Patapsco & Black Rivers (PBR) Railroad
receive the ISO 9002 certification
For Immediate Release
Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax
BETHLEHEM, Pa., June 19, 1998 -- The Patapsco & Back Rivers (PBR) Railroad, a subsidiary railroad of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, has received ISO 9002 certification in recognition of the quality of transportation services the railroad provides its customers at Sparrows Point, Md.
The PBR operates at Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Sparrows Point Division near Baltimore. It is one of seven shortline railroads providing switching and terminal services for Bethlehem Steel Corporation and other customers located on the railroad's lines. The PBR interchanges with Conrail and CSX.
"We have worked hard to provide quality services safely to our varied customers. Most notably, the PBR has led the way in documenting its response to its customers. Our employees have a very clear understanding of what quality services mean in today's transportation industry, and they welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to their customers," said J. Michael Zaia, president of Bethlehem's subsidiary railroads with headquarters in Bethlehem, Pa.
The PBR is only the fourth railroad in the nation to obtain ISO 9002 certification issued in accordance with the International Organization of Standards and documented by AFAQ-ASCERT International, an independent registrar. ISO 9002 certification demonstrates the PBR's ability to satisfy customer railroad service requirements at agreed-upon performance standards. Those services include switching and train preparation; car, track and equipment repair; and equipment supply. PBR has safely performed these services while attaining in 1997 its best safety performance in the last eight years and improving sixfold on its 1996 safety results.
To comply with ISO 9002 standards, the PBR interviewed its customers, primarily operating departments at Bethlehem Steel's Sparrows Point Division, to determine the expectations of service and how well the PBR was meeting those expectations. "Our customers were extremely receptive to our implementation of a program of strict rail service quality standards. These standards will help us provide safe, on-time, efficient transportation service to meet the expectations of our customers," said Michael J. King, superintendent of the PBR.
Working with Tri-Tech Services Inc., an independent consultant, the PBR was able to document acceptance by its customers of its plans to continue to provide high-quality service.