Rail Logistics Companies Built on Execution, Not Just Assets
For over two decades, CRMS has been the trusted partner behind thousands of railcar operations across the country — not just providing equipment, but solving problems, reducing downtime, and keeping fleets moving.
Who We Are
CRMS works with a wide range of operators across North America who depend on rail to move critical commodities. Our customers share one priority — minimizing downtime and keeping their operations running.
Two Decades of Rail Logistics Expertise
From a single vision in Chicago to one of the most comprehensive rail logistics networks in North America — here's the story of how CRMS grew into the company it is today.
2001
Craig Bargowski — a veteran of GATX Rail with deep roots in leasing, maintenance, and fleet management — founded Creative Railcar Marketing Services in Chicago. His vision: build a network that connects rail operators with the services they need, on their terms.
2010
CRMS launched its sister company CRS, establishing dedicated in-house remarking, stenciling, and inspection operations across the country. This gave CRMS greater control over quality, turnaround time, and compliance standards for customers nationwide.
2014
Partnerships with five fixed-base railcar cleaning locations were formalized, and the railcar storage network expanded to 250+ locations with 100+ transloading site potentials — giving customers coast-to-coast coverage for the first time.
2017
Through Seneca Partners, CRMS's CEO acquired Tactical Cleaning Company and Altrans Terminal Companies — adding critical field cleaning capabilities, mobile operations, and terminal access that significantly expanded CRMS's on-the-ground reach.
2020
The acquisition of Specialty Fire and Rescue through Seneca Partners brought site safety services under the CRMS umbrella — reinforcing the company's commitment to comprehensive, compliant field operations for customers in hazardous environments.
2022
CRMS acquired a dedicated railcar storage site in Sweetwater, Texas — a strategic move that strengthened our presence in the rapidly growing Southwest energy and agriculture corridor.
2024
Today, CRMS operates 16 fixed-base railcar cleaning and maintenance locations with a storage network spanning 400+ sites nationwide. We continue to grow — not just in size, but in the depth of service we deliver to every customer, every time.
To be the leading provider of comprehensive, innovative, and sustainable rail logistics solutions — enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail transportation across America.
At CRMS, vision isn't a wall poster — it's how we make decisions every day. We believe rail logistics companies should do more than move assets around. They should anticipate problems, simplify operations, and build relationships that last longer than a single contract. That's the standard we hold ourselves to.
The CRMS Difference
Most rail transport companies give you equipment. CRMS gives you execution. Here's what that means in practice:
Unlike large institutional lessors, CRMS is built around field-proven processes, not just asset management. We solve operational problems at the source — reducing the need to move equipment offsite and eliminating unnecessary vendor handoffs.
Leasing, mobile cleaning, on-site flaring, inspections, light repairs, and environmental coordination — all delivered through one service model. Your team deals with one point of contact, one agreement, and one accountable partner.
We mobilize fast and structure agreements around operational realities, not rigid corporate frameworks. Whether it's a same-day cleaning deployment or a custom lease term, we adapt to your schedule — not the other way around.
Rule 1 certified crews, AAR standards, and established environmental workflows for waste handling and disposal — compliance isn't an add-on at CRMS. It's built into every job from the first call to final documentation.
15 fixed-base locations and mobile deployment across 400+ sites means we understand local operating conditions, Class I railroad relationships, and regional logistics challenges in ways that national competitors can't match.
CRMS was founded on a win/win/win philosophy — good for the customer, good for the service partner, good for the business. That approach has built long-term relationships with Class I railroads, Fortune 500 shippers, and regional operators across North America.
The People Behind the Operations
Our team brings together 130+ years of combined rail industry experience across operations, sales, logistics, and field services. These are the people who answer the phone, solve the problem, and get your fleet back on track.
Principal & Founder
Craig Bargowski founded CRMS in 2001 after building his career at GATX Rail, where he developed deep expertise in railcar leasing, maintenance, storage, cleaning systems, and fleet management. His educational background in hydrogeology and chemistry from Western Michigan University gives him a technical foundation few in the industry can match.
Craig's vision for CRMS was simple but powerful: create win/win/win relationships between rail service providers and their customers. Over 20 years later, that philosophy still drives everything we do. Outside of rail, Craig enjoys biking, hiking, skiing, and hockey — but most of all, time with his family. He strives for every customer and partner to feel like part of that extended family.
Sales
As personable as he is professional, Jeremy LeBeau is an indispensable member of the CRMS sales team. Solutions-oriented and deeply knowledgeable about the rail industry, Jeremy consistently exceeds customer expectations — particularly when the clock is ticking.
Sales
Ben Hines holds a BA in Finance and Accounting from Western Michigan University and has been a CRMS team member since 2011. Based in Conifer, Colorado, Ben is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and soccer.
Sales
Matthew grew up in the suburbs of Chicago before relocating to Fort Worth, Texas in 2012. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an electrical engineer — serving in Japan, California, Guam, and Australia. Today, he continues to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve out of Waco, Texas. Matthew holds a degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of North Texas and began his rail industry career at Trinity Industries as a Fleet Maintenance Planner. He is married to Caitlyn, and the proud father of daughter Olivia. In his free time, Matthew enjoys golf, skiing, hunting, and sporting clays.
Customer Experience & Executive Relations Manager
Paul Beckmann brings deep expertise in sales, marketing, operations, and business strategy to his role at CRMS. He drives strategic partnerships and client success across the network. A family man based in Utah, Paul stays active through golf, skiing, mountain biking, and surfing — and brings the same energy and focus to every customer relationship.
Marketing + Webmaster
Nirveek holds an MBA in Marketing and brings 15+ years of experience in global business, project management, consulting, and digital marketing. At CRMS, he manages brand and marketing initiatives including website content, SEO, social media, and newsletter campaigns. He is an avid Manchester United fan and follows the EPL closely. In his leisure time he enjoys cycling and swimming.
Marketing + Customer Service
Barb brings nearly 20 years of rail industry experience, including 19 years at GATX Rail in various Operations and Administrative roles — following in the footsteps of her father, who also spent his career at GATX. She is passionate about learning, improving processes, and building "fancy" reports and dashboards. Outside of work, Barb spends time with her husband, adult twin daughters, and her furry co-working felines, Edith and Vinny.
Operations
With decades of experience in operations, sales service, and support, Margaret Ebert brings essential insight into the day-to-day needs of railcar ownership, management, and maintenance. She works efficiently within tight deadlines and has been recognized for her exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and outstanding communication. Outside of work, Margaret is an animal rescuer — and has never lived in an abandoned caboose, though she aspires to.
Operations
Carlotta started her career path with the rail industry in 2013. She has developed a deep passion and proficiency in various aspects of the railroad trade with her behind the scenes support remotely and with confidence using communication as a key component to success.
Carlotta was born and lived majority of her life in Chicago before she moved to Las Vegas in 2017, supporting her husband's career path. Her family is her constant inspiration to keep thriving. Her husband and adult children give her the encouragement to be her best in all aspects of life both professionally and personally. Her furry babies provide her the emotional support for both the rough and easy days.
In her free time, she enjoys simple things in life. Cooking and trying new flavors to spice up dinners, watching mid-century shows with her husband, conversations with her grown kids, sitting in the yard enjoying the nature around their home with a cup of coffee warm in her hands, and going to a VGK game on occasion.
Operations
Jennifer Van Horn is known throughout the industry for her attentive listening and creative problem-solving. Her specialties include strategic relationship and partnership building within rail, and finding common ground through tact and diplomacy. She always strives for win/win/win outcomes — a philosophy that aligns perfectly with CRMS's founding values.
Controller
Julie Goins serves as Controller, overseeing accounting operations and financial reporting while helping position the company for continued growth. With more than 25 years in corporate finance, she specializes in strengthening internal controls and implementing ERP systems that enable efficient, scalable operations.
When she’s not at work, Julie enjoys traveling with her family, kayaking, and spending time at the beach.
Team Leader + Business Process Analyst
Claudia Donato is an accounting and organization expert who keeps the Chicago office running with precision and purpose. Outside of work she's a self-described sleep and exercise addict who enjoys urban exploration and community building.
We are always looking for professionals who value precision, safety, and accountability above all else.
View Open PositionsCustomer Testimonials
Rail logistics leaders across North America trust CRMS to move fast, solve problems on the ground, and keep their fleets running.
“The CRMS team has displayed remarkable expertise with all our railcar storage and cleaning requests. They were always prompt to help when a need arises while keeping our budgets in mind.”
“CRMS has proven to be a go-to for all our railcar projects. They are easy to work with and clearly have a strong knowledge of the industry. It's been a pleasure working with them.”
“The best in the business! We often come to the CRMS team with urgent requests as our fleet needs can be unexpected at times, and our dedicated rep always has a solution for us. Look no further for your rail needs.”
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you're looking to partner, subcontract, or simply explore what CRMS can do for your rail operations — we'd love to hear from you. Schedule a free call with our team and let's see what we can build together.
