Davidson’s early years as a manager on the railroad included many jobs and moves, starting in Shreveport, Louisiana, as assistant trainmaster. He was there about six months before being transferred to Fort Worth, Texas. This move would prove to be a major turning point in his career.

Davidson, along with his superintendent, was tasked with modernizing and rebuilding the Fort Worth yard. During the project, the superintendent suffered a serious medical setback, and Davidson was promoted to superintendent at a very young age. After successfully completing the task, he was transferred to serve as superintendent in Little Rock, Arkansas.

His next move was to assistant general manager in Kansas City. During this time, the company sent him to Harvard for the Professional Management Development program. He continued up the ranks and became vice president of operations at Missouri Pacific in 1976.

He was 36 years old.

In 1982, two years after the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, Union Pacific acquired Missouri Pacific and Davidson became a Union Pacific employee.

Davidson spent the first few years after the merger in St. Louis as vice president of operations. In 1986, he moved to Omaha, working for then-CEO and legendary railroader John Kenefick as vice president of regional operations.

In 1991, Davidson was promoted to chairman and CEO of Union Pacific Railroad.


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