About Inter–Rail Group

Inter-Rail’s Founding Father, Jay W. Ricketts, far left, at opening of Flynn Auto Ramp, July 1982, Oklahoma City. Inter–Rail celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2009.
When first founded in 1979 by Jay W. Ricketts, Inter-Rail Transport, Inc. managed just one facility. Located in Walbridge, Ohio, volumes were under 6,000 automobiles a year. From modest beginnings, Inter–Rail Group has grown to become one of the premier automobile handlers in the nation. Today, with the corporate home office located in Centreville on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Inter-Rail Group now operates 30 separate facilities in 17 states. In addition to its core service of multi-level railcar loading and unloading, services include railcar pre-tripping and prepping, industrial and intermodal switching, vehicle processing and inventory management.
Keeping Up With Changing Times and Technology
As computers have gotten smaller and faster over the last 30 years, Inter–Rail has distinguished itself from other contractors by being on the forefront of technology. One of the original users of digital cameras in the late 1990’s, fast forward a decade to custom payroll and production software, and broadband scanners. In 2009, Inter–Rail’s proprietary inventory management program was converted to a web-based system available for lease or purchase.
“Say What You Do, Do What You Say, and Write It Down”
This is the motto of Inter-Rail’s ISO quality management system. Initially achieving ISO–9002 certification in 1999, Inter–Rail continues to be in compliance with the latest standards. In 2003 quality standards were improved to ISO 9001-2000. Most recently, in 2010, Inter–Rail received certification in ISO 9001-2008.
Our Leadership

Greg Farmer, CFO
Greg began his career as a part-time Unloader at the Oklahoma City facility while attending college. Before long, he transitioned to working full-time after accepting a Supervisor’s position and began attending college on a part-time basis at night. After receiving a B.S. in Accounting from Central State University in Edmond, OK, he moved his family to Lawrenceville, GA to assume the role of Operations Manager, then Regional Manager. In 1998, the family’s final move was to Centreville, MD. In addition to his financial background, Greg brought his field experience with him to the Home Office. This understanding of dealing with every aspect of the company has been invaluable in his current position and with interfacing with our customers. Having over 31 years tenure with the company has allowed for many relationships to be established along the way.
When not finding ways to analyze numbers, Greg enjoys spending time relaxing with his family and hitting the golf course whenever he can.

Seth Ricketts, President
Seth graduated from Methodist University in 2005 with a Business Degree and joined Inter-Rail in 2006. He started as an Unloader at the Lawrenceville, GA facility and was quickly promoted to Operations Manager at the Palm Center, FL location where he continued in that position through 2008. Seth moved to the corporate office and was promoted to General Manager, East Coast Operations. Early in 2013 he was promoted to Vice President to continue learning the business under Mike Kelley. He was promoted to President in 2016 with a a vision to improve safety, increase pay and to promote from within.
Seth and his wife, Chrissy have four children they are raising, which keeps them busy when he isn’t traveling. He is an avid golfer and loves his Baltimore sports teams.

Jim Azpell, Sr. V.P. East Coast Operations
Jim started his career in this industry in 1992 as a Shuttle Driver at a larger facility. Over the years he worked his way up the ladder as a Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Terminal Manager and Regional Manager before joining Inter-Rail. Jim began his career with Inter-Rail as Director of Safety before being promoted to his current position of Sr. V.P. of East Coast Operations.
In his spare time, Jim enjoys sports, hunting, fishing and most importantly, spending quality time with his family who have supported him in his time-demanding and challenging career growth.

A native Texan, James is married with four children and ten grandchildren. While working full-time, James attended Eastfield and Tyler Jr. Colleges. He has 40 plus years in the rail industry, encompassing operations and maintenance.
In his free time, James enjoys golfing, skiing, hunting, fishing and watching his grandkids grow up.

Melinda Biehl, V.P. Human Resources
A 21-year veteran of Inter–Rail, Melinda oversees the human resources, risk, and legal departments for the company. Her educational background includes a degree in Management, and an MBA from The College of William and Mary.
She has been a sponsor and Partnership Committee member for Habitat for Humanity since 2008. Melinda enjoys reading and traveling with her family, especially to National Parks for hiking vacations.