CSX Railroad Investments
Trailing only Union pacific and Burlington Northern Santa FE, CSX Railroad is the nation's third largest rail carrier by revenue (nine billion in 2009) according to Fortune 500 (CNN Money 2010). In fiscal year 2009 the company spent 1.4 billion dollars on capital projects designed to "create competitive advantages for customers, grow the business, create jobs and deliver shareholder value" (Progressive Railroading. October 13, 2010). In 2010-2011 "as part of their long-term focus, CSX will invest $1.7 billion annually to maintain their network, comply with new government requirements, install new technology, purchase railcars and build or expand intermodal terminals" (CSX Annual Report 2009). With the resurgence of railroad as a cost effective and efficient method of cargo transportation, CSX understands the strategic importance of capital spending in its efforts to gain competitive advantage in the industry. With that in mind CSX has initiated two projects which require...
The two projects (National Gateway and Positive Train Control System- PTC) are pertinent examples of how CSX must budget resources for strategic improvements as well as for maintaining compliance with federal regulations.
National Gateway is "a multi-million dollar public-private infrastructure initiative, which will significantly improve the efficiency of the freight network between the Mid-Atlantic ports and the Midwest" (CSX Annual Report 2009). The program which encompasses six states and the District of Columbia is designed to "provide higher clearances under bridges and through tunnels for trains to move double-stack containers" (CSX Annual Report 2009). In addition CSX would build or expand several high-capacity, job-producing intermodal terminals where product shipments are exchanged between trucks and trains" (CSX. May 1, 2008). This initiative is expected to…
