Watco
Watco is a transportation and logistics company founded in 1983 by Charles R. "Dick" Webb. It operates a diverse network of short line railroads, terminals, and ports across North America and Australia. Starting as a small railcar switching operation in Louisiana, Watco has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion. The company has several core business segments. Watco Transportation Services operates 42 short line railroads in the U.S. and 2 in Australia, managing over 5,400 miles of track. Watco Terminal and Ports owns 86 terminals and port facilities, providing various transloading and storage services for a wide range of products. Additionally, Watco offers railcar repair and mechanical services and customizable supply chain solutions tailored to customer needs. Watco serves a diverse customer base, including industrial shippers, manufacturers, and energy sector clients. The company emphasizes safety and efficiency in its operations and maintains long-term relationships with its clients, including its first customer from 1983. The Webb family retains majority ownership of the company.
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Headcount trend
Watco went from 1,158 employees in Oct 2024 to 1,208 in Sep 2026. Apr to Sep 2026: 40 people joined, 18 left.
Org structure
Headcount by department
Funding
- Jun 2025 · $600M · Duration Capital Partners
- Jan 2019 · $450M · OakTree Capital Management
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Hiring now
Base Salary:
$65k - $75k
Base Salary:
$34k - $36k
Base Salary:
$40k - $42k
Base Salary:
$40k - $40k
Base Salary:
$36k - $36k
Base Salary:
$34k - $36k
Base Salary:
$40k - $42k
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Watco FAQ
How many employees does Watco have?
Watco has about 1,208 employees, up 0.8% over the 3 months to Sep 2026.
What is Watco's revenue per employee?
Watco makes about $1.32M in revenue per employee, based on $1.6B annual revenue and 1,208 employees.
How much funding has Watco raised?
Watco has raised $1.05B in total funding.
Data from Company Prospectus, DOL LCA disclosures, WARN notices and 6figr salary profiles.