Rail freight companies' new service poses challenge to OTR trucking

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BNSF and CSX

Freight railroad companies BNSF and CSX Friday, Aug. 22, announced several new intermodal services they say will offer customers seamless, efficient, services to ship between the western and eastern U.S. and challenge over-the-road trucking.

New services will include:

  • The introduction of new, coast-to-coast, direct domestic intermodal services between Southern California and Charlotte, North Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida
  • Another new service will be launched between Phoenix and Atlanta, aiming to convert over-the-road freight to rail through a seamless product between the two railroads
  • The introduction of new direct international intermodal services between the Port of New York and New Jersey, and Norfolk and Kansas City

Between Phoenix and Flagstaff, two new 10,000-foot sidings will further support this growing market by enabling more efficient meet/pass operations on the route connecting to BNSF’s Southern Transcon, according to the two companies' statement.

“This collaboration between BNSF and CSX demonstrates the power of partnership, delivering greater flexibility, efficiency and value for our customers,” said BNSF group vice president of Consumer Products Jon Gabriel. "We are looking forward to these offerings providing immediate, streamlined service to the supply chain across key markets nationwide.”

“Through this new connectivity, CSX and BNSF are connecting Western and Eastern U.S. markets, creating faster, more reliable service,” said Drew Johnson, vice president, Intermodal Sales and Marketing at CSX. “Together, we’re opening access to key markets and strengthening options for our mutual customers. ”

The statement from the companies said further details about each of the new services will be announced soon.