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Since we were founded in 1956, L. E. Peabody & Associates has consistently delivered reliable support for our clients.
BUILT ON INSIGHT
Founded in 1956, L. E. Peabody & Associates, Inc. (LEPA) has built a legacy of delivering trusted economic insight and strategic clarity in transportation and energy. What began as a pioneering firm in transportation cost accounting has evolved into a nationally recognized consultancy serving freight railroads, passenger rail agencies, energy utilities, intermodal shippers, and public-sector clients.
Incorporated in 1965, LEPA has remained at the forefront of economic consulting by combining deep industry knowledge with rigorous analysis. For over five decades, leaders like Thomas D. Crowley, President Emeritus, have shaped the firm’s reputation through expert testimony, regulatory support, and innovative problem-solving across rail operations, fuel supply chains, and energy markets.
Today, LEPA continues to uphold its founding values—clarity, precision, and client-focused solutions—while evolving to meet the complex challenges of modern transportation, energy procurement, and infrastructure investment.
L. E. Peabody & Associates' primary orientation is market economics.
OUR SERVICES & SOLUTIONS
LEPA is a leading economic consulting firm specializing in transportation, energy market analysis, and regulatory support for clients across the public and private sectors.
The following highlights real-world examples of how LEPA delivers strategic consulting and economic analysis for freight railroads, passenger rail agencies, energy utilities, and intermodal shippers.
We help freight railroads optimize operations, evaluate rate structures, and support capital investment decisions through detailed economic analysis and modeling. For passenger rail agencies, we provide cost modeling, contract evaluation, negotiation support, and rail simulation to inform service and infrastructure planning. Our work with intermodal shippers includes performance benchmarking, contract evaluation, and negotiation strategy to improve cost efficiency and carrier relationships.
In the energy sector, we support utilities and fuel suppliers with market forecasting, asset valuation, and procurement strategy across coal, natural gas, and electricity markets. Our litigation support team delivers expert testimony and economic analysis for regulatory and legal proceedings, while our data modeling and simulation capabilities help clients plan for uncertainty and optimize long-term performance.
Whether you're navigating a rate case, evaluating infrastructure investments, or negotiating complex contracts, LEPA delivers the insight and clarity needed to move forward with confidence.
A journey of
milestones.
OUR LEGACY OF EXPERTISE
Founded over 60 years ago, LEPA has built a legacy of delivering trusted economic insight and strategic clarity in transportation and energy. What began as a pioneering firm in transportation cost accounting has grown into a nationally recognized consultancy serving stakeholders in many industries, including freight and passenger railroads, energy companies, and public agencies.
1956
Founded by Dr. Ford K. Edwards as the firm Ford K. Edwards.
1965
Following Dr. Edwards’ retirement, the firm was incorporated as L. E. Peabody & Associates, Inc.
1986
Thomas D. Crowley became President of L. E. Peabody & Associates, Inc., helping shape the firm’s reputation through expert testimony, regulatory support, and innovative problem-solving across transportation and energy sectors.
2007
L.E. Peabody & Associates, Inc. opens Tucson, AZ location.
1959
Dr. Edwards partnered with Leroy E. Peabody, Jr., forming Edwards & Peabody, providing economic analysis and expert testimony on railroad freight and passenger issues.
1983
Leroy E. Peabody, Jr., retired after decades of leadership and contributions to the firm’s growth.
1996
L.E. Peabody & Associates, Inc. moves to the heart of Old Town Alexandria, VA.
2024
Thomas D. Crowley transitioned to President Emeritus; Tim Crowley was appointed President, continuing his long-standing work and leadership within the firm.