Our History

More than 150 years ago, AJFL predecessors made a commitment to join together to protect fellow employees in the rail industry, and their families, against losses sustained due to hardship, injury and death.

Because of the hazardous nature of their occupation, commercial insurance companies would not insure railroad employees. As these employees were too concerned to allow their fellow workers to suffer, they assisted one another by taking up collections for the benefit of the afflicted worker or for the worker’s family in the event of his death. Railroaders were, and still are, an independent group so the idea of charity does not appeal to them. From this history and tradition, the idea of mutual help and indeed the foundation for our Fraternal Benefit Society was laid.

From its roots of fraternalism, AJFL has evolved to provide a variety of insurance and financial products to meet member’s needs. Today, individuals who are of good moral character who are directly or indirectly engaged in the transportation industry, or in one or more other crafts of hazardous occupations in the same or similar line of business are eligible for membership.

As a Fraternal Benefit Society, we are committed to the goals of American Journey Financial Life:

• to promote the general welfare of its members in matters of mutual concern and interest;
• to disseminate information about life, health and annuity products developed to fulfill the personal and financial needs of its members, thereby providing for the security of AJFL members and their families;
• to render uncompromising service to its members quickly, efficiently and professionally;
• and to encourage and facilitate community outreach and volunteer activities through its local units.

AJFL’s pledge to its members is that it will continue to conduct its business affairs for the benefit and security of its members and their families. AJFL recognizes its obligations to its members and shall constantly strive to live up to the ideals of the fraternal benefit system.