News & Updates

Still Family-Owned, Never Satisfied Today A Century of Progress Beard Land & Investment Company and Modesto & Empire Traction Company continue to operate as one integrated platform, offering industrial land, dedicated rail service, and decision-making speed that stand-alone operations can’t match. The land grant signed by Lincoln in 1861 remains in the family. So does […]

Green Leadership 2023 CRISI Grant Awarded MET receives additional CRISI grant funding to upgrade the remaining nine locomotives in the fleet to Tier 4 emission standards, continuing the commitment to cleaner, more sustainable operations.

Infrastructure Investment 2022 CRISI Grant Awarded MET receives federal CRISI grant funding to upgrade 22 crossings, expand track infrastructure, and convert two locomotives to Tier 4 emission standards.

Perfect Safety Record 2020 ASLRRA Jake Award MET receives the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s Jake Award for achieving a perfect safety record with zero reportable injuries.

Fleet Modernization 2008 RailPower Locomotives Added 2008-2012 MET purchases nine RailPower locomotives, funded in part by Carl Moyer grants, to upgrade the fleet with cleaner, more efficient engines. All nine remain in service today.

Development Grows 1963 Beard Land Improvement Incorporated Beard Land Improvement Company is incorporated as a subsidiary of Beard Land & Investment Company to manage expanding development operations.

Diesel Era Begins 1947 First Diesel Locomotive MET purchases its first diesel locomotive, beginning the modernization of the fleet.

Strategic Expansion 1938 160 Acres Acquired Beard purchases 160 acres between Dry Creek and Empire, south of Waterford—land now known as Yosemite Boulevard.

Beard Land & Investment Formed 1926 Family Business Formalizes Beard Land & Investment Company is formed by the children of T.K. and Grace Ada Beard as the parent company to their shared business interests, including MET Railroad.

Expanded Reach 1922 Southern Pacific Connection MET establishes a connection to the Southern Pacific Railroad, expanding service opportunities for area businesses.