisors. Conducted or supervised approximately 500 operational and efficiency tests annually to ensure compliance with operating rules and federal safety requirements. Conducted approximately 20 accident and safety investigations annually involving employee injuries, rule violations, derailments, vehicle strikes, grade crossing incidents, and trespass events. Participated in more than 50 grade crossing investigations and approximately 15 trespass investigations annually. Performed witness interviews, evidence collection, event recorder analysis, video review, root-cause determination, and investigative reporting. Worked directly with FRA inspectors during audits, operational testing, and compliance reviews. Coordinated with ADOT and municipalities regarding crossing closures, crossing safety concerns, and blocked-crossing mitigation initiatives. Maintained a safety culture resulting in more than 1,105 consecutive injury-free days.
Terminal Manager
BNSF Railway
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Managed transportation operations across multiple subdivisions and interchange locations. Conducted inspections, compliance assessments, operational reviews, and accident investigations. Developed future railroad leaders and maintained strong working relationships with customers, public officials, employees, and senior management.
Trainmaster
BNSF Railway
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Directed daily train operations, safety compliance, employee accountability, operational testing, and regulatory adherence. Conducted investigations and ensured compliance with FRA regulations and railroad operating rules.
Assistant Trainmaster
BNSF Railway
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Supported transportation operations, employee supervision, safety initiatives, and operational testing programs.
Conductor / Transportation Service Employee
BNSF Railway
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Performed railroad transportation duties in compliance with federal regulations and company operating rules while developing broad railroad operating knowledge.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - Business Studies
Wayland Baptist University
01-2020
Associate of Science - Accounting and Finance
Victor Valley College
01-1991
Skills
- Grade Crossing Safety
- FRA Compliance
- Accident Investigation
- Trespass Prevention
- Operational Testing
- Efficiency Testing
- Rail Inspections
- Root Cause Analysis
- Investigation Reporting
- Public Outreach
- ADOT Coordination
- Regulatory Enforcement
- Oral & Written Communication
- Leadership Development
Certification
- Locomotive Engineer Certification
- Positive Train Control (PTC)
- Distributed Power
- Trip Optimizer
- DSLE
- FLS
Timeline
Locomotive Engineer
BNSF Railway
01.2020 - Current
Superintendent of Operations
BNSF Railway
01.2014 - 01.2020
Terminal Manager
BNSF Railway
01.2012 - 01.2014
Trainmaster
BNSF Railway
01.2006 - 01.2012
Assistant Trainmaster
BNSF Railway
01.2002 - 01.2006
Conductor / Transportation Service Employee
BNSF Railway
01.1997 - 01.2002
Associate of Science - Accounting and Finance
Victor Valley College
Bachelor of Applied Science - Business Studies
Wayland Baptist University
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS, AWARDS & PERFORMANCE
Employee of the Year – 2016 and 2017, Manager of the Quarter – 2012, Exceeds Performance Ratings in Safety and Overall Performance (2007–2014), Exceeds Leadership and Safety Performance Ratings (2015–2017), Maintained more than 1,105 consecutive injury-free days, Increased interchange traffic with Mexico from approximately 100 railcars per day to more than 1,200 railcars per day, Increased Phoenix-area business volume and revenue by more than 300% without infrastructure expansion, Developed and mentored future railroad leaders and supervisors
FRA-Relevant Experience Highlights
- 29 years railroad operations and safety experience
- 500+ grade crossings within assigned territories
- 50+ grade crossing investigations
- 15+ trespass investigations annually
- 500+ operational and efficiency tests annually
- 20+ accident and safety investigations annually
- 300 employees supervised
- Direct FRA audits, operational testing, and compliance reviews
- Operation Lifesaver participation and public safety outreach