Rail Freight

The Baltimore region’s and Maryland’s freight rail system uses the latest equipment and technology to meet shipper demands for fast, efficient rail service to all U.S. interior points, Canada, and Mexico.

Freight services are provided by two Class I rail carriers, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern. These two carriers also connect with Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railways, which serve Canada and extreme northern points.

A wide array of services is provided to the Port of Baltimore, including intermodal U.S. inland locations. In addition to the Class I rail carriers, the State’s rail system also has a connecting network of five shortlines, three of which primarily serve the Greater Baltimore Region.

Railways

CSX Transportation (CSXT)

Provides a unique combination of trains, trucks, ships, barges, intermodal services, and technology and logistics support to help in the delivery of finished products and raw materials to the rest of the world, as well as service to 180 local industries.
These corridors extend single-line service between the Northeast and most major markets in the South and Ohio Valley.
Moves approximately 800,000 carloads of various commodities and one million tons of metal products annually in the State, including steel and aluminum.
Handles nearly one million tons of chemicals in Maryland annually.
Employs approximately 1,500 in Maryland with an annual payroll of $80 million in 2004.

NorfolkSouthern Railway (NSRR)

2.9 million tons moved through the Baltimore Terminal; in 2007, volume was up approximately 4,500 cars, or 19%.
Acquired Conrail jointly with CSXT and now offers improved and expanded service to the State.
Retained Conrail's trackage rights over Amtrak's Northeast Corridor between Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
Operates major Conrail lines between Hagerstown (Central Maryland) and Harrisburg, PA.
Maintains 287 route miles in Maryland.
Facilities include RoadRailer intermodal service between Baltimore and Southeast and Midwest markets; new double stack intermodal service to the Midwest; clearances to allow double stack service between Baltimore and Harrisburg.

Shortlines (Greater Baltimore only)

CantonRailroad (CTN)

Class III shortline switch carrier located in East Baltimore City and Baltimore County
Operates along six miles of mainline and 17 miles of secondary track
Serves over 30 active customers including warehouse and distribution facilities, and automobile and machinery manufacturers, while also providing access to the Port of Baltimore
Connects with both Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation.

MarylandMidland Railway

Serves communities in Carroll and Frederick counties
Owns and leases 74 miles of track, with 67 miles currently in service
In 2003, the line carried 9,342 carloads of freight
Primary commodities are cement, stone, coal, and lumber and forest products
Currently serves more than 20 customers, including Cargill, Congoleum, Lehigh Cement, and Perdue Farms
Team track locations for rail-to-truck transfer are available in Westminster and Union Bridge

Patapsco & Back Rivers Railroad (P&BR)

A subsidiary of BethIntermodal and a shortline switching and terminal railroad
Located in East Baltimore and Sparrows Point (Baltimore County)
Operates approximately 160 miles of track, and interchanges with both CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern
Provides easy access to interstate highway systems and facilities for car cleaning, storage, and transloading
Currently ISO 9002 Certified

Much of this information was taken from, and can be found at, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.