WILMINGTON, CA—May 15, 2025 (James Street Media Services)—Anacostia Rail Holdings (ARH) is proud to announce that its Pacific Harbor Line (PHL) has been awarded the prestigious Bob Kleist Leadership Award for 2025 during the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s World Trade Week celebration.

Presented annually by the Chamber, the award honors exceptional leadership in the development and promotion of global trade in Southern California. Named after the late Bob Kleist—an icon of international business advocacy—the award recognizes individuals and organizations whose efforts have strengthened the region’s role as a global trade gateway.

“PHL is honored to be recognized with the Bob Kleist Leadership Award,” said Otis L. Cliatt II, President of Pacific Harbor Line. “This award celebrates the essential role of rail in international logistics, and we’re proud to serve at the heart of America’s busiest port complex.”

Since its founding in 1998, Pacific Harbor Line has served as the neutral switching railroad for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, providing safe and efficient rail operations that connect port terminals to the national rail network. PHL’s 60 miles of track support the seamless movement of intermodal cargo, while minimizing truck traffic and reducing environmental impact.

The World Trade Week ceremony featured remarks from trade leaders, including: Maria Salinas, President and CEO of the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce; Noel Hacegaba of the Port of Long Beach, recipient of the Stanley T. Olafson Award; and Corinne Murat, who presented the Bob Kleist Award to PHL.

The award builds on PHL’s longstanding record of excellence, including multiple national safety awards and recognition by the Federal Railroad Administration for its service and workforce development during the COVID-19 pandemic. PHL has also been nationally recognized for its innovative deployment of clean locomotive technology, including the nation’s first zero-exhaust emission, battery-electric switcher. Its ongoing investment in sustainable operations reflects its broader commitment to community, labor partnerships, and supply chain innovation.

About Anacostia Rail Holdings
Anacostia Rail Holdings is a privately held company that owns and operates freight railroads throughout the U.S. Combined, ARH’s six railroads handle the equivalent of over two million carloads annually. ARH provides freight services to major metropolitan centers and small communities operating on more than 600 miles of track. For more information, visit www.anacostia.com.

 NOTE: Reproducible photo available upon request

PHOTO CAPTION: (From left) Pacific Harbor Line team at Bob Kleist Leadership Award ceremony: Otis L. Cliatt II, President; Diana Turubanova, Director of Customer Service; and Stephane Perri, Vice President.

MEDIA CONTACT
Peter Gilbertson
Anacostia Rail Holdings
(312) 362-1888
pgilbertson@anacostia.com