By Railfan & Railroad Staff

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Patriot Rail Company LLC announced Monday it has entered into an agreement to acquire Denver-based Pioneer Lines, Inc., a railroad holding company operating 15 short line railroads across 12 states, from BRX Transportation Holdings. Patriot Rail presently operates 16 short lines from coast-to-coast. 

The deal will need to be reviewed by government regulators but seems likely to be approved. 

“Pioneer Lines is a diverse rail company with talented professionals and deep customer relationships,” said John E. Fenton, Patriot Rail’s chief executive officer. “Pioneer Lines’ safety culture and focus on operational excellence aligns directly with Patriot Rail’s vision and mission. These synergies position us to continue to exceed customer expectations as a best-in-class rail partner to meet their freight shipment and logistics needs.”

The acquisition of Pioneer is just the latest for Patriot Rail, which has been in growth mode the last few years. Just last year, it purchased Utah’s Salt Lake Garfield & Western Railroad.