At Monument Houston, excellence isn’t just a goal — it’s a way of life. And for the seventh year in a row, that unwavering commitment to safety has once again been recognized with Union Pacific’s prestigious Pinnacle Award.

This year, Monument was one over 100 companies honored for their dedication to the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail — a responsibility we take seriously, and one that requires constant vigilance, collaboration, and a true team mindset.

Raising the Bar, Year After Year

Winning a Pinnacle Award once is an accomplishment. Winning it seven times in a row — especially in today’s complex external environment — is a reflection of something deeper: a culture of pride, ownership, and continuous improvement.

“Last year, we brought in quite a few new team members, which added a lot of complexity around training and onboarding,” said Roberto Castaneda, Monument Chemical Houston Shipping Manager. “Our team didn’t just maintain the standard; they worked even harder to uphold it. It takes a huge amount of effort, especially given the complexity of our operations across rail, barge, and truck logistics.”

Monument’s Houston shipping team is trained across multiple modes of transport — including rail, barge, and truck logistics — making comprehensive, ongoing training even more critical. Through strong communication, preventive care, and attention to every detail, the team ensured that every shipment met both regulatory requirements and Monument’s own high expectations.

Turning Best Practices into Everyday Practice

One key to the team's success? A commitment to learning, even after years of experience.

“Our teams are always asking, ‘How can we be even better?’” shared David Zapata, Monument Houston Site Logistics Leader. “We learn a lot from working alongside mobile repair units and outside experts. If the standard says ‘meet this,’ we’re looking for what goes beyond it. That openness to improvement — and a lot of communication among our team — is what keeps us ahead.”

With Monument shipping more than 100 railcars a month — a volume that’s more than sufficient to qualify for the award — staying sharp isn't optional. It’s essential. Every step of the shipment process carries responsibility, from tank transfers to regulatory compliance, and every team member plays a vital role in keeping safety at the forefront.

A Celebration of Teamwork

After officially earning the 2024 Pinnacle Award, the team gathered to celebrate their achievement with a special dinner for all shifts — a well-earned moment of recognition for the daily dedication that made it possible.

“We take pride in our safety record because it’s not just about compliance — it’s about people,” Roberto added. “Every car we load, every check we do, it's all part of ensuring our communities, customers, and colleagues stay safe. That’s something worth celebrating, and something we’ll never stop working to protect.”

Congratulations again to the entire Monument Houston team for raising the bar — and raising it higher — once again!