CSX and CN sign an MOU focused on a new intermodal service into Nashville
Summary
Class I railroads CSX and CN have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a new intermodal service into Nashville. The plan is to provide a seamless, all-rail alternative for international containers arriving via Canada’s West Coast gateways, routing through Memphis into Nashville and replacing the existing trucking leg with a rail interchange. The carriers say the move will speed transit, improve reliability and reduce truck traffic and emissions. The MOU builds on prior interline collaborations between the two railroads, including an East Coast partnership launched in 2019. Senior executives from both carriers expressed optimism about expanded market access and customer choice. The announcement follows recent CSX intermodal partnership activity, including a separate deal with BNSF.
Key Points
- CSX and CN signed an MOU to create an all-rail intermodal service into Nashville via Memphis.
- The service aims to replace a trucking leg with a steel-wheel interchange to speed transit and boost reliability.
- Expected benefits include reduced highway truck traffic and lower emissions — a more sustainable freight option.
- The MOU leverages both carriers’ history of interline agreements, including a 2019 East Coast partnership.
- CSX has been active in new intermodal collaborations recently (e.g. with BNSF), signalling a broader push on intermodal options.
- Industry observers note current intermodal service levels are strong and terminals are not congested, suggesting capacity to support new offerings.
Content Summary
The article reports that CSX and CN will work together to offer shippers a faster, all-rail route for international containers into Nashville by routing traffic from Canada’s West Coast through Memphis. Company statements from Janet Drysdale (CN) and Kevin Boone (CSX) emphasise improved market access, reliability and sustainability. The piece also places the MOU in the context of CSX’s recent intermodal initiatives, such as its partnership with BNSF on coast-to-coast services. Intermodal consultant Larry Gross is quoted noting that service levels in the intermodal system are healthy, with low terminal dwell and adequate resources to handle volumes.
Context and Relevance
This move fits a wider industry trend: rail carriers forming partnerships to expand origin-destination coverage and convert over-the-road freight to rail where practical. For shippers moving international containers to the US Southeast, an all-rail option can reduce handling, shorten transit times and cut emissions relative to a trucked leg. For carriers, it increases network optionality and leverages interline capabilities without full mergers. Given current healthy intermodal service levels and lower terminal congestion, the timing may allow the carriers to introduce new services without major system strain. No firm launch date or service frequency was provided in the announcement.
Why should I read this
If you move containers into the Southeast or plan routes that touch Nashville, this matters — it could mean faster, greener and cheaper options soon. If you’re a shipper, 3PL or carrier planner, it’s worth knowing because it changes routing choices and could cut truck miles on key lanes. If it’s not your patch, skim it — still a neat sign of how rail partnerships are trying to steal share from the road.
Author (style)
Punchy: this is a straight-to-the-point operational development with practical impact. It’s relevant for shippers and network planners — read the detail if you manage flows to the Southeast or care about modal shift and sustainability. We’ve saved you time by pulling out the essentials.
