Josh M. Yates

Josh Yates serves as a Senior Consultant at ESi, leveraging over 20 years of specialized expertise in the Class 1 rail industry. His career is distinguished by a focus on mechanical operations management, comprehensive rail equipment incident investigation, root cause analysis, LEAN systems implementation, and regulatory oversight. Mr. Yates possesses extensive expertise in ensuring operational compliance with American Association of Railroads (AAR) billing and repair protocols, as well as Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations outlined in 49 CFR Parts 215, 231, and 232. His in-depth understanding of these standards enables him to effectively align organizational practices with industry requirements, fostering operational safety, integrity, and efficiency.

With a foundation as a Carman, Mr. Yates brings practical, on-the-ground experience in freight car maintenance and has cultivated a deep technical knowledge of essential railroad systems, including wheels, trucks, draft systems, air brake components, and safety appliances. He is an accomplished developer of inspection, measurement, and repair training programs, positioning teams for operational excellence.

In past roles, Mr. Yates has led Go Team responses, managed accident investigations, coordinated incident command, and conducted derailment causal analyses, collaborating closely with both the FRA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

As a driving force behind strategic, LEAN-centered initiatives, Mr. Yates has successfully implemented programs that have reduced derailments, minimized injuries, and boosted productivity across both national and location-specific levels. He applies a robust toolkit, including A3 problem-solving, 5S, value stream mapping, visual controls, and standard work development using the job instruction breakdown (JIB) methodology, to achieve sustainable improvements.

A results-oriented leader and dynamic problem-solver, Mr. Yates is recognized for his expertise in mechanical operations and freight car inspection and repair. Committed to client success, he delivers actionable insights and practical solutions, ensuring ESi’s clients receive high-impact, technically sound guidance to enhance their operations and drive business outcomes.

Areas of Specialization

Mechanical Operations

Rail Safety, Rules, and Operations

FRA Mechanical Safety Standards

AAR Billing and Repair Practices

Rail Equipment Incident Investigation and Cause Finding

Risk Assessment and Personal Injury Investigation

LEAN Systems and Practical Problem Solving