Services

Innovative Solutions to Drive Economic Growth

Expert Economic and Industrial Development Services in Lake County

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Unlock Your Supply Chain's Potential:

Economic and Industrial Development Services in Lake County

Highroad Consulting, Ltd. provides comprehensive economic development services aimed at creating jobs, reducing supply chain costs for existing industries, and helping industries penetrate new markets. Their plan for economic development includes research, interviews with people in the field, logistics mapping, infrastructure assessments, and planning where to put multi-modal terminals in a way that minimizes costs along the supply chain. By leveraging their expertise in the railway transportation industry, Highroad Consulting, Ltd. is well-equipped to support economic growth in a region by identifying and addressing infrastructure gaps, optimizing logistics networks, and creating jobs in the process. Reach out today to learn more about our economic development services.

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INSIGHT: RailEdition©:

Revolutionizing Rail Cost Calculations for Shippers

Read about the cost model we developed in 1998, and learn how it will give you an accurate assessment of railroad operating costs and the pricing elasticity of rail rates. Reach out today to subscribe.

  • 1. What is INSIGHT: RailEdition©?

    INSIGHT: RailEdition© is the premier cost model for calculating railroad operating costs, developed by Highroad Consulting, Ltd. in 1998. Our new cloud-based technology now allows subscribers to have direct, secure remote access from any device, at any time, from anywhere in the world. Our cost model software can also be customized for the development of management cost systems for short line railroads.

  • 2. Features of INSIGHT: RailEdition©
    • Accurate assessment of railroad operating costs and the pricing elasticity of rail rates
    • Customizable cost model software for short line railroads
    • Based on the railroads' financial data filed with the government agencies
    • Only rail costing model not based on URCS.
    • Only non -URCS costs presented in STB proceedings. 
  • Coming Soon!
    1. Request a Digital Demo: Our team will happily conduct a digital demo to walk you through the benefits of INSIGHT: RailEdition©.
    2. Call to Schedule an In-Person Consultation:  Highroad is offering free of charge to new subscribers a consultation to discuss ways to integrate cost information into your strategic planning.
CALL TO SUBSCRIBE

Leading the Way in Transportation Consulting:

Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solutions

Highroad Consulting, Ltd. is the premier choice for transportation consulting services in Highland. With years of experience and a team of knowledgeable professionals, we offer comprehensive solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. Recognized as leading experts on rail transportation, our focus on cost-effective, sustainable solutions sets us apart from the competition, and our commitment to excellence ensures that every project is completed with the highest level of quality. Choose Highroad Consulting for your consulting needs and experience the difference of working with the best in the industry.

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VIEWPOINT™

Access to Competitive Intelligence

VIEWPOINT™ is Highroad’s analytical process to benchmark rail rates. We produce competitive intelligence for shippers seeking to develop rail strategies and carrier strategies. This includes identifying and benchmarking against rates paid by the client’s direct competitors to access specific customers and markets, and development of strategies to confirm the client’s competitive position with the objective to achieve targeted cost savings. 


A comprehensive report, with shipment profiles for each lane, summarizes findings and outlines recommended strategies to leverage strengths and weaknesses.

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Diversified CPC International manufacturing plant under construction, Beaumont, Texas

Under construction
Distribution Center

Historical Novel Authored by Sandra Dearden-McKay, Released 2022

The Highroad Story:

Linking Logistics to Profitability


At Highroad, we believe there is a better way to develop winning logistics strategies. We aim to create fact-based initiatives that will sell to your leadership team, to your customers and to your carriers in a more valuable and less demanding way. Our mission is to help people achieve their goals strategically. We focus on developing logistics and supply chain strategies, and Highroad is a market leader, helping clients to address their freight costs with effective rai! strategies and carrier strategies. Additional areas of expertise include economic and industrial development, and strategic site selection of manufacturing plants and distribution terminals. Contact us today and unlock your supply chain’s potential with Highroad’s consulting services.


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Efficient Transportation Management with

Highroad's VIEWPOINT™ Service

VIEWPOINT TM is Highroad’s analytical process to benchmark rail rates. We produce competitive intelligence for shippers seeking to develop rail strategies and carrier strategies. This includes identifying leverage points and benchmarking against rates paid by the client’s direct competitors to access specific customers and markets, and development of strategies to confirm the client’s competitive position with the objective to achieve targeted cost savings.

 

A comprehensive report, with shipment profiles for each lane, summarizes findings and outlines recommended strategies to leverage strengths and weaknesses.

VIEWPOINT’ M costs have also been used for financial analyses in U.S. Surface Transportation Board proceedings, and to calculate the cost differential for different size railcars and heavier loads.

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The REIDI™ Model:

Boosting Regional Economic Growth through Industrial Development

Highroad Consulting, Ltd.’s REIDIT* model is a powerful tool for driving economic and industrial development projects based on integrated logistics. The acronym stands for Regional Economic and Industrial Development Initiative, and the model’s primary objective is to identify optimal locations for manufacturing plants, and multi-modal freight terminals, such as transloads and warehouses, in the region. By doing so, the model can help create jobs, reduce supply chain costs for existing industries, and enable those industries to access new markets.


With the U.S. Department of Transportation forecasting a 49% increase in freight volumes over the next three decades, now is the time to take action to address the impending capacity crunch. Highroad Consulting, Ltd.'s REIDI™ model can help shippers stay ahead of the curve by providing valuable insights into logistics mapping, infrastructure requirements, and strategic site selection.


Don't wait until it's too late to optimize your supply chain costs and stay competitive. Contact Highroad Consulting, Ltd. today to learn more about how the REIDI™ model can help drive your economic and industrial development efforts.

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Meet Our Team

Meet the talented team at Highroad Global Services. Our team is comprised of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds and skillsets. Read on to learn more about each team member and how they can help take your business to the next level.

President & CEO

As the head of the organization, Sandra Dearden oversees all aspects of its operations, including finance, marketing, and business development. With years of experience in the industry, she has a proven track record of driving growth and success for the company. Under her leadership, the company has achieved significant milestones and expanded its reach in the market. Sandra is committed to delivering high-quality services to customers and creating a positive work culture for employees.

Vice President & CFO

Donald McKay has over 30 years of experience in finance and accounting. He is responsible for Highroad Consulting, Ltd.'s financial activities, fleet optimization, and he oversees FRate√Audit™, a subsidiary company. Don manages day-to-day operations and consulting teams, ensuring that projects are completed on time. He has a reputation for improving operational efficiency and problem-solving.


Don has held various accounting positions, including Controller for Wade Group, Accountant and Fixed Asset Manager for World’s Finest Chocolate, General Accounting and Payroll Manager for Robertson Worldwide, Controller for Jomar Industries, Controller and Business Manager for Plus Three Mirror and Glass, and Controller at Voss Equipment. At Patten Industries, Don was a staff accountant, division controller, and corporate accounting manager, managing the corporate 401K plan. Don started his accounting career at UARCO Inc. and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Loyola University with a minor in Finance and Psychology from Elmhurst College.

Transportation Coordinator

Simon joined Highroad in November 2022. He is responsible for producing research and data for special projects, including benchmarking studies, tariff research and demurrage audits. He also participates in producing our firm’s Freight Bill Payment services. As Transportation Coordinator, he manages rail shipments for a clients and he has assumed a leadership role on a project to implement new TMX software


Rail Industry Team

Expert Litigation Support:

Highroad's Track Record of Success

Highroad Consulting, Ltd. provides expert testimony and litigation support to shippers and carriers in court and before regulatory agencies such as the United States Surface Transportation Board (STB). Their experience in providing expert testimony has been invaluable in high-profile cases such as the STB hearing on railroad fuel charges. In this case, Highroad's white paper with cost evidence proved that railroads were over-recovering with their fuel surcharge programs, and their testimony on behalf of shippers helped lead to an STB decision that the surcharges were unreasonable. If you have a transportation litigation matter that requires expert support, contact Highroad Consulting, Ltd. today to learn more about our litigation support services.

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Driving Efficiency and Cost Savings through

Strategic Consulting Services

Looking for ways to optimize your transportation and distribution operations? With cutting-edge technology and analytical tools, Highroad Consulting, Ltd.'s strategic consulting services offer original solutions that maximize efficiency and reduce costs for your company. Contact us today to learn more about our strategic consulting services.

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RailXpress™

RailXpress™ is a comprehensive service that focuses on timely delivery of shipments to your customers, in addition to inbound shipments of raw materials to avoid plant shutdowns, ensuring quality service to your customers. This is achieved by daily tracing and management of your rail shipments and working with carriers to address first mile/last mile issues, and to troubleshoot delays and bad orders. By identifying and addressing repetitive choke points, we helped clients to improve the efficiency of their private fleets by more than 20%.

TREE™

TREE™ is an acronym for Transportation Rate & Efficiency Evaluation. It is a comprehensive audit of transportation and distribution operations that identifies opportunities for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Highroad consultants benchmark transportation and supply chain infrastructure, cost components, and procedures, applying industry best practices in the evaluation.

ORBITOR™

Orbitor™ is Highroad’s fleet optimization model used for analyzing and optimizing rail and truck fleets. The analysis involves the expertise of consultants experienced in fleet optimization, supported by statistical software, computer calculations, and regression analysis of variables.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We would love to answer any questions you have about our rail consulting services. Don't see your question answered? Give us a call today, and we would be happy to answer any questions you have about our services.

  • What services does Highroad Consulting, Ltd. provide?

    At Highroad Consulting, Ltd., we offer a range of services to support your railway transportation and logistics needs. Our team of experienced consultants brings hands-on experience and industry knowledge to every engagement.


    Our services include rail consulting, transportation management, strategic consulting, litigation support, economic development services, and industrial development services. Whether you need help optimizing your transportation network, developing a strategic plan for growth, or navigating the legal complexities of railway transportation, our team has the expertise to guide you towards success.

  • Where are you located?

    9011 Indianapolis Blvd.

    Suite A

    Highland, IN 46322

  • What are your business hours?

    Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Saturday/Sunday: Closed

  • How can I contact you?

    There are multiple ways to reach out to Highroad Consulting, Ltd.


    The phone number for our office is 219-838-3800.


    To contact Don, send an email to don@takehighroad.com.


    To reach Sandra, send an email to sandra@takehighroad.com.


    You can also fill out the contact form on our website, and someone will get in touch with you as soon as possible. We look forward to speaking with you!

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More About Our Company

Highroad Consulting, Ltd. has established itself as a premier provider of  economic and industrial development services with decades of experience in the transportation industry. Our team of experts has a deep understanding of the complexities of the rail industry, and we have the skills to deliver high-quality solutions that address our clients’ needs. We are committed to providing unparalleled  economic and industrial development services, leveraging our expertise to deliver value to our clients.


If you are looking for help in economic and industrial development , our  economic and industrial development services are designed to help you achieve your goals. Choose Highroad Consulting, Ltd. for your next 
rail consulting project, and experience the difference our expertise can make.


Reach out today to learn more about our  economic and industrial development services by calling 
219-838-3800 or filling out the contact form on our website.

CONTACT US TODAY

Economic and Industrial Development

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