OmniTRAX Expands Arkansas Footprint with Shortline Acquisition

The Denver-based rail company acquires three regional railroads from the Robbins family.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of polished metal railroad spikes, couplers, and other premium industrial hardware objects arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic grey seamless background, conceptually representing the infrastructure and logistics of the railroad industry.OmniTRAX's acquisition of three Arkansas shortline railroads expands the company's reach and resources to serve the state's vibrant industrial and commodity sectors.Camden Today

OmniTRAX, a privately held rail management company based in Denver, has announced the acquisition of three shortline railroads in Arkansas from Arkansas Shortlines Railroad Inc. operated by the Robbins family. The acquired railroads include the Dardanelle and Russellville Railroad, Ouachita Railroad, and the Camden & Southern Railroad, further expanding OmniTRAX's reach in the state.

Why it matters

The acquisition allows OmniTRAX to strengthen its presence in Arkansas, a state that has seen cumulative economic growth 40% above the national average over the past five years. The regional railroads provide critical connections for industrial and commodity customers to the North American Rail Freight Network through interchanges with major Class I railroads.

The details

Under the terms of the deal, the current operators of the Arkansas Short Line Railroads, Danny and Michael Robbins, will join the OmniTRAX team to manage the rail operations of the newly acquired railroads. OmniTRAX cited the Robbins family's long tradition of serving the local communities and its shared philosophy as key factors in the acquisition.

  • OmniTRAX announced the acquisition on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • Operations of the acquired railroads are expected to begin on June 1, 2026.

The players

OmniTRAX

A privately held rail management company based in Denver, Colorado, and the rail and real estate affiliate of The Broe Group, a private investment group.

Arkansas Shortlines Railroad Inc.

The family-owned company that previously operated the Dardanelle and Russellville Railroad, Ouachita Railroad, and the Camden & Southern Railroad in Arkansas.

Danny Robbins

One of the operators of the Arkansas Short Line Railroads, who will be joining the OmniTRAX team to manage the newly acquired rail operations.

Michael Robbins

One of the operators of the Arkansas Short Line Railroads, who will be joining the OmniTRAX team to manage the newly acquired rail operations.

Nathan Brown

Chief Strategy Officer at OmniTRAX.

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What they’re saying

“These acquisitions maintain trusted local relationships while adding expanded reach and resources to serve Arkansas for generations to come.”

— Nathan Brown, Chief Strategy Officer, OmniTRAX

“From our initial conversation with OmniTRAX, the common focus has been achieving successful long-term operations. We are pleased to have found an owner that cares about these railroads and the communities they serve as much as we do.”

— Danny Robbins, Operator, Arkansas Short Line Railroads

What’s next

The new ownership agreement includes Danny and Michael Robbins joining the OmniTRAX team to manage rail operations of the newly acquired railroads, with operations expected to begin on June 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This acquisition strengthens OmniTRAX's presence in Arkansas, a state with a vibrant economy, and allows the company to leverage the Robbins family's local expertise and relationships to serve the region's industrial and commodity customers more effectively.