OmniTRAX Deploys Nation’s First Battery-Electric Locomotive into Revenue Service
Historic Milestone Sets New Sustainability Standard for Rail Industry

CLEVELAND – March 21, 2025 – OmniTRAX, a leading supply-chain and logistics solutions provider, proudly announces that its Ohio rail affiliate, Newburgh & South Shore Railroad (NSR), has placed the first battery-electric locomotive (BEL) into revenue service in the United States. This historic achievement marks a major step forward for sustainable freight rail operations, setting a new standard for the industry.

“This is a transformative moment for the rail industry,” said Kayden Howard, OmniTRAX Senior Vice President of Health, Safety, and Environmental Programs. “For the first time, a battery-electric locomotive is moving freight in regular, revenue-generating service. We are proving that sustainable rail operations are not just a concept for the future – they are happening right now. This milestone will help accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies across the industry.”

The AMPS Traction G9 locomotive operates at 1,700 gross horsepower and is designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining the efficiency and reliability required for freight operations. The history making NSR locomotive 1234 was dedicated to the memory of Steve Ward, OmniTRAX’s longest-serving employee and former Division Engineer, who oversaw track safety and maintenance for 27 years until his passing in 2021.

“This deployment reinforces our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility,” said Sergio Sabatini, President and Chief Operating Officer of OmniTRAX. “We are proud to lead the way in bringing cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to freight rail, reducing emissions, and delivering real-world benefits to the communities we serve.”

This project was made possible through a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund, which supports initiatives that improve air quality by reducing diesel emissions. OmniTRAX collaborated with the Federal Railroad Administration on the history-making locomotive deployment.

“We are grateful for the support from Governor DeWine and the Ohio EPA,” added Sabatini. “Their investment in cleaner transportation solutions has been instrumental in making this project a reality.”

OmniTRAX continues to explore and implement sustainable rail solutions, furthering its leadership in innovation and environmental stewardship.