Jeff Dudley
Jeff is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience spanning diverse industries, including transportation, engineering, sales, and safety. As the Director of CDL’s On-Track Safety Division, Jeff embodies the mantra “Be the Bar,” delivering unmatched expertise and cultivating a team that leads through superior training, integrity, and unwavering commitment to safety.
Jeff’s journey began at just 14 years old, working at Hy-Vee, where a diligent work ethic and customer-focused attitude quickly earned a promotion. This early exposure to responsibility laid the foundation for a career defined by leadership and results. After high school, Jeff managed 600 heifers and oversaw 2,500 acres on a 64,000-acre ranch with over 5, 500 cows, learning the profound impact of a job well done on people and operations.
The railroad industry became a pivotal chapter in Jeff’s career. Starting as a locomotive machinist and quickly advancing to conductor and then locomotive engineer with BNSF, Jeff gained firsthand knowledge of the critical importance of safety, high-quality training, and decision-making under pressure. In these roles, Jeff managed multi-million-dollar freight operations, collaborated with diverse teams, and honed leadership skills essential for navigating complex challenges.
Transitioning into business, Mr. Dudley served as Sales Manager at an elite remodeling company, where a knack for identifying untapped markets and building effective teams resulted in exponential growth. While excelling professionally, Jeff also directed a team of 65 interns, leading them to serve over 2,500 children weekly—demonstrating a unique ability to inspire and manage people across age groups and disciplines.
Returning to the railroad industry, Jeff leveraged deep expertise in safety and training to excel as a Roadway Worker in Charge (RWIC) and instructor at the National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS). Teaching thousands of students, Jeff reinforced the principle that compliance alone is insufficient—true safety requires mastery of the job, trustworthiness, and the ability to lead under pressure.
Building on this philosophy, Jeff founded Traxx Railroad Safety, where the focus shifted from mere compliance to genuine safety leadership, helping clients establish their own flagging divisions. This entrepreneurial success story was a testament to Jeff’s innovative approach and problem-solving skills.
Today, as Director of CDL’s On-Track Safety Division, Jeff draws on this extensive experience to redefine industry standards. With a focus on rigorous hiring processes, character-driven leadership, and training excellence, Jeff is committed to delivering unparalleled value to railroad and contractor partners alike. Guided by the principles of Balance, Accountability, and Resilience, Mr. Dudley is not just setting the bar but embodying it—ensuring the safest, most competent workforce in the industry.
