We are a small family owned company that does rail construction and maint. We came to know Allenrailroad.com in November of 08'. I was approached by Steve Allen and told that when we started to get going on the rails we would have no challenges of making $60, 000 a month. Not bad. We have two crews and 5 of us are FRA 213 qualified, meaning we are qualified by the laws and standards of the FRA (Federal Rail Administration) to inspect and do rail work on industrial and shortline tracks.
Being an OSHA and MSHA trainer, during our "training" we noticed many safety challenges that Allen Rail did not address. I pointed them out and apparently made goody points with the instructors out there.

My company has given over $2 million in bids to Allen Rail for rail work around the mid-west and east coast. When it came time to get the mobilization to start our first project in March we were not given it. Allen Rail kept the money. We began the project on our own dime. Arriving on the site we were informed that Allen Rail sold the job as if they were doing the project, not that there was a "Sub contractor" doing the work. We got through that hurdle with the owner of the job. We finished the work with the ties we had purchased for the job. The only good employee AllenRail has came to the site for a visit. We have become friends with him. When he arrived we began to point out other work that really needed to be done on the track and asked why this had not been addressed. He was told to do the Bait and Switch with the owners. We spoke to the owner and he was furious that this was happening. He knew there was more work and he's not even a track guy. We told him that we had finished over half the original project and was needing more ties. He agreed and since there was more work he gave us payment, which we would turn around and put back into buying more material to cover the rest of the 1st project. Unfortuneately he had to send it to Allen Rail because they listed themselves as the prime. We had to give Steve Allen a reality check that the check in hand was not for him to cash and keep money out of. He informed us that if he didn't there would be no work due to Elec. and phones being shut off. At this time we were being contacted by his "employees" asking for jobs. The phone rang again and it was our friend and his employee telling us that the bank would hold the check for upto 7 days due to lack of funds in the account. We found out at this time also that his employees check bounced twice.
After giving over $2million in bids and this happening on this project he was wanting to give another project that is coming up to another contractor since we now knew too much about him and his failing company. Apparently the other company has no morals to continue business with Allen Rail.
As for MANA Rail Constructors, NOT a chance!