Aaron Lane Sheppick

Results-driven Director with over 20 years of leadership experience in transportation and logistics, specializing in multi-site operations, rail, and intermodal management. Proven success in reducing safety incidents by 80% and transportation violations by 100%, while optimizing budgets exceeding $60 million. Expertise includes network coordination, continuous improvement, and leading large, diverse teams across national and international landscapes.

Adept at driving efficiency and reliability, ready to contribute significant value to Sunrisefoods' global logistics network.

Continuous Improvement & Safety Manager - Carlson Distribution - Salt Lake City

(2024-05)

Spearhead continuous improvement and safety initiatives supporting approximately 295 employees in a distribution environment, strengthening operating discipline, regulatory compliance, and performance visibility.

• Reduced OSHA Recordable Rate from 14.8 to 2.8 through structured safety systems, targeted corrective actions, enforced accountability, and robust frontline engagement.
• Decreased FMCSA Out-of-Service events by 15% and driver violations from 18% to 0%, enhancing transportation compliance and fleet operational execution.
• Leverage KPI reviews, process mapping, root cause analysis, and Standard Work to identify operational risks, eliminate waste, and sustain performance improvements.

Operations Manager – Transportation & Airline Service Operations - Newrest - Salt Lake

(2021-02 - 2024-07)

Directed time-critical, regulated transportation and service operations, ensuring precise staffing, scheduling, productivity, safety, and customer service execution.

• Led managers, supervisors, and frontline teams while monitoring service KPIs, labor performance, and operational constraints within a fast-paced logistics environment.
• Applied Lean methodologies, process mapping, root cause analysis, and Standard Work to enhance workflow reliability, service consistency, and issue resolution.
• Coordinated cross-functional execution to meet stringent customer requirements, operating standards, and regulatory expectations.

Director of Intermodal Operations - Union Pacific Railroad - Oregon

(2017-12 - 2020-10)

Oversaw multi-site intermodal transportation operations across 9 facilities in 5 states, with accountability for safety, service, productivity, workforce execution, and customer performance.

• Managed complex rail and intermodal operating environments demanding network coordination, capacity management, schedule adherence, and rapid resolution of service disruptions.
• Drove performance through operational KPIs, frontline leadership development, and continuous-improvement initiatives across geographically dispersed teams.
• Collaborated across transportation, terminal, and support functions to elevate execution, enhance service reliability, and improve stakeholder outcomes.

Director of Locomotive Operations - Union Pacific Railroad - Oregon

(2011-06 - 2017-12)

Led a workforce of up to 380 employees across 7 labor unions, managing an annual operating budget exceeding $60 million and approximately 6,900 locomotive assets.

• Directed maintenance, inspection, reliability, quality, safety, and workforce execution supporting a large-scale national rail transportation network.
• Boosted locomotive reliability by approximately 50% through disciplined operating practices, rigorous performance management, and strategic corrective actions.
• Reduced annual injuries from 15 to 0, achieving five consecutive injury-free years and contributing to surpassing 2 million injury-free man-hours.
• Received Manager of the Year recognition five times for exceptional leadership, operational performance, and workforce achievements.

Manager of Locomotive Operations - Union Pacific Railroad - Oregon

(2000-06 - 2011-06)

Managed daily maintenance and production operations with accountability for safety, reliability, throughput, labor performance, workforce development, and budget execution.

• Cultivated frontline leadership capabilities and reinforced standardized work practices within a unionized, asset-intensive operating environment.

Manager of Airport Operations - Airborne Express - Oregon

(1998 - 2000)

Supervised airport cargo and warehouse operations, aircraft loading, staffing, customer service, and safety for a team of approximately 50 employees.

• Orchestrated time-sensitive freight movement and operational execution in a high-volume transportation setting.

Bachelor's Degree - Business Management - University of Phoenix (2006 - 2009)